Since my blog is not about standard commercial vehicles I am continuing about Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) and Over Weight Cargo (OWC) transport in India.

ODC/OWC generally consists of Bridge sections (Pre-cast beams), Transformers, heavy machineries, heavy construction equipments, Boilers, GAS turbines, Storage tanks, Heavy structure & the most important one is Windmill components (Blades, tower section & Motor Head). (source: Western Auto Race)

These structures are transported as a single indivisible cargo.
India has and requires a lot of ODC movement due to enormous growth in infrastructure development projects Majorly Power Sector, Road and Construction Sectors. Consignments in Power Sectors include Thermal, Hydroeclectric, Nuclear and Wind energy.

However the ODC transportation in India is still not regulated in terms of vehicles specifications, approval process and guidelines for road transportation.

ODC is characterized as any load which has

Length	>18 meters
Width	>2.6 meters
Height	>3.8 meters
Payload	>49 T

The term ODC is with reference to the present Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) of 2.6 meters width, 18 meter length & 3.8 meter height and the best possible loading methodology

Heavy Consignments are primarily transported over trailers. Trailers can be classified in number of ways but personally I feel a classification vis-à-vis suspension system is much easier. There are three types of suspensions which are used in trailers:

1. Mechanical Suspensions

 

2.       Pneumatic /Air Suspensions



3.       Hydraulic Suspension

The safest way to transport very heavy loads is over Hydraulic Suspensions.