Special Transport and Heavy Haulage in Spain
Grúas y Transportes MAVI is a special transport and heavy haulage company based in Vila-real (Castellón, Spain) that moves abnormal, oversize and indivisible loads across Spain and into Europe. We survey the route, obtain the special movement permits, coordinate escort vehicles and signage, and secure every load to EN 12195-1, so you deal with a single contact from the first survey to final delivery.
Contact
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What is special transport? Abnormal and oversize loads explained
Special transport is the road transport of abnormal loads. An abnormal load — called an oversize load in the US — is any indivisible load that, once on the vehicle, exceeds the maximum dimensions or weight allowed for ordinary road traffic. In Spain the general limit for combinations with five or more axles has been 44 tonnes since October 2025; anything heavier, wider, longer or taller than the standard limits needs a special movement permit (autorización complementaria de circulación) and specific traffic measures.
Typical abnormal loads are construction and mining machinery, transformers, wind turbine components, precast concrete beams, steel structures, tanks and one-off industrial parts that cannot be dismantled for transport.
Equipment for every special transport
The vehicle is chosen for the load, not the other way round. Depending on the weight, the dimensions and the route, we work with:
Lowloaders (gooseneck trailers)
Known in Spain as góndolas. They keep the deck as low as possible so tall machinery and plant stay within height limits and pass under bridges. The usual choice for excavators, dozers, cranes and industrial equipment.
Extendable trailers
The deck extends to the length of the piece. Used for long loads such as beams, precast elements, pipes, steel structures and wind turbine components.
Modular axle lines
They spread very heavy loads over many axles to protect the road surface and bridges. Used for transformers, pressure vessels and the heaviest industrial parts.
Flatbeds for loads just over the limit
When a load only slightly exceeds the standard width or length, a flatbed with the right permit and signage is often the simplest and most economical option.
Heavy machinery and plant transport
We move excavators, cranes, industrial machinery and civil engineering plant to building sites, factories and ports. We study the route, choose the right equipment — lowloader, extendable trailer or modular axle lines — and handle the permits so your machinery arrives when you need it, with no surprises.
Oversize and indivisible loads
Transformers, steel structures, precast concrete, tanks and pressure vessels, wind turbine components or one-off pieces: if your load exceeds the dimensions or weight of conventional transport, we have the equipment and the experience to move it safely.
How we manage a special transport project
Every special transport is a tailor-made project. This is how we take it from the first survey to delivery:
1. Route survey
We check clearances, turning radii, bridges, roundabouts and possible obstacles to define a viable route and anticipate any special manoeuvre.
2. Special movement permits
We apply for the special movement permit and prepare the documentation the authorities require for each operation. For international moves, we coordinate the permits of every country on the route.
3. Escort vehicles and signage
We coordinate the escort (pilot) vehicles and the regulatory signage — V-20 warning panel and beacons — and, where the load requires it, a police escort.
4. Loading, lashing and delivery
We stow and lash the load in line with EN 12195-1 and move it under supervision to its final destination.
What we need to quote for special transport
• Length, width and height of the load, and its weight (with the centre of gravity if you know it).
• Photos or drawings of the piece, including the lifting and lashing points.
• Whether it can be partly dismantled to reduce dimensions.
• Full collection and delivery addresses and any access restrictions.
• How it will be loaded and unloaded (crane, forklift, ramps, own means).
• Planned dates and how flexible they are.
Permits, escort vehicles and lashing: we take care of everything
The hardest parts of a special transport are the ones we handle for you: the special movement permit, the escort vehicles and signage when the load requires them, and the load securing to EN 12195-1. One point of contact from start to finish, so you don't lose time on paperwork.
National and international special transport from Castellón
We operate from Castellón throughout the Valencian Community and carry out special transport to anywhere in Spain. We also coordinate international abnormal load transport, with routes across Europe according to the needs of each project and the permits of each country.
Our base is on an industrial estate in Vila-real (Castellón), a few minutes from the Port of Castellón and half an hour from the Port of Valencia, right on the AP-7 and A-7 Mediterranean corridor. We regularly serve building sites, industrial plants and both ports, so project cargo arriving by sea can continue by road without a change of carrier.
Abnormal loads and dangerous goods in the same move
Sometimes an oversize load is also classified as dangerous goods — a tank with product residue, for example. In that case both regimes apply at once. We coordinate the special movement permit and the ADR requirements in a single operation.
Why choose MAVI for heavy haulage in Spain
• Our own fleet of special transport vehicles and drivers specialised in critical loads.
• Insurance adapted to indivisible and high-value loads.
• More than 20 years in special and industrial transport, including services for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
• Based in Vila-real, next to the ports of Castellón and Valencia.
• Our own 24-hour roadside assistance service, 365 days a year.
• One point of contact from quote to delivery.
Get a quote for your special transport or abnormal load
The cost of a special transport depends on the distance, the dimensions and weight of the load, and the permits or escort vehicles required. Send us the dimensions (length, width, height), the weight, the origin and the destination, and we will prepare a fixed, no-obligation quote.
Call us on +34 964 534 074 or email trafico@transmavi.es. You can also use the form on this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Special transport in Spain: frequently asked questions
What is special transport and what counts as an abnormal load?
Special transport is the road transport of abnormal loads: indivisible loads that, on the vehicle, exceeds the maximum weight or dimensions allowed for ordinary traffic. It needs a special movement permit (autorización complementaria de circulación) and specific traffic measures.
Do you take care of the permits?
Yes. We apply for the special movement permit and prepare the documentation required by the authorities for each operation, and we coordinate the permits of each country on international routes.
Are escort vehicles needed?
It depends on the dimensions and weight of the load. We coordinate the escort vehicles and the regulatory signage and, where required, a police escort.
What kind of loads do you move?
Indivisible and oversize loads: heavy machinery, transformers, wind turbine components, precast concrete, steel structures, tanks and one-off pieces.
Do you carry out international special transport?
Yes. From our base in Castellón, Spain, we coordinate special transport across Europe according to the needs of each project, handling the permits of every country on the route.
How much does special transport cost?
It depends on the distance, the dimensions and weight of the load and the permits or escort vehicles required. With those details we prepare a fixed, no-obligation quote.
How far in advance should I plan a special transport?
As early as possible. The route survey and the permits take time, especially for international moves or very large loads. Contact us as soon as you know the dimensions and the dates.
Can you collect heavy machinery or project cargo from the port?
Yes. We regularly work at the ports of Castellón and Valencia and can take project cargo from the quayside to its final destination by road.