Heavy haulage—the transport of oversized and overweight cargo—requires specialized expertise, equipment, and planning. In Kenya, where infrastructure projects, mining operations, and industrial development drive demand for heavy transport, understanding the complexities of heavy haulage is essential.
What Qualifies as Heavy Haulage?
In Kenya, cargo typically requires special permits and heavy haulage handling when it exceeds:
- Weight: Over 56 tonnes gross vehicle mass
- Width: Exceeding 2.65 meters
- Height: Over 4.6 meters from ground
- Length: Exceeding 22 meters total
Types of Heavy Haulage Cargo
Construction Equipment
- Excavators and bulldozers
- Cranes and lifting equipment
- Concrete mixers and pumps
- Road construction machinery
Industrial Machinery
- Manufacturing equipment
- Generators and transformers
- Processing plant components
- Mining equipment
Infrastructure Components
- Bridge sections and beams
- Wind turbine components
- Pipeline sections
- Prefabricated structures
Planning Heavy Haulage Operations
1. Route Assessment
Every heavy haulage operation begins with thorough route planning:
- Bridge weight limits and clearances
- Road surface conditions
- Overhead obstacles (power lines, signs)
- Turn radius requirements
- Traffic considerations
2. Permit Requirements
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) requires permits for abnormal loads. The process includes:
- Application submission with load details
- Route approval and conditions
- Escort vehicle requirements
- Time restrictions (often night movement)
3. Equipment Selection
Specialized equipment for heavy haulage includes:
- Lowbed trailers: For machinery with low ground clearance
- Extendable trailers: For long loads
- Multi-axle trailers: For weight distribution
- Modular trailers: For extremely heavy loads
"Successful heavy haulage is 80% planning and 20% execution. The more thorough your preparation, the smoother the operation." - Kenya Heavy Transport Association
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount in heavy haulage operations:
- Proper load securing and tie-down
- Pilot/escort vehicle coordination
- Communication systems between vehicles
- Emergency response planning
- Driver training and certification
Cost Factors
Heavy haulage costs depend on:
- Distance and route complexity
- Load dimensions and weight
- Permit fees and escort requirements
- Special equipment needs
- Time constraints
Choose Experienced Partners
At Gatwan Transport Logistics, our heavy haulage division has successfully transported oversized cargo across Kenya for over a decade. Our experienced team handles all aspects of heavy haulage, from permit acquisition to final delivery.
Contact us for a consultation on your heavy haulage requirements.
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Gatwan Team
Our team of logistics experts brings over 10 years of experience in Kenya's transport industry. We're committed to sharing valuable insights to help businesses optimize their supply chains.
