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Welcome to The Heavy Transport Association (HTA)

The HTA is the only specialist Trade Association for the heavy/abnormal load industry.  Members include abnormal load hauliers, truck/trailer manufacturers, route surveyors, permit agents, consultants, abnormal load escorters, ferry owners, infrastructure owners/managers, equipment manufacturers and abnormal loads officers.  Our members are consequently highly specialist operators with very different needs over other sectors of the transportation industry. 

FACT:  No infrastructure or major engineering project is possible without our members.

The HTA welcomes eligible new members - apply to join online.

Our History

The HTA was formed in 1983 by a group of heavy haulage operators struggling to cope with less than clear regulations regarding the movement of abnormal loads.  It seemed apparent that enforcement authorities/police officers were not happy to have abnormal loads on the roads and so the operators decided that something had to be done.  Initial meetings were informal and then as news of the meetings spread, more and more operators wanted to attend - that was over 40 yrs ago.

HTA Core Values

Advise members so they can operate safely/within legislation.

Represent our members at local and national levels.  Lobby Ministers and Government, attend liaison meetings, respond to consultations and publish articles in a range of trade publications.

Develop national training standards, industry best practice and cultivating relationships with like-minded trade associations and bodies.

HTA Training


HTAProtect - Free access for members to Dyne Solicitors' Transport Law telephone advice scheme covering road transport law, operator licensing & commercial litigation issues.

Public Announcements/News

What HTA Membership Delivers

  • Lobby and campaign on behalf of members.
  • Keep abreast of UK Legislation: The HTA has access to legal advice via the Secretariat (Dynes Solicitors). 
  • The HTA is the UK Member of ESTA, the leading European association for the abnormal load transport and mobile crane industry - providing insight into operations and networking opportunities with European industry operators.
  • Free legal advice and guidance via HTAProtect.
  • News: Periodic updates and members news on the website.
  • HTA Approved Training Centres - training for Escort Drivers and Escort Managers leading to City & Guilds certificates of competence.
  • Member meetings – raise/discuss the issues affecting the industry.
  • Representation at Industry Liaison Meetings.
Click here to check if you/your business is eligible for HTA membership


The Heavy Transport Association,
The White House, High Street,
Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9PX

e: HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.uk
t: +44 (0)1829 773 104