Course in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics
Online 300-hour course in heavy machinery transport logistics. 6 modules covering RD 2822/1998 (General Vehicle Regulation, special authorisations), Directive 96/53/EC (maximum weights and dimensions) and AutoTURN (turning path simulation). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics — studying from Malta
Malta's construction, quarrying and infrastructure activity creates demand for heavy machinery, specialist vehicles and their maintenance. Contractors, plant hire companies and public works departments rely on skilled technicians and engineers to keep equipment safe and productive. The island's rugged terrain and coastal conditions also support niche markets in agricultural and marine-adjacent machinery. Engineers in this area commonly work with equipment dealers, contractors and public authorities responsible for fleet management.
Fees for Malta: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which Maltese authorities regulate special vehicles and machinery, and does this qualification fit?
Machinery and vehicle safety in Malta follow EU-derived rules, with Transport Malta handling vehicle matters and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority overseeing workplace machinery. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private and not official state degrees or accredited by a national body. Recognition for regulated roles is for employers or the relevant authority to decide.
Where might off-road and machinery engineers find work in Malta?
Malta's opportunities in this field are mostly in construction, plant hire, equipment maintenance and the marine and industrial services sectors. Employers in these areas usually value hands-on experience highly. How they view a private online qualification is for each employer to decide, so asking them directly is worthwhile.
Is employer funding available, and how demanding is the English language requirement?
Employer sponsorship is possible, and tuition can be paid in instalments. Programmes are taught fully in English, so you should be comfortable with technical English reading and writing. The online format lets you study around work, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme chosen.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify special transport types and low-loader, platform and modular vehicles.
Process special circulation authorisations in accordance with current regulations.
Prepare a route study including analysis of clearances, bridges and turning radii.
Calculate cargo stowage and securing in line with the criteria of EN 12195-1.
Plan escorts, accompanying vehicles and convoy signage.
Define contingency plans for incidents during transport.
Estimate costs, insurance and liabilities for a heavy machinery transport project.
Who it's for
- Special transport manager looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Route study technician looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Machinery logistics coordinator looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Traffic and authorisations manager looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Cargo stowage and securing technician looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Heavy transport fleet manager looking to specialise in Heavy Machinery Transport Logistics.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter special road transport.
What you'll work with
- RD 2822/1998 (General Vehicle Regulation, special authorisations)
- Directive 96/53/EC (maximum weights and dimensions)
- EN 12195-1 (load securing on road vehicles)
- RD 1428/2003 (General Traffic Regulation)
- Directive 2014/47/EU (roadside technical inspection, load securing)
- EN 12195-2 (synthetic fibre lashing straps)
- Regulation (EC) 561/2006 (driving and rest times)
- Law 15/2009 (contract for the road transport of goods)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Types of load: excavators, cranes, plants and indivisible pieces1.2Indivisible load and special transport: definitions1.3Load characterisation: mass, dimensions and centre of gravity1.4Platforms, low-loaders, extendable trailers and modular systems1.5Load capacity, axle load distribution and configurations1.6Lashing elements and machine anchor points1.7Partial dismantling to reduce clearance1.8Auxiliary equipment: cranes, ramps and pilot vehicles1.9Technical documentation of the machine to be transported1.10Workshop: technical sheet for a transport operation
2.1Maximum masses and dimensions and their excesses2.2Complementary circulation authorisations2.3Generic and specific authorisation: when each applies2.4Authorised routes and route study2.5Signage, accompanying vehicles and escorts2.6Timetables and circulation restrictions2.7Insurance and required guarantees2.8International transport and authorisations by country2.9Liability for damage to infrastructure2.10Practice: application for a special transport authorisation
3.1Route survey and critical points3.2Vertical clearances: bridges, tunnels and overhead lines3.3Turning radii, gradients and roundabouts3.4Load-bearing capacity of bridges and crossings3.5Ongoing works and alternatives3.6Access to origin and destination; manoeuvring areas3.7Calculation of load distribution and bearing pressures3.8Coordination with road and utility owners3.9Drawings and route study report3.10Practice: route study for a crane transport
4.1Principles of load securing and the forces involved4.2Calculation of lashings and selection of elements4.3Securing of tracked and wheeled machinery4.4Locking of moving parts and booms4.5Protection of surfaces and sensitive components4.6Loading operations with crane and ramps4.7Lifting plan and responsibilities4.8Pre-departure verification4.9Fixing of loose parts and accessories4.10Practice: stowage and securing plan for an excavator
5.1Pre-departure meeting and allocation of roles5.2Communications during the convoy5.3Speeds, distances and manoeuvres on narrow roads5.4Stops, overnight stays and cargo custody5.5Adverse weather and decision to suspend5.6Incidents: breakdown, blockage and damage to infrastructure5.7Emergency and evacuation plan5.8Operation records and evidence5.9Closing the operation and delivery5.10Case study: clearance incident en route
6.1Cost structure of a special transport6.2Budget and client offer6.3Insurance involved: cargo, liability and machinery6.4Distribution of liability between client and carrier6.5Contract for the transport of indivisible pieces6.6Subcontracting and subcontractor control6.7Quality indicators for the operation6.8Document management of the file6.9Common errors in special transport6.10Final project: complete file for a machinery transport
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is AutoTURN (turning path simulation), AutoCAD, QGIS, advanced Excel, PTV Map&Guide, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work covers real route study procedures with swept path simulation, stowage and lashing plans on a low-loader, and supervision of loading and unloading operations. Assessment is continuous across each module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify special transport types and low-loader, platform and modular vehicles.
Process special circulation authorisations in accordance with current regulations.
Prepare a route study including analysis of clearances, bridges and turning radii.
Calculate cargo stowage and securing in line with the criteria of EN 12195-1.
Plan escorts, accompanying vehicles and convoy signage.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with AutoTURN (turning path simulation), AutoCAD, QGIS, advanced Excel, PTV Map&Guide. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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