ODC Handling

Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) Transport and Project Cargo Handling

Over dimensional cargo (ODC) is any load that is too long, too wide, too tall or too heavy for a normal truck to carry within legal limits. Moving it needs a special trailer, a checked route and permits. IP Group plans and moves ODC and project cargo across India and into Nepal — from the first route survey to the final unloading.

Since 1980 · 65+ offices in 30 states · 36+ warehouses · 5 lakh+ sq ft of storage · 200+ GPS-enabled vehicles · 10 lakh+ consignments a year

What is over dimensional cargo (ODC)?

India’s Central Motor Vehicles Rules set the maximum length, width, height and weight for goods vehicles. When cargo cannot fit inside these limits, it becomes ODC. It then needs permits for the exact route and date, and often an escort vehicle in front.

ODC full form: Over Dimensional Cargo (also called Over Dimensional Consignment).

Common ODC loads:

• Power transformers and generators
• Boilers, turbines, reactors and pressure vessels
• Heat exchangers and distillation columns
• Cranes, excavators and other earthmoving machines
• Bridge girders, steel structures and pre-cast beams
• Large industrial machinery and plant equipment

ODC vs project cargo

ODC is about the size or weight of one piece. Project cargo is the full set of equipment for a plant or site — some pieces are ODC, many are normal — and it must arrive in the right order for installation. We handle both.

Trailers and equipment for ODC

We choose the trailer and equipment to suit the load:

Equipment	Used for
Low-bed trailer	Tall loads — the low deck keeps total height under bridges and wires
Semi low-bed trailer	Heavy machinery of medium height
Extendable flatbed trailer	Long loads such as pipes, girders and columns
Hydraulic axle (multi-axle) trailer	Very heavy single pieces; more axles spread the weight
Escort vehicles	Guiding the load and warning traffic on the route
Cranes and hydras	Loading and unloading at site

 

How we move ODC

1. Cargo details. We take the drawing, dimensions, weight, centre of gravity and lifting points.
2. Route survey. We check the route for road width, turning radius, bridge and culvert load limits, overhead wires, toll plaza width and gradients.
3. Permits. We handle the permits and approvals needed on the route, in line with RTO and government rules.
4. Trailer and lashing plan. The right trailer and axle count, plus a lashing and packing plan for the load.
5. Loading. Lifting, placing and lashing are checked before the load moves.
6. Escorted movement. Escort vehicles, fixed speed limits and movement at permitted hours — in many cities and states that means night only.
7. Unloading and handover. Unloading at site with cranes and trained operators, and a signed proof of delivery.

ODC into Nepal

Our network covers India and Nepal, so we handle cross-border ODC deliveries too. Moving ODC into Nepal adds a second set of checks: Nepal road permits, bridge capacity on Nepali highways and customs at the border. Our own border teams at Raxaul, Jogbani and Sonauli handle the customs paperwork.

What decides ODC transport cost

• Size and weight — more axles and a bigger trailer cost more
• Distance and route — detours around low bridges or weak culverts add kilometres
• Permits and escorts — charged per state on the route
• Wire lifting and road work — when cables or dividers must be moved
• Cranes — for loading and unloading
• Waiting time — for permits or night-only movement

Why IP Group for ODC

• Route survey before the move, so problems are found on paper, not on the highway
• One team for survey, permits, trailer, escorts, movement and unloading
• 45+ years on Indian roads, including the Nepal border routes
• Same company for customs, if the cargo is imported or going to Nepal

Frequently asked questions

What is ODC in logistics?

ODC means cargo that is longer, wider, taller or heavier than a normal goods vehicle can legally carry. It needs a special trailer, a route survey and permits.

What is the full form of ODC?

Over Dimensional Cargo, also called Over Dimensional Consignment.

What permits are needed to move ODC in India?

Permits from the road authority of each state on the route (usually PWD), NHAI for national highways, and local traffic police for city stretches. Power and telecom departments are involved when wires must be lifted.

Can ODC trucks move during the day?

It depends on the permit. Many cities and state roads allow ODC only at night or at set hours to avoid traffic.

What is the difference between ODC and project cargo?

ODC is one oversized or overweight piece. Project cargo is the full equipment set for a project, which may include ODC and normal cargo, delivered in a planned order.

How is ODC transport priced?

By size and weight, distance, route changes, permit and escort charges per state, cranes and any waiting time. Share the drawing, weight and route for a quote.

Moving a heavy or oversized load? Call 011 47091000, email info@iproadlines.com, or send the drawing, weight and pickup/delivery locations through the contact form and we will plan the route survey.