Oversize Transport — Poland & Europe
Permits • Escorts • Pilot Vehicles • Full Logistics
At Gonera Transport we handle every stage of oversize transport — from obtaining the required permits and arranging pilot vehicles to coordinating police escorts and delivering your cargo safely to its destination. Whether you need to move a single excavator across Poland or ship wind-turbine blades across the EU, we have the fleet, experience, and legal know-how to make it happen.
What is oversize transport?
Oversize transport — sometimes called abnormal load transport, oversized transport, or special transport — refers to the movement of cargo that exceeds the standard legal dimensions or weight limits for public roads. In the European Union these limits are harmonised under Council Directive 96/53/EC and its subsequent amendments, which set maximum widths, heights, lengths, and gross vehicle weights for standard road vehicles.
When a load (including the trailer and securing equipment) exceeds any of those thresholds, it is classified as a special or exceptional load. Transporting it legally requires a dedicated permit from the relevant road authority, and — depending on the degree of excess — pilot vehicles, police escorts, and even temporary road modifications such as removing overhead signs or reinforcing bridges.
The regulations vary slightly from country to country. In Poland the process is governed by the Road Traffic Act and detailed ministerial ordinances, while in Germany, France, or the Czech Republic separate national rules apply. Gonera Transport has years of cross-border experience and handles permit applications in every EU member state, ensuring your oversized cargo reaches its destination legally and on schedule.
When is a load considered oversize?
A vehicle or combination is classified as oversize when it exceeds any of the following EU standard limits:
| Parameter | EU Standard Limit | Oversize when… |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 2.55 m | > 2.55 m |
| Height | 4.00 m | > 4.00 m |
| Length (semi-trailer combination) | 16.50 m | > 16.50 m |
| Gross vehicle mass | 40 t (44 t intermodal) | > 40 t |
Legal reference: EU Council Directive 96/53/EC on maximum weights and dimensions for road vehicles in international traffic.
Permit categories in Poland
Poland classifies oversize transport permits into seven categories. Here are the three main tiers and what they involve.
Category I
Simple oversize
- Issued by the regional road authority
- Typical processing time: ~7 working days
- No pilot vehicle required
- Suitable for loads slightly exceeding standard limits
Category II–III
Medium oversize
- Issued by GDDKiA + regional authorities
- Processing time: ~14 working days
- At least one pilot vehicle required
- Route survey may be necessary
Category IV–VII
Heavy / extreme oversize
- Ministry-level approval required
- Processing time: 28+ working days
- Police escort mandatory
- Bridge assessments & road modifications may apply
Typical oversize cargo we transport
Our low-loader fleet and permit expertise let us move virtually any oversized load across Poland and the EU.
Cranes
Mobile cranes, tower crane components, and crawler cranes up to 120 t.
Large Excavators
Tracked excavators, long-reach machines, and mining equipment.
Wind Turbine Blades
Blades exceeding 70 m in length with full route planning and escort.
Steel Structures
Bridge girders, hall frames, and prefabricated steel elements.
Transformers
High-voltage power transformers weighing 80–200 t with hydraulic trailers.
Industrial Machinery
CNC machines, presses, boilers, and other heavy production equipment.
Required documents for international oversize transport
How to transport oversized machinery internationally? Start by preparing the following documentation — we assist with every item on this list.
- Valid oversize transport permit for each transit country
- Detailed route plan with bridge load assessments
- Vehicle registration and insurance documents (CMR / OCP)
- ADR certificate (if applicable for hazardous components)
- Cargo specifications: exact dimensions, weight, centre of gravity
- Pilot vehicle and escort coordination confirmations
- Special movement order from police (for Category IV–VII loads)
Need an oversize transport quote?
Send us your cargo dimensions and route — we'll prepare a full permit plan and competitive price within 24 hours.