INDUSTRIAL & MACHINERY
Heavy Machinery
Heavy machinery road freight covers industrial equipment, construction machinery, and manufacturing plant that is too heavy or oversized for standard vehicles. Movements require specialist trailers, often low loaders or flatbeds, and may require escort or route surveys. GoodFreight arranges road freight for heavy machinery across the UK and into Europe with the equipment and permits expertise that this cargo demands.
Key corridors include UK to Turkey, UK to Europe, Germany to Poland, and intra-European movements for construction and manufacturing projects. We handle full truckload and advise on abnormal load permits and escort requirements.
JOURNEY
How This Shipment Works
Dimensions, weight, and route confirmed
Trailer and permit arranged
Collection
Export clearance (if applicable)
In transit
Delivery
Step 01
Dimensions, weight, and route confirmed
We confirm machinery dimensions, weight, and collection and delivery points. Route and permit requirements assessed.
WATCH OUT
Common Pitfalls and How We Avoid Them
Abnormal load permits and escort
Oversized or overweight loads require permits and may require escort. We assess requirements for each route and obtain the necessary permits in advance.
Route restrictions
Bridges, narrow roads, and height or weight restrictions can affect routing. We plan routes to avoid unsuitable sections and confirm access at delivery point.
Securing and damage
Heavy machinery must be correctly secured for road transport. We specify securing requirements and work with experienced hauliers.
TRADE LANES
Routes We Handle
We regularly handle this cargo on the following routes:
| Origin | Destination | Mode | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Turkey | Road | 7 to 14 days |
| United Kingdom | Germany | Road | 2 to 4 days |
| Germany | Poland | Road | 1 to 2 days |
| Netherlands | United Kingdom | Road | 1 to 2 days |
| France | Spain | Road | 1 to 2 days |
WHO SHIPS THIS
Who Ships This
This service is used by industrial machinery manufacturers and exporters, plant hire companies relocating equipment, and engineering contractors moving production assets between UK and European sites.
GoodFreight at a glance
- Abnormal load permits: UK typically 2 to 5 days; some EU countries up to 3 weeks.
- Site access survey recommended before vehicle booking for complex delivery locations.
- Vehicle options: flatbed, step-frame low-loader, multi-axle, extendable trailer.
- Export licence assessment for machinery with potential dual-use applications.
- Key routes: UK to Germany, UK to France, UK to Poland, UK to Netherlands.
- UK export and EU import customs managed as part of the road freight service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you arrange abnormal load permits and escort for oversized machinery?
Yes. We assess each shipment for weight and dimensions and determine whether abnormal load permits and police or commercial escort are required for the route. Permits are obtained in advance for each country or region traversed. Escort vehicles are arranged where legally required. We work with hauliers who specialise in abnormal loads and have the equipment and experience to move heavy machinery safely and compliantly across the UK and Europe.
What is the typical transit time for heavy machinery from the UK to Turkey?
Road freight for heavy machinery from the UK to Turkey typically takes 7 to 14 days depending on the route, permit requirements, and any border delays. The journey crosses multiple countries and may require transit documentation and carnets. We provide a detailed timeline at quote stage based on your specific origin and destination points.
Can you collect heavy machinery from a port after sea freight delivery?
Yes. We can arrange collection from UK or European ports and onward road delivery to the final destination. This is common when machinery is shipped by sea from outside Europe and the final leg is by road. We coordinate with the port and sea freight operator to ensure a smooth handover and onward delivery.
Moving heavy machinery by road?
Tell us the dimensions, weight, collection and delivery points. We will confirm trailer type, permits, and transit time.