❓ Did you know that the largest bulk transport that ever passed through Romania was a convoy with a total weight of 676 tons? The most important piece of this transport was a tank weighing 405 tons, which crossed Romania on the Danube.
Why? Because these transports involve dimensions and weights above the permissible limitsof the Road Code. A heavy load can block a road, require diversions or even a traffic police escort. For this reason, the legislation of Romania and the European Union clearly regulates how they can be carried out.
In this article, we will explain what is agabaritic transport from a legal point of view, what permits are needed in Romania and in Europe and why it is important to choose an experienced company, such as DOOR SPEED TRUCK, for safe and compliant transport.
What does agabaritic transport mean under the law?
According to road legislation, a transport becomes “agabaritic” when dimensions or weight exceed the permissible standard limits.
📌 Maximum limits for normal shipments are:
- Width:2.55 m (2.60 m for refrigerated vehicles)
- Height:4 m
- Length:16.5m for articulated vehicles and 18.75m for vehicle assemblies
- Total mass:40 t (44 t for international transport under certain conditions)
👉 Any load exceeding these values automatically falls into the category oversized or exceptional transports.
Examples: wind turbines, cranes, industrial presses, large metal structures.
What permits are needed in Romania?
In Romania, bulk shipments are regulated by CNAIR (National Road Infrastructure Management Company).
To carry out such transportation, it is necessary:
- Special Transport Authorisation (AST)
- issued by CNAIRfor each race,
- establishes the permitted route, travel conditions and possible time restrictions (night, weekend).
- Mandatory additional documents:
- Transport licenseof the company,
- CMR insurance for cargo,
- Vehicle registration certificate + valid ITP,
- Documents accompanying the cargo(invoice, opinion).
- Technical escort or traffic police
- it is necessary if the load exceeds certain dimensions,
- the number of escort cars is established by authorization,
- for very large transports, the traffic police can coordinate the movement.
- Special Fees
- depending on the mass and size of the transport, additional charges are charged.
How does bulk transport work in Europe?
At European level, the basic rules are similar, but each state has its own peculiarities.
📌 Examples:
- Germany— permits are obtained through the “Genehmigung für Großraum- und Schwertransporte (GST)”; routes are strictly defined and some roads may be prohibited.
- France— regulations are divided into gauge categories (1, 2, 3), each with different levels of restriction and escort.
- Italy— permits are obtained from local authorities and may be valid for a single trip or for limited periods.
Important: if the transport crosses several countries, permits are needed in each state. For example, a transport from Romania to Spain may require approvals from 5-6 different countries.
Risks if the transport is carried out without authorization
Aggregate transport carried out without the appropriate permits is extremely risky.
⚠️ Possible consequences:
- Very high fines(thousands of euros, depending on the country).
- Immobilization of transportuntil the permits are obtained.
- Refusal of insurancein case of accident or damage.
- Risk to road safety— serious accidents or road traffic jams.
That is why serious firms never go on the road without the necessary documents.
What other conditions must a vehicle used for bulk transport meet?
In addition to the necessary permits, vehicles used in bulk transport must comply with strict signalling and equipment requirements;, to ensure visibility and safety in traffic.
📌 Main obligations:
- Warning panels— the vehicle must be equipped, on the cab and at the rear (or directly on the load, if applicable), with visible panels marked with`EXCEPTIONAL TRANSPORT“sheep”ATTENTION! EXCEEDED GAUGE!“.
- Flashing light warning— two special yellow devices mounted on the cab of the vehicle so that they are visible from at least 100 m from the front, rear and side.
- Additional rear signaling— if the load is too high and obstructs the visibility of the lights on the cab, it is mandatory to install a flashing light device also at the rear of the vehicle or cargo.
- Permanent operation— all these devices must be kept in operation for the duration of the journey on the road.
- Accidental stalling— in the event of a stop on the road, the vehicle must also be equipped with additional means of road signalling for the protection of other road users.
➡️ These measures are not optional, but mandatory, and failure to comply with them can entail severe penalties and, above all, risks of accidents.
How OVI SPEED TRUCK helps you avoid problems
For over 25 years, DOOR SPEED TRUCKmanages bulk transports in Romania and Europe.
Our experience means:
- we quickly obtain the necessary authorizations in Romania and other EU countries,
- we plan the route in such a way as to avoid restrictions or bottlenecks,
- we provide escort and cooperate with traffic police where necessary,
- We guarantee the safety and legal compliance of every shipment.
For customers, that means Less red tape and zero legal risks.
Conclusion
Heavy transport is not just about big trucks and impressive loads. Means compliance with strict legislation, obtaining the correct permits and cooperating with the authorities.
✅ If you need a bulky transport in Romania or Europe, choose the partner that offers you safety and legality.
📞 OVI SPEED TRUCK — more than 25 years of experience in bulk and international transport.
“We collaborated with OVI SPEED TRUCK to transport a heavy load and everything went flawlessly. The team took care of clearances, escort and on-time delivery. I recommend with confidence!”
