Understand STGO 2003, C&U Regulations, and your legal obligations when moving abnormal loads on UK roads.
Route Planning
Learn to plan safe routes considering height, width, weight restrictions, and access challenges.
Certificate Included
Receive a certificate of completion demonstrating your understanding of abnormal load requirements.
About This Course
Abnormal load transportation requires specialist knowledge that goes beyond standard driving skills. Whether you're moving boats and yachts, construction plant, prefabricated buildings, wind turbine components, or other oversized cargo, understanding the legal framework and operational requirements is essential for safe, compliant movements.
This course covers everything from the legal definitions and STGO categories through to practical load security, notification procedures via ESDAL, escort requirements, and incident management. You'll learn when notifications are required, how to plan routes effectively, and how to ensure loads are secured correctly throughout the journey.
Legal Framework: Abnormal loads are governed by the Special Types General Order (STGO) 2003 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Failure to comply with notification requirements, escort regulations, or load security obligations can result in significant fines, vehicle prohibitions, and criminal prosecution.
Types of Abnormal Loads Covered
Boats & Yachts
Construction Plant
Wind Turbines
Modular Buildings
Industrial Equipment
Transformers
Bridge Sections
Agricultural Machinery
Not a Driver CPC Course
This is a standalone awareness and training course, not a DVSA-approved Driver CPC module. It's designed for anyone involved in abnormal load operations including drivers, transport managers, planners, and operations staff. If you require Driver CPC training, please view our CPC courses.
Duration
Approx. 4 Hours
Certificate
On Completion
Delivery
Online or On-site
Group Size
Max 15 Delegates
What You'll Learn
Legal Framework & Notifications
Definition of abnormal loads under UK law
Construction & Use Regulations standard limits
STGO 2003 categories and speed restrictions
When police notification is required (ESDAL)
Highway authority notifications
Notice periods and indemnity requirements
Escort vehicle requirements and regulations
Operations & Load Security
Load security legal requirements
Securing techniques for different load types
Weight distribution and balance
Route planning and survey considerations
Height, width, and access restrictions
Pre-journey and en-route checks
Incident management and bridge strikes
Who Should Attend?
This course is valuable for anyone involved in the planning, execution, or management of abnormal load movements:
HGV drivers moving abnormal loads
Transport managers and planners
Operations and logistics staff
Escort vehicle operators
Boat and yacht transport companies
Construction logistics teams
Haulage company owners
Anyone new to abnormal loads
Why Train With National Compliance Training?
Flexible Learning
Complete online at your own pace for just £35, or book on-site training for your team with expert delivery.
UK-Wide Delivery
We come to you! On-site training available across England, Scotland, and Wales at your depot or premises.
Industry Experience
Developed with input from specialist abnormal load operators with real-world transport experience.
Excellent training organization, My instructor and the rest of the team 10 out of 10. Received my counterbalance and rider truck certificates the same day very fast thanks to the whole team, Excellent prices highly recommend
CPC Courses are, at best boring and at worse not worth the money. Now that I have completed my 5 modules, 4 of which were with Andrew, who has a special way of getting the point of some things into my head, believe me that is no small feat. I have thoroughly enjoyed all modules that NCT arranged for me, plus the fact it is now done via Zoom just helped me to remember it. The whole experience was so simple, right from booking a full 5 day course, to today, where I can say 'no more til next year' same place, different dates. I wouldn't hesitate to book again with NCT. 10/10 for the guys and girls in the office, the ones we don't get to see. The price as well, considering there I'd so many Lorry and Coach Drivers that, like me have left it to the last minute before renewing their CPC Cards. My advice on that one would be to shop around, I did and NCP were by far alot cheaper than most of the others I contacted. Thankyou to Andrew, who was my Trainer for 4/5 modules and he is an absolute excellent teacher Thankyou Guys
A very 'BIG THANK YOU' to my Instructor, who trained me on both Reach Truck and Counter Balance. I passed my Test on both. Instructor is very professional, friendly and helpful. I highly recommend and appreciate for getting my licence done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Driver CPC course?
No, this is a standalone training course that does not count towards Driver CPC periodic training hours. It's designed as an awareness and competency course for anyone involved in abnormal load operations. If you need Driver CPC training, please view our separate CPC course offerings.
What qualifies as an abnormal load?
An abnormal load is any vehicle or load that exceeds the standard Construction & Use Regulations limits for weight (various axle and gross limits), width (2.55m standard, 2.9m refrigerated), rigid length (12m), or articulated length (16.5m). The course covers exactly when loads become "abnormal" and what requirements apply.
Do I need any prior experience?
No prior abnormal load experience is required. The course is designed to be accessible to newcomers while also providing valuable refresher content for experienced operators. We cover everything from basic definitions through to advanced operational considerations.
How long do I have to complete the online course?
You have 12 months access from the date of purchase. The course content takes approximately 4 hours to complete, but you can pause and resume as many times as needed. Your progress is saved automatically.
Can on-site training be customised?
Yes, on-site training can be tailored to focus on the specific load types and operational challenges relevant to your business. Whether you specialise in boat transport, construction plant, or industrial equipment, we can adjust the content and examples accordingly.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course you'll receive a certificate demonstrating your understanding of abnormal load transportation requirements. For online learners, the certificate is available for immediate download. Classroom delegates receive certificates at the end of the training day.
Ready to Learn About Abnormal Loads?
Get the knowledge you need to plan and execute abnormal load movements safely and legally.
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