Large cargo includes cargo whose dimensions exceed the usual dimensions of vehicles. Transporting large cargo by road is complicated by the fact that they can impede the movement of other vehicles, create restrictions for travel on various types of roads and are a source of increased danger. To reduce possible risks, restrictions and rules have been developed, regulated in a special decree dated April 15, 2011, No. 272 of the Government of the Russian Federation.
Rules for the transportation of large cargo by road
- Any cargo, regardless of its size, is allowed to be transported only if the following requirements are met: protruding parts do not impair visibility, do not block identification marks, headlights, side lights. The load must not disturb the balance of the vehicle, reduce its stability on the road, create loud noises and raise large amounts of dust, damage or pollute the asphalt, or in any way harm the environment.
- Transport for transporting such goods should be equipped with special signs. If the size of the protruding part exceeds 1 m at the front or rear and more than 0.4 m at the side, a reflective sign is installed, which depicts diagonal white and red stripes.
- If the length of the cargo is more than 20 m, as well as on road trains, a sign in the form of a yellow rectangle with a red border is installed. In the dark or when visibility is poor, the cargo is equipped with a reflector or a white light in the front, and in the back – red.
- When working with cargo of increased dimensions, it is necessary to strictly observe the speed of movement, since exceeding it sharply increases the risk of emergency situations. It is prohibited to drive faster than 60 km/h on roads, 15 km/h on bridges, or deviate from pre-designed routes. If this becomes necessary, changes to the route are agreed upon with the relevant organizations.
- Transportation of large cargo in cities and towns is allowed during periods when there are fewer cars on the roads, and outside them only during daylight hours.
- It is prohibited to drive on ice even if visibility is less than 100 m. It is also prohibited to stop and move on the sides of the road, or stand outside the designated areas agreed upon when developing the route. If the vehicle has defects, transportation should be interrupted until they are eliminated.
Transportation of heavy and large cargo by road is carried out only after the issuance of a permit obtained from the road authorities located closer to the point of departure. The form of the issued permit is reflected in the instructions of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated May 27, 1996.
Transportation permits can be issued one-time, but for regular transportation they are given for a fixed period. Then the carrier coordinates the travel route with the traffic police in order to ensure safe travel. During the approval process, it is determined whether it is permissible to transport cargo without escort.
If the cargo has a width of more than 3.5 m or a length of more than 24 m, the shipper is obliged to provide a so-called cover vehicle, which will insure the transport during movement. If the dimensions are more than 4 m in width or more than 30 m, participation in the transportation of the traffic police vehicle is required. It is also used when it is necessary to change the organization of traffic in a timely manner, which may be required in some cases, for example, with increased intensity of freight traffic or difficult traffic conditions.
