Resources
Loads that exceed the normal maximum dimensions for travel in NZ, or exceed the normal maximum axle weights need to travel under certain conditions, and often need special permits.
Overdimension Loads
The transport of overdimension loads is covered by the Vehicle Dimension and Mass Rule 2002. The Rule is also available in PDF Format. (Large File, 2MB+)
Normal maximum sized loads are described in Land Transport NZ’s Factsheet 13 series.
Overdimension loads are divided into 4 main categories, and the conditions for travel are contained in Dimension and Mass Rule, as well as in Factsheet 53 for category 1 and 2 loads, and an Infosheet for Category 3 and 4 loads.
Pilot licensing is performed by the Overdimension Permit Issuing Agency, and application forms for both class 1 and class 2 pilots are available from Land Transport NZ’s website.
Transit NZ’s Overdimension Route Maps have recently been reprinted, and are available on order from Transit NZ.
Overweight Loads
Overweight loads are those that exceed the normal permitted axle weights for a particular vehicle, or exceed the maximum all up weight.
General requirements for the transport of overweight loads are covered in section 5 of the Vehicle Dimension and Mass Rule 2002. However the specific requirements are contained in Transit NZ’s Overweight Permit Manual. A short pamphlet also outlines the general permit regime.
An order form for the Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Bridges Being Crossed by Overweight Vehicles is available from the Association.
Transit NZ’s Overweight Route Maps have recently been reprinted, and are available on order from Transit NZ.
Roading Engineers
The Association promotes the use of guidelines to assist in the design and construction of roading networks and other infrastructure so that it can cope with the travel of overdimension and overweight loads.
The set of guidelines is available from the Association. Download Revision 3 of these guidelines.
If you are interested in commonly used routes for overdimension and overweight loads, Transit NZ has published two sets of route maps:
Other Resources
Land Transport NZ has developed a Heavy Vehicle Selection Guide when purchasing a new vehicle.
It is available on the Land Transport NZ website. | 
