What is out-of-gauge or OOG cargo?
Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo extends beyond the booked equipment's normal loading envelope in length, width or height. Measure the finished, secured load and obtain acceptance for the equipment and complete route before dispatch. Coordinate factory measurements and booking checks with Cambridge China Bridge.
Compare the cargo with the booked equipment
OOG describes dimensional overhang relative to the equipment being booked. It is not simply another name for heavy cargo. A load can stay within the dimensional envelope but exceed the permitted payload; check weight separately.
An open-top container or flat rack does not automatically make cargo in gauge. Ask the forwarder to identify the equipment type, its accepted loading envelope and the proposed cargo orientation. For enclosed-container fit, use our container fit guide.
Measure the finished transport configuration
Ask the factory for a dimensioned drawing of the packed load in its proposed shipping position. Include the base, crate, protective covers, protruding fittings and securing materials. Record overall length, width, height and gross weight, using consistent units and clearly identified reference points.
Show where the load extends beyond the equipment: each side, each end and above its accepted height. State whether height is measured from the equipment deck or includes the equipment itself. Add photographs, centre-of-gravity information and lifting points. Have the loader verify the final dimensions after securing.
Obtain acceptance for the complete route
Send the same drawing and measurement record to the forwarder for carrier and terminal checks. Request written acceptance tied to the cargo configuration, equipment and proposed routing, including any transhipment. Ask which handling arrangements remain provisional and what changes would require another assessment.
Confirm the onward road movement separately, including loaded vehicle height, bridge clearances, turning space and access to the receiving site. Ask the haulier to assess any abnormal-load notifications or permissions needed for the actual movement. Use our oversized and heavy imports guide for the wider handling plan.
Connect transport acceptance with delivery
Agree whether the cargo travels on its shipping equipment to your site or is transferred at a depot. Identify who arranges the transfer, replacement restraints and unloading. UK government guidance requires reasonably practicable steps to secure abnormal loads. Ask the haulier and loader to agree the securing method for the road leg.
Give the receiving team the accepted cargo drawing and proposed vehicle details before confirming delivery. Resolve unloading access, equipment and the receiving window through our container and oversized delivery guide. Acceptance for sea transport does not establish that your site can receive the load.
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Recheck changes before dispatch
Treat dimensions used for an early quotation as provisional until checked against the finished load. If packaging, supports, orientation or protrusions change, send revised drawings and photographs before collection. Obtain renewed acceptance where needed rather than relying on the earlier booking.
Ask the forwarder to explain charges for special equipment, occupied space, handling, transfers and changed declarations. Agree responsibility for remeasurement, rejected collection and rebooking. Keep the final measurement record, acceptance messages and dispatch photographs together so the factory, loader and receiving team work from the same information.
Frequently asked questions
Is OOG cargo the same as overweight cargo?
No. OOG concerns dimensions beyond the booked equipment's normal envelope. Weight and payload need a separate check, even when the load fits within that envelope.
Does a flat rack mean my cargo is OOG?
Not automatically. Compare the finished, secured load with the accepted envelope for the booked flat rack and cargo orientation. Ask the forwarder to confirm the classification.
Which dimensions should I give for OOG cargo?
Give finished packed length, width and height, including supports and securing protrusions. Show overhangs relative to the equipment, identify the height reference and supply gross weight.
Can I ship OOG cargo before confirming UK delivery?
Confirm the road route, receiving access and unloading method before dispatch. Ask the haulier to assess the actual vehicle and load; sea transport acceptance alone does not settle delivery.