Out-of-gauge and machinery
Out-of-gauge cargo is too wide, too tall or too long for a standard container. We arrange the equipment, the lifting and the route for machinery and oversize pieces, working with carriers and contractors suited to the job.
What it is
Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo does not fit inside a standard container. It may stick out past the sides or the top, or be too heavy for the usual box. It ships on a flat rack, in an open-top container, or as breakbulk, which means cargo loaded as a piece instead of in a box.
We choose the equipment with you, book it with the carrier, and arrange lifting, lashing and trucking through suitable contractors. The job is planned from the drawings and dimensions, so the details matter more than for ordinary cargo.
When to use it
- Machinery, plant or a production line moving as whole pieces.
- A vehicle, a boat or a large structure.
- Pressure vessels, tanks, transformers or generators.
- Cargo that is a little too tall or wide to close the container doors.
- Project cargo made of many large pieces that must arrive in order.
What we handle
- Choosing equipment such as flat rack, open-top container or breakbulk space
- Booking with carriers that accept oversize cargo
- Lifting, lashing and securing plans through suitable contractors
- Trucking for oversize loads through suitable carriers
- Documents and customs declarations, coordinated with licensed customs brokers
- Review of drawings, weights and lifting points
How it runs
- Quote: you send drawings, dimensions, weights and photos. We review them with the carrier.
- Equipment: we agree the equipment and book it, and tell you about any extra space the cargo will take.
- Planning: lifting, lashing and securing are planned with the contractors. Route needs and permits are checked.
- Loading: the cargo is lifted, placed and secured at origin, or at an agreed site.
- Carriage: the carrier moves the cargo. Oversize trucking runs with suitable carriers and, where needed, permits.
- Delivery: the cargo is unloaded and handed over at destination. We tell you by email.
What to send us for a quote
| Detail | Why we ask |
|---|---|
| Length, width and height of each piece | The carrier decides on equipment from the real dimensions. |
| Weight of each piece | Sets the lifting, the equipment and the road limits. |
| Lifting points and centre of gravity | The lift must be planned, and cargo must be secured. |
| Drawings or photos | They show what a description cannot. |
| Origin and destination, with site details | Access and restrictions change the plan. |
| Ready date | Equipment and contractors must be booked. |
| Site restrictions | Gates, bridges and ground limits can stop a load. |
Good to know
- A standard 20 ft container has an internal width of about 2.35 m and an internal height of about 2.39 m, varying slightly by builder. Anything past the open-top limits is out-of-gauge. See container sizes.
- OOG cargo often blocks the slots next to it on a vessel. That can add charges, so the quote shows them.
- Measure at the widest and tallest point, including fittings, bolts and lifting eyes.
Questions
Can you tell me which equipment I need?
Send the dimensions and drawings. We review them with the carrier, then confirm the equipment that suits the cargo.
Who lifts and lashes the cargo?
Suitable contractors, which we arrange. We coordinate their plan with the carrier and your site.