Project & ODC Cargo
Heavy lift · Over-dimensional
What is ODC cargo, and how is it moved?
ODC (over-dimensional cargo) is cargo too long, wide, tall or heavy for a standard container or truck, such as transformers, turbines, boilers and plant machinery. It moves on flat racks, open tops or as breakbulk, then by hydraulic axle trailer, after a route survey and the road permits the size requires.
Project cargo is planned before it is quoted. We start with the drawings, weights and centre of gravity, check the route from port to site, and line up the vessel, the crane, the trailer and the customs filing so each hand-over happens on the day it should.
- Ports
- Mundra and Kandla, the Gujarat ports built for heavy cargo
- Equipment
- Flat rack, open top, breakbulk, hydraulic axle trailers
- Planning
- Drawings, route survey, lifting and lashing plan
- Permits
- Road permits for oversize movements, arranged before dispatch
What's included
What does project cargo handling include?
Engineering first, then logistics. Every item is planned before anything is lifted.
Cargo study
Drawings, dimensions, weights and centre of gravity checked for every package.
Route survey
The road from port to site checked for bridges, bends, overhead lines and tolls.
Permits
Oversize movement permits and escorts arranged before the cargo lands.
Vessel and equipment
Flat racks, open tops or breakbulk space booked for the dimensions.
Lifting and lashing
Crane, lifting plan and lashing supervised at the berth.
Transport to site
Hydraulic axle or low-bed trailers to the project site, with escorts where required.
Process
How is an ODC shipment planned from port to site?
Most project delays come from surprises on the road. The survey comes before the booking.
- Filed and followed by one team
- Attended at the port
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
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01
Project cargo import
Cargo list and drawings
Dimensions, weights and lifting points for each piece.
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02
Project cargo import
Route survey
Port-to-site road checked and any work planned.
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03
Project cargo import
Permits and trailers
Road permits applied for; trailers and escorts booked.
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04
Project cargo import
Vessel and discharge
Discharged by ship's or shore crane to the planned area.
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05
Project cargo import
Customs clearance
Bill of Entry filed, with project import registration where it applies.
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06
Project cargo import
Loading and lashing
Loaded onto the trailer and secured under supervision.
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07
Project cargo import
Movement to site
Moved on the permitted route and time, and unloaded at site.
Documents
What documents does a project shipment need?
The customs documents, plus the engineering data that plans the move.
Not sure what you have? Send photos of your documents on WhatsApp for a first check.
Send on WhatsApp| Document | Required | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Yes | Customs value and the list of packages |
| Dimension and weight list | Yes | Length, width, height, weight and centre of gravity per piece |
| General arrangement drawings | Yes | Lifting points, lashing points and equipment selection |
| Bill of lading | Yes | Carrier's receipt and title to the cargo |
| Route survey report | Yes | Road permits and trailer choice |
| Road permits | For oversize loads | Authorises the oversize movement on the route |
| Project import registration | If claimed | Project import benefit on the Bill of Entry, where eligible |
Requirements change with the commodity and the rules in force, so we confirm the list for your consignment with every quote.
Quote
Get a quote for Project & ODC Cargo
Rates and the document list for your consignment, back within 24 hours.
- A team at the port, in Gandhidham
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
- Document list with every quote
Equipment
Which equipment suits which cargo?
The size and weight of the heaviest piece decide the equipment.
| Equipment | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Open top container | Tall cargo loaded by crane from above | Height over the top needs tarpaulin and carrier approval |
| Flat rack container | Wide or tall machinery, vehicles, pipes | Overwidth or overheight loses stacking slots and costs more |
| Breakbulk (vessel hold or deck) | Very large or heavy pieces | Needs heavy-lift cranes and a port that handles breakbulk |
| Hydraulic axle trailer | Heavy road moves to site | Route survey and permits required |
| Low-bed trailer | Tall cargo that must stay under bridges | Ground clearance on the route |
Ports
Which ports handle our project cargo?
Mundra and Kandla have the berths, cranes and yard space that heavy cargo needs.
Industries
Which projects move through us?
Energy, plant machinery and industrial equipment.
Related services
What is usually booked with project cargo?
What counts as ODC cargo?
Over-dimensional cargo is anything larger or heavier than a standard container or truck can carry within the normal legal limits: too long, too wide, too tall or too heavy. Transformers, turbine parts, boilers, reactors and large machinery are typical.
Why is a route survey needed?
A route survey checks the road from the port to the site for bridges and their load limits, tight bends, overhead lines, low structures and road works. It decides the trailer, the permits and sometimes the route itself, so it comes before the booking.
Do ODC movements need permits?
Yes. Moving cargo beyond the normal size and weight limits on public roads needs permission from the road authorities, and some loads need escorts or night-time movement. We apply for them once the route survey is complete.
Flat rack or breakbulk: which is better?
A flat rack keeps the cargo in the container system and suits moderately oversized pieces. Very large or heavy pieces go as breakbulk in the hold or on deck. The cargo dimensions, weight and the carriers on the lane decide.
Can you handle the customs clearance too?
Yes. We file the Bill of Entry and handle assessment, and where the project qualifies, the project import registration. Keeping customs and transport with one team avoids the cargo waiting at the port after discharge.
How early should a project shipment be planned?
As early as the drawings are ready. Route surveys, permits and specialised trailers take time to arrange, and heavy-lift vessels sail less often than container ships. Starting early is what keeps the site schedule.
Which ports do you use for heavy cargo?
Mundra and Kandla (Deendayal), both close to our Gandhidham office. They handle breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo and have the yard space to stage it before it moves to site.