Obtaining permissions for oversized cargo transportation in Ukraine, Europe and CIS
If you organize oversized cargo transportation, you should apply to the Ministry of Transport of each country through the territory of which the excess weight cargo is to be transported, for a special permit to movement of an oversized and/or heavy road train. Depending on the specifications of the oversized and/or heavy road train, the time needed to obtain a package of necessary permits and approvals may range from several days to several months. The longest is the process of obtaining French, Spanish, Russian and Italian special permits – in such a case the time needed to obtain permits for heavy road trains may be extended for up to three months.
The carrier should have a special permit for transportation of an oversized and/or heavy road train in each country through the territory of which the cargo is to be transported. This document should specify the registration number of a particular vehicle, its weight and dimensions, driver’s last name, the route (indicting names of streets), the permitted time limit and time of movement, and some limitations. For example, in Europe movement of vehicles with oversized loads is permitted only at night; in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, as a rule, - only in the daytime.
Transportation of oversized heavy cargoes without special permits is severely punishable in each country because the damage caused to the road surface, artificial structures, bridges, etc. can be very large. For example, in Ukraine, the offender will be charged a double road tax and will be subjected to an unscheduled inspection by the State Service of Transport Security which will check the compliance with licensing rules and conditions. In Russia, the fine for an unauthorized deviation from the route reaches the equivalent of USD 20,000. In Europe, if a carrier company violates the rules of oversized cargo transportation, in addition to significant fines, its license may be cancelled or the vehicles of this company may be prohibited to enter the territory of the European Union.
Of course, there are the so-called "well-trodden" oversized transportation routes, but transportation of each cargo requires the repetition of the same actions relating to issuance of approvals and permits. This is because the condition of roads as well as the traffic situation in some areas may vary: there can be new electric power lines, or one more asphalt layer, or snow brought by wheels of other vehicles, or some repair works can be underway etc. This is a common practice, and thus each route is made all over again. Of course, this is the task not for the Ministry of Transport, but for the companies specializing in such services. In Ukraine, this is professionally done by INSHI MEREZHI LLC.
To make a route through the territory of Ukraine from point "A" to point "B", a company sends a special team which makes measurements along the entire route to see whether the road train can pass through. For example, a route inspection is successful, but a truck can't pass under one bridge. If no other bypass roads can be found, we go back to the starting point and make a completely different route.
The team records bridges and overpasses, railway crossings, and every electric power or communication line. At the same time, we determine the owners of networks and communications, who are subsequently contacted for an approval by a company which applies for the necessary permit.