Cost
What does a heavy transport cost? Price factors and a quote within 24 h
There is no fixed price list for heavy and abnormal load transport. The price is built from the dimensions and weight of the load, the checked route, the abnormal load permits required in each country, the mandatory escort vehicles, loading and any waiting time. On this page we explain what drives the price and what information we need to give you a binding quote within 24 hours.
What determines the price
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (width, height, length) | Above 2.55 m width, 4.00 m height or 16.50 m length the transport requires a permit. Every further excess increases permit effort, escort requirements and route length. |
| Weight and axle load | Above 40 t gross weight, axle load distribution determines the vehicle needed: lowbed, low-loader or modular trailer with extra axle lines. Bridge load limits can force detours. |
| Route and number of countries | Each country runs its own permit process (VEMAGS in Germany, § 101 KFG in Austria, DRSI in Slovenia, Hrvatske ceste in Croatia). Detours around bridges, tunnels or roundabouts extend the actual driving distance. |
| Permits and lead time | Standard permits take days, special cases requiring bridge assessment take weeks. Rush applications and short-notice dates cost more than a planned transport. |
| Escort vehicles and police | Depending on the conditions, BF2 or BF3 escort, and for extreme dimensions police escort, removal of road signs or switching off overhead lines. |
| Loading and cargo securing | Crane or lifting equipment, cribbing, machine skids and form-fit securing to VDI 2700 are calculated as a separate line item in the quote. |
| Waiting time and driving bans | Night, weekend and public holiday driving bans, as well as standing time at loading or unloading, tie up the vehicle and crew and are calculated separately. |
| Return load and empty kilometres | A transport with a matching return load is considerably cheaper than a run where the specialised vehicle comes back empty. |
Why we don't quote flat rates
A 28 t excavator on an already-checked motorway route and a 28 t container 4.80 m wide travelling on country roads are two completely different calculations — same weight, different permits, escort and driving time. Instead of a number that won't hold up, we check your route and give you a price that is binding.
What we need to prepare a quote
- Length, width and height of the load in metres
- Weight in tonnes and the location of the centre of gravity
- Type of load (machine, excavator, container, plant component) and lifting points
- Loading and delivery address, plus access and manoeuvring space
- Preferred date or time window
- Whether a crane or lifting equipment is available on site
Photos of the load also help: they show lifting points, attachments and access, and often save an on-site survey.
How to reduce the cost
- Enquire early: planned permits instead of rush processing, plus better vehicle availability.
- Keep the date flexible: transports can be combined with return loads, avoiding empty kilometres.
- Disassemble the load: remove the cab, boom or attachments — if the load stays under 2.55 m width and 4.00 m height, permits and escort vehicles are no longer needed.
- Prepare loading and unloading: clear access, manoeuvring space and a crane on standby avoid standing time.
Frequently asked questions about cost
- What does a heavy transport cost?
- There is no flat price: it is built from dimensions, weight, route, permit effort, escort vehicles, loading and waiting time. Send us the dimensions, weight and both addresses and we will prepare a binding quote within 24 hours.
- Why can the same transport cost different amounts?
- The same machine can travel permit-free on one route and trigger a bridge assessment with a detour and BF3 escort on another. That's why every route is checked individually.
- What does the abnormal load permit cost?
- The fee is set by the authority in each country and depends on dimensions, weight and distance. We apply for the permits and show the fees transparently in the quote.
- How can I lower the cost?
- Enquire early instead of applying urgently, allow a flexible date, disassemble the load according to the manufacturer's instructions so it falls under the threshold dimensions, and prepare access and crane placement to avoid waiting time.
- Is the quote binding?
- Yes. Once dimensions, weight and route are confirmed, the price is binding; only subsequent changes to the load, the date or authority conditions can change it.
Related pages
Quote within 24 hours
Send us the dimensions, weight and the loading and delivery locations — you'll receive a calculation covering vehicle, permits and escort. Phone: +385 1 2641 116, Email: info@zgt.hr.
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