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01 · Ask
Single item or full load?
Describe the cargo, distance and timing — the AI tells you which transport type and what to specify.
Transport plant & machinery.
Diggers, lifts, plant equipment moved — low-loader or HGV transport with route survey for abnormal loads.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a transport service. Licensed, scheduled, insured.
Read the brief on licences, packing lists and insurance — then let Three local transporters quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
O-Licences, GIT cover, time slots, packing list standards. Know what an honest quote looks like.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 transporter quotes
Three local transporters quote on the same load — schedule, insurance, mileage — so you compare like-for-like.
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Top tips
Hiring a transport services, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Confirm the licence type.
Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence for commercial transport, PSV for passenger. Verify on DVSA register — unlicensed transport is illegal.
Get a packing list before they load.
Itemised packing list signed by both parties is your evidence if anything's missing on arrival. Insist on it.
Goods in Transit insurance value.
Standard cover £25k–£100k; for art, antiques, machinery declare higher value or take additional cover.
Time slots vs windows.
'Sometime Tuesday' costs less than '2pm exactly'. Booked time slots cost a premium — worth it for big or time-critical moves.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Single-item delivery (local)
£40–£150
Multi-drop courier (per day)
£200–£600/day
House move / van + driver
£250–£1.5k
Specialist (art, antiques)
£400–£3k
Long-distance (per mile)
£1–£4
Same-day premium
£50–£300
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
Plant and machinery transport — diggers, excavators, generators, industrial equipment. Specialist low-loaders. Expect to pay £200–£2,500 for UK plant transport.
What Does the Work Involve?
Heavy haulage specialist. Low-loader or beavertail truck. Loading by ramp or crane. Securing with chains/straps. Police escort for abnormal loads. Insurance £100,000+ value cover.
Typical Costs
| Item | Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-digger transport (local) | 200-400 | Under 3t |
| 3-5t excavator transport | 300-600 | Standard |
| 13-20t excavator transport | 500-1,500 | Heavy |
| Abnormal load (per day) | 1,000-5,000+ | Police escort |
| Long distance per mile | 3-8 | Plus base |
| Crane-loading service | 200-1,000 | Per visit |
| Multi-vehicle transport | 500-2,500 | Combined |
UK Regulations
HGV operator licence (O-licence). Highways England abnormal load notification (>3m, >18.65m, >40t). STGO (Special Types General Order) for very heavy. Police escort for severe abnormal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abnormal load threshold?
Width >2.9m, length >18.65m, weight >44t requires notification. >60t police escort.
How long booking lead?
Standard 24-48 hours. Abnormal load 2-4 weeks (police notification).
Insurance value declaration?
Yes — declare equipment value. Standard cover £100k, premium up to £1m.
Crane loading?
Some sites need crane. £200-£1,000 extra service.
Best UK specialists?
Allely's, Collett Transport, McGrath Bros. Heavy haulage specialists.
Hire vs transport?
Some hire companies include transport. Standalone transport for owned plant.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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