29 September 2026
Oversize transport in Poland: permits II–V, escorts
When a load is abnormal, which Polish permit categories II–V apply and what data to prepare so that a machine move can be planned well in advance.
Read the article
OVERSIZE / PERMITS
Oversize and abnormal load transport
Oversize and abnormal load transport: machinery and out-of-gauge loads, with route analysis and coordination of permits and escorts in Poland and Europe.
Service scope
Oversize and abnormal load transport: scope and terms.
Every order is verified individually based on route, dates, cargo parameters and special requirements.
Parameters first, route second
In abnormal load transport, dimensions and weight determine the choice of vehicle, the possible route and the formalities. A quote therefore requires complete technical data.
Permits and escorts
The scope of permits and any escort depends on the parameters of the combination and the countries of transit. We verify the requirements before confirming the job.
Data for analysis
- dimensions and weight of the load;
- technical documentation and photos;
- loading and unloading locations;
- operational capabilities of both sites;
- expected date.
What to know before you enquire
- The standard limits we start the analysis from (according to the summary of Directive 96/53/EC): width 2.55 m, height 4.00 m, length 16.50 m for an articulated vehicle and 18.75 m for a combination with a trailer, weight 40 t. Exceeding any parameter makes it an abnormal vehicle.
- Permit categories II–V differ in permitted width (3.2 m / 3.4 m / 4 m on class A and S roads), length (15 / 23 / 30 m), height (4.3 m), weight (up to 60 t in category IV) and type of road. Category V covers movements larger than these thresholds along a designated route.
- An escort is required once 23.00 m in length, 3.20 m in width, 4.50 m in height or 60 t in weight is exceeded (one escort vehicle), and 30.00 m / 3.60 m / 4.70 m / 80 t (two escort vehicles).
- Indivisible loads only. A permit cannot be used to combine several smaller loads.
- Division of roles: the customer is responsible for cargo data and documentation; the permit category is indicated by the authority; the scope of our support with formalities is confirmed individually.
Detailed table and process: Oversize transport — permits and categories.
Frequently asked questions
Oversize and abnormal load transport — questions and answers
General answers. Details of each order are always confirmed individually.
When is a load abnormal?
When the vehicle with its load exceeds the permitted dimensions, total weight or axle loads. For a combination the standard is a width of 2.55 m, height of 4.00 m, length of 16.50 m (articulated vehicle) and weight of 40 t. Any excess requires a permit of the appropriate category.
Can several smaller items be carried together as an oversize load?
No. An abnormal vehicle may only carry an indivisible load, that is, one that cannot be divided without disproportionate cost or risk of damage (the exception applies only to category I).
When is an escort needed?
One escort vehicle is required once a length of 23 m, width of 3.20 m, height of 4.50 m or weight of 60 t is exceeded. Two escort vehicles — once 30 m, 3.60 m, 4.70 m or 80 t is exceeded.
How long does it take to obtain a permit?
It depends on the category, the authority and the route; we do not give a time in advance. Category II permits are issued by the starosta (county head), categories III–IV by the Director General of National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) (from 1 July 2026, applications for categories III–V are submitted to one of the 16 GDDKiA Branches), and category V applies to a designated route. Plan the transport well in advance and send the full set of parameters.
Get a quote
Describe the route.
We will check what is possible.
Tell us the pickup and delivery points, the dates and the cargo parameters. Your enquiry goes straight to the transport desk.
Transport desk+48 22 266 21 57transport@evslogistics.plMon–Fri 8:00–17:00 (Polish time)