Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does OWC (over-weight cargo) mean in logistics?

Short answer

Cargo whose weight, with the vehicle, exceeds the legal gross vehicle weight or axle-load limits for normal road movement.

Over-weight moves need special permission, suitable multi-axle or hydraulic modular trailers and a check of bridge and culvert capacity on the route. Loads are often both over-dimensional and over-weight. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
OWC, heavy lift
Category
Road
Related terms
ODC (over-dimensional cargo), Axle load, Hydraulic axle trailer, Route survey

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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