OSOM Transport Brisbane
Over-Size Over-Mass haulage for Brisbane and SEQ's heaviest, widest and most awkward loads — engineered, permitted and escorted end to end.
OSOM — Over-Size Over-Mass — is the top end of the oversize spectrum: loads that exceed both dimension and mass limits and need a full NHVR access permit, a route survey, bridge and pavement rating checks, and a multi-pilot (often police-escorted) plan. In Brisbane and SEQ, OSOM moves are the transformers coming off the Port of Brisbane, the mining equipment heading west via Toowoomba, and the largest cranes and plant. These moves are engineered, not booked — the float combination, the route ratings and the permit all have to align, and the lead time is measured in days to weeks. We plan OSOM transport end to end.
What makes a move OSOM
A move is OSOM when the load exceeds both dimension and mass limits — typically very heavy (60–100+ tonnes) and wide or over-height. That triggers a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) access permit, a detailed route survey, bridge and pavement rating checks, and a multi-pilot escort plan. The largest OSOM moves also need a police escort and a traffic management plan. There is no shortcut — the permit and the engineering come first.
The float combination
OSOM loads move on platform floats with multiple axles, a jeep dolly at the front and a steerable rear axle group. The combination is engineered to spread the load within bridge and pavement ratings on the route, and to manage the swept path at SEQ roundabouts and interchanges. For the heaviest items we add axles and run a longer combination, all re-checked against the route.
Route surveys and bridge ratings
Every OSOM move gets a route survey: swept-path checks at roundabouts and tight intersections, overhead clearance checks, and bridge and pavement rating checks against the load's axle weights. The Gateway, Ipswich and Logan Motorway corridors and the Toowoomba range crossing all have specific OSOM constraints. We confirm the route before we commit a move.
Permits, escorts and lead time
OSOM needs NHVR access permits, a multi-pilot plan, and frequently a police escort and traffic management. Lead time is the governing constraint — bridge assessments and permits can take one to two weeks or more. We book early, coordinate with the Port of Brisbane, substation and mine gate scheduling, and tell you the realistic timeline up front.
What we move as OSOM
Large power transformers, mining haul trucks and modules, large crawler cranes, heavy precast and bridge segments, and any load that's both over-mass and over-dimensional. See our transformer, mining equipment and crane job pages for the detail.
Get it quoted
Send the load weight and dimensions, the pickup and the delivery destination. We'll engineer the float combination, plan the permits and escorts and a free quote and timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What does OSOM mean?
Over-Size Over-Mass — a load that exceeds both dimension and mass limits. OSOM moves need a full NHVR access permit, a route survey, bridge and pavement rating checks, and a multi-pilot (often police-escorted) plan.
How is OSOM different from oversize or heavy haulage alone?
Oversize is dimensional, heavy haulage is mass. OSOM is both at once — the heaviest, widest or tallest loads, which trigger the full engineering and permit chain rather than a single permit.
Do OSOM moves need a police escort?
The largest OSOM moves often do, plus a traffic management plan. Escort tier is sized to the width, mass and the specific corridor. We coordinate QPS and traffic management where required.
How long do OSOM permits take?
Bridge assessments and permits can take one to two weeks or more. Lead time, not equipment, usually gates an OSOM move — we lodge early and align with port, substation or mine gate scheduling.
How do I get a quote?
Send the load weight and dimensions, the pickup and the delivery destination. We'll engineer the float combination, plan permits and escorts and give you a free quote and timeline. Call 0489 953 607 or use the quote form.