Special Transports on Highways: Flat Glass and Concrete Element Transportation

Special transports are an important part of Finland’s logistics network, particularly for the construction industry. Sheet glass and concrete elements are materials that require special care, precise planning, and specialized equipment for transportation. The success of these road transports is vital for keeping construction projects on schedule and ensuring materials remain undamaged. In this article, we explore the requirements, challenges, and modern solutions that enable the safe transportation of these valuable and demanding materials to their destination.

Requirements and Regulations for Special Transports in Finland

In Finland, special transports are strictly regulated to ensure traffic safety and the durability of road infrastructure. Special transport permits are mandatory when the dimensions or mass of a transport exceed the limits of normal traffic. This is common for sheet glass and concrete element transports, as these elements are often large and heavy. The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) is nationally responsible for issuing special transport permits.

Special transports involve specific requirements for marking transport vehicles, using warning vehicles, and detailed route planning. For sheet glass transports, regulations regarding load securing are particularly important as the cargo is extremely fragile. For concrete elements, the weight poses special requirements for equipment and routes. When planning transports, one must consider bridge load capacity restrictions, detours caused by roadworks, and special restrictions in urban areas. We offer expert assistance in handling permit matters and route planning to ensure transports proceed as smoothly as possible.

Why Do Sheet Glass and Concrete Elements Require Special Handling?

Sheet glass is a material that requires extreme caution during transport. Its sensitivity to impacts and vibration makes it logistically challenging. Large glass elements in particular are prone to breakage during transport, which would cause significant financial losses and delays to construction projects. Glass elements require specially designed racks and fastening systems that minimize the effects of vibration and impacts during transport.

Concrete elements, on the other hand, present challenges due to their enormous weight. A single element can weigh several tons, which places special demands on transport equipment. Concrete elements also require precise lifting plans and specialized equipment during both loading and unloading phases. Additionally, the shape and size of elements vary greatly, requiring individual planning for each transport. For both materials, weather conditions must be carefully considered—for example, strong winds can significantly complicate glass handling, and winter conditions bring their own challenges to concrete element transports.

Modern Transport Solutions for Challenging Special Transports

The technology for special transports has developed significantly in recent decades. Modern special transport vehicles are designed to meet challenges precisely like those encountered in sheet glass and concrete element transports. The suspension systems of these vehicles effectively absorb road irregularities, which is particularly important in sheet glass transports. Advanced load securing systems enable safe attachment of cargo without risk of damage.

Digital tools have revolutionized the efficiency of route planning. We use advanced GPS systems and route optimization software that take into account height restrictions, bridge load capacities, and other road infrastructure features relevant to special transports. This enables smoother and safer transports. For concrete element transports, we also utilize modern lifting technologies that minimize the risk of material damage. We have invested in specialized equipment designed specifically for demanding special transports, ensuring reliable and safe service in all conditions.

Logistics Chain Planning in Special Transports

A successful special transport begins with careful planning long before the actual transport event. Comprehensive logistics planning covers all phases from assessing transport needs to post-delivery reporting. In sheet glass and concrete element transports, it is essential to precisely coordinate the transport schedule with the construction project timeline, as elements are often installed directly from the transport vehicle to the construction site.

Risk management is key in planning the logistics chain for special transports. A risk analysis and contingency plans for various disruptions are prepared for each transport. Coordinating the different phases of transport requires seamless cooperation between all parties. Only with professional logistics planning can we ensure that special transports carrying valuable materials arrive at their destination safely, on schedule, and cost-effectively. Close communication between the manufacturer, transport company, and construction site is essential to ensure a smooth supply chain.