Since 1 July 2025, Circular 12/2025/TT‑BXD of the Ministry of Construction has replaced Circular 39/2024/TT‑BGTVT. This article summarises the limits that define oversized and overweight cargo and what shippers need to know before moving it.
The regulation in force
Circular 12/2025/TT‑BXD, issued by the Minister of Construction on 30 June 2025 and effective from 1 July 2025, governs road load and dimension limits, oversize and overweight vehicles, tracked vehicles, oversized cargo transport, cargo loading and vehicle circulation permits. It fully replaces Circular 39/2024/TT‑BGTVT.
Limits that define oversized and overweight cargo
Under Article 10 of Circular 12/2025/TT‑BXD, indivisible cargo is oversized or overweight when, once loaded, the vehicle or combination exceeds at least one of these limits:
| Criterion | Limit |
|---|---|
| Length | over 20 m |
| Width | over 2.5 m |
| Height (from road surface) | over 4.2 m; container carriers: over 4.35 m |
| Gross mass of vehicle and cargo | over 48 tonnes |
Points to watch
- Limits apply to the loaded vehicle, not only to the cargo. A 3.5 m high unit on a trailer deck can exceed 4.2 m.
- The 48-tonne figure includes the tractor and trailer, so cargo lighter than 48 t can still be overweight.
- Exceeding any single criterion is enough to fall under the rules.
Who issues circulation permits?
Vehicles carrying oversized or overweight cargo need a circulation permit. Under Circular 12/2025/TT‑BXD, permit authority has moved to provincial Departments of Construction. The circular also provides for road surveys to support the circulation of oversize and overweight vehicles.
What shippers should prepare
- Drawings and data for each unit: dimensions, weight, centre of gravity and lifting points.
- Pick-up point (port, factory) and delivery point (site), with site conditions.
- Cargo ready date and required on-site date.
- Any owner or EPC requirements for methods and safety.
Check your cargo quickly
GLOGIMEX offers a quick check tool on the Heavy Haul & OOG Transport page: enter dimensions and weight, see instantly whether limits are exceeded, then send the data to receive a transport plan.