Long-distance transport of heavy goods in Germany

The transport of heavy, bulky or oversized goods over long distances places high demands on planning, safety and logistics. Whether for the industrial sector, mechanical engineering or the construction industry – Heavy goods transport over long distances must be carefully organized. In this article, you will learn what is important for Long-distance transport of heavy goods in Germany arrives.

1. When is a transport considered heavy-duty or long-distance transport?

A transport is considered Long-distance transportwhen a long distance is covered within Germany or internationally – usually over 300 km or more.

📏 In addition, transports are considered heavy goods transports if they exceed the following limits:

✅ Length: Over 20.75 m
✅ Width: Over 2.55 m
✅ Height: Over 4.00 m
✅ Weight: Over 40 tons total weight

💡 Tip: As soon as these dimensions are exceeded, Special permits & escort vehicles necessary.

2. Which heavy goods are transported over long distances?

📦 Typical heavy goods for long-distance transport:

🔹 Construction machinery & industrial plants – Excavators, cranes, generators
🔹 Prefabricated components & steel structures – Bridge elements, steel girders
🔹 agricultural machinery – Combine harvesters, tractors, silos
🔹 Marine engines & large machinery – Turbines, industrial presses
🔹 Special goods – Containers, transformers, wind turbines

💡 Tip: Depending on the type of load, special Loading and securing techniques be applied.

3. Means of transport for heavy loads and long-distance transport

🚛 Road transport (low-loaders & heavy-duty trucks)
✅ Main route for national transport
✅ Flexible route selection & direct delivery to the construction site or factory
✅ Often requires special permits & escort vehicles

🚂 Rail transport for large heavy goods
✅ Ideal for very heavy & bulky goods
✅ Environmentally friendly & cost-effective over long distances
✅ Must be combined with truck transport

🚢 Inland & sea freight for heavy goods
✅ Ideal for oversized cargo (e.g. wind turbines)
✅ Cheaper than road transport over very long distances
✅ Requires transshipment centers for further transport

✈ Air freight for particularly urgent heavy transports
✅ Extremely fast for sensitive high-value goods
✅ Only suitable for smaller heavy-duty goods
✅ Very high costs compared to land or sea transport

💡 Tip: Often several means of transport combinedto ensure the most efficient route (multimodal logistics).

4. Permits & regulations for heavy goods transport over long distances

📜 What permits are required for heavy goods transport in Germany?

✅ § 29 StVO – exemption permit for oversized or particularly heavy transports
✅ § 46 StVO – Transport permit for routes that require special regulations
✅ § 70 StVZO – special permit for special vehicles that do not meet standard specifications
✅ Police escort or BF3/BF4 escort vehicles for particularly large transports

📌 Special features for long-distance transport in Germany:
🔹 Motorway restrictions & night driving permits observe
🔹 Weight and axle load limits on bridges and roads take into account
🔹 Tolls for heavy goods transport take into account

💡 Tip: Anyone planning a long-distance transport should at least 4 weeks in advance apply for all permits.

5. Safety & Logistics for Long-Distance Heavy Transport

🔒 1. Route planning & route exploration
✅ Check alternative routes (e.g. closures & construction sites)
✅ If necessary: Apply for police escort & heavy goods vehicle permits

🚧 2. Load securing & special packaging
✅ Use heavy-duty straps, chains & wedges for fixation
✅ If necessary: Weather protection for sensitive machines or electronics

📊 3. Real-time tracking & monitoring
✅ GPS monitoring for maximum security
✅ Temperature & shock sensors for sensitive loads

💡 Tip: One complete documentation helps with damage prevention and insurance clarification.

6. Checklist for successful long-distance heavy transport

📌 Before transport:
✅ Determine exact dimensions & weight of the load
✅ Select transport vehicle & route
✅ If necessary: Apply for special permits

📌 During transport:
✅ Secure lashing & checking of the load
✅ Real-time tracking & status monitoring
✅ If necessary: Use night driving permit or police escort

📌 Upon arrival:
✅ Professional unloading & final inspection of the cargo
✅ If necessary: assembly & commissioning of the machines
✅ Archive transport log for damage inspection

💡 Tip: If the transport goes abroad, additional customs documents & import permits required.

Conclusion: Successful long-distance transport of heavy goods requires precision and planning

✔ Heavy transport over long distances requires specialized transport vehicles
✔ Special permits and escort vehicles are often required
✔ Secure packaging & real-time monitoring are crucial for transport success
✔ Early planning prevents delays and unexpected additional costs

🚛 Are you planning a long-distance heavy transport? Praktik Transport offers safe and professional solutions for long-distance heavy transports in Germany and Europe! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏗✨