Weight declarations - what do I need to be aware of before I travel?

Vehicle weight limits are in operation on our vessels. The management of weight limits includes vehicle length, ramp length, total weight, weight per axle, number of wheels per axle and load distribution. If you have any questions about the suitability of your vehicle's weight, please speak with our port team at the time of your booking.   

Specifically, please be aware of the arrangements for the following routes:  

• Largs - Cumbrae  
• Wemyss Bay - Rothesay   
• Oban - Craignure   

If you are travelling with an abnormal load or mobile crane, please check the information under the headings: 

• Abnormal loads  
• Mobile cranes   

Largs - Cumbrae   

Please review the weight guidance and criteria for this route outlined below. 

Once you have reviewed the weight guidance below, please call the port of departure if you think:   

• the vehicle's weight exceeds the maximum allowable ramp limit, or   
• does not comply with the criteria listed below, or if you are in any way uncertain about the suitability of your vehicle's weight.   

Our team will discuss details and ask you to complete the necessary documentation.

On arrival at our port, please inform the port staff who will then assess the vehicle and / or load separately for suitability.  

Weight guidance and criteria:   

The management of weight limits includes vehicle length, ramp length, total weight, weight per axle, number of wheels per axle and load distribution.   

• Any vehicle under 12 metres in length with a weight more than the weights listed below would exceed the ramp's safe working load (SWL) and therefore cannot be carried.   
• Any other vehicle which complies with the following axle weights can be considered on an individual basis.   
  • Single axle road vehicle axle load 8 tonnes on two wheels. Road Vehicle, bogie load 28 tonnes, 2 axles, 1.3 metres apart - Axle load max 14 tonnes on four wheels.   
  • Road vehicle, bogie load 24 tonnes, 3 axles, 1.3 metres apart - Axle load max 8 tonnes on 2 wheels.  

Wemyss Bay - Rothesay  

MV Argyle and MV Bute which operate on the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route have a restriction in place of 2-wheel axle - 8 tonnes and 4-wheel axle - 14 tonnes. Please check with the port of departure before travel.
 
Oban-Craignure 
 
Craignure linkspan has weight restrictions. Please check with the port when booking your space. Vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes must have prior written permission from Argyll and Bute Council. This can be obtained from: abnormalloads@argyll-bute.gov.uk 

Abnormal loads  

If you are intending to ship an abnormal load i.e. over 44 tonnes, over 18 metres in length, 2.58 metres in width, 4.57 metres in height and/or having an axle weight over 10.5 tonnes, please contact the port of departure to discuss your travel arrangements and any documentation you may require to present before you travel.   

If required, commercial vehicle drivers must produce a written declaration at the time of shipment that includes: 

• A general description of the cargo 
• The Gross Vehicle Mass 
• Details of any relevant special properties of the cargo 

Vehicles travelling on services from Oban, Stornoway, Ullapool and Kennacraig don't need this declaration as they will be weighed at the port. However, a description of cargo and relevant special properties must be given at time of weighing. We reserve the right to weigh vehicles and trailers at any port.   

Mobile cranes  

If you are transporting a mobile crane, please provide prior notification to the port of departure before travel.    

Commercial vehicle and light goods vehicle operators are reminded that it is the responsibility of the operator and the driver to ensure that the vehicle is not loaded over and above the plated weight. Vehicles more than their plated weight will be refused shipment. Any vehicle weighing over 3.5 tonnes will be charged as a commercial vehicle for the purpose of shipment.  

Before you travel

We recommend checking your route to and from the port before travelling, as certain roads may have height and weight restrictions.