Leiston 180-Tonne Transformer Movement
Delivery of a critical 132kV super grid power transformer weighing 180 tonnes, requiring multi-axle modular trailers, bespoke road approvals, and police escorts.
Engineered Heavy Transport
Turnkey Logistics for Complex, Oversized, and Heavy Cargo
From super grid power transformers and wind turbine components to industrial autoclaves and subsea assemblies, moving abnormal loads demands technical precision, rigorous route planning, and strict legal compliance. With over 30 years of specialised heavy-lift forwarding experience, Hemisphere delivers end-to-end management for out-of-gauge (OOG) and breakbulk movements across the UK, Europe, and worldwide trade corridors.
Our dedicated project transport engineers coordinate all aspects of the journey: route sweeps, structural bridge assessments, movement notifications (ESDAL), council notifications, police escort coordination, and tailored quayside handling. Every shipment is planned to avoid delays, eliminate road transport hazards, and safeguard critical delivery schedules.
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Years managing complex out-of-gauge haulage
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Single-unit heavy piece movements handled
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Compliance with UK ESDAL & European transport permits
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Active project supervision & real-time tracking
Fleet & Equipment
Specialised Heavy-Lift and Transport Configurations
Access to a comprehensive fleet of specialist trailers, self-propelled transporters, and crane vessels capable of handling extreme dimensions and payloads.
Low Loaders & Semi-Low Loaders
Equipped with hydraulic ramps, extendable decks, and steerable axles to transport tall, heavy plant machinery, construction vehicles, and fabricated structures.
Modular & Girder Trailers
Engineered multi-axle platforms that distribute high tonnage across road surfaces for super grid transformers, pressure vessels, and heavy industrial plant.
Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs)
High-capacity computer-controlled modular transporters suited for shipyard load-outs, port transitions, and heavy civil construction projects.
Mobile Cranes & Hiab Solutions
Self-loading transport, heavy-lift crane hire, and coordinated jacking and skating teams for factory dismantling, positioning, and installation.
Escort & Pilot Vehicles
Certified pilot cars and statutory escort vehicles equipped with warning systems to ensure compliant and safe passage under police authority directives.
Multi-Modal & Charter Vessels
Coastal and ocean breakbulk vessel charters, ro-ro arrangements, and barging solutions tailored for oversized units exceeding inland road dimensions.
Proven Experience
Cargo Profiles & Project Track Record
An abnormal load is classified as any cargo that cannot be divided and exceeds statutory vehicle dimensions in width, length, height, or gross vehicle weight.
Featured Heavy Haulage Projects
Bunnahabhain Biomass Project
Multimodal transport of oversized biomass energy generating machinery to remote Scottish island facilities with combined road and coastal vessel operations.
Liebherr Sunderland Works Cranes
Complex logistics for oversized crane components, including factory collections, route clearances across urban areas, and scheduled delivery to quay side.
Technical Planning
How We Plan An Abnormal Load Movement
Precision logistics requires thorough advance preparation to ensure compliance with Highways England, local police constabularies, and international road authorities.
- 01
Dimensional Audit
We review exact drawings, weight distributions, lashing points, and centre-of-gravity calculations to determine the required trailer layout.
- 02
Route Sweeping & Surveys
Physical surveys identify low bridges, street furniture, pinch points, and weight-restricted structures, producing swept-path digital simulations.
- 03
Permits & Notifications
Submitting statutory notices through ESDAL, notifying bridge authorities, and scheduling required police and private escort support.
- 04
Rigging & Load Securing
Specialist rigging, lashing, and craning managed by certified loadmasters to meet international sea and road transport safety standards.
- 05
Controlled Movement
Execution under supervision of an experienced project manager with live milestone reporting until cargo is set safely onto foundation.
Plan Your Abnormal Load or Heavy Haulage Project
Speak directly with our heavy transport engineers for feasibility assessments, route reviews, or instant shipment quotations.