OOG
Out of Gauge
Also known as: Out of gauge · Over-height · Over-width · Over-length · Oversized cargo
OOG cargo is cargo that sticks out beyond the normal outside size of a container — too high, too wide, or too long. It usually travels on a flat rack, open top, or platform.
In plain words
Containers are stacked in fixed slots on a ship. When cargo is over-height, over-width, or over-length, it blocks the slots next to or above it. The line charges for these lost slots, so OOG freight costs much more than standard freight. The line also needs exact measurements, weights, and the centre of gravity before it accepts the booking.
OOG cargo must be lashed by experienced teams, and some lines ask for a lashing survey. Road legs may need special permits, escort vehicles, or night-time transport. Send drawings and photos early, and allow extra time to get approvals from the line and the authorities.
Example from real shipping
A 4.2 m wide boat is shipped on a 40' flat rack. It is over-width by about 90 cm on each side. The line approves the booking, stows it on deck, and charges for the slots it blocks. In port, a lashing team secures the boat, and the truck to the port travels at night with a permit.
Related terms
- Flat Rack containerA flat rack is a container with a strong floor and two end walls, but no side walls and no roof. It carries large, heavy cargo that does not fit in a closed box.
- Open Top containerAn open top container has no fixed roof. It is covered with a removable tarpaulin, so cargo can be loaded from above with a crane.
- Platform containerA platform is a container base with no walls, no ends, and no roof — just a very strong floor with corner fittings. It carries very large, heavy pieces.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
- Low-loader (Lowbed)A low-loader is a trailer with a very low deck, so tall and heavy machines can be carried without going over the height limit. Many have ramps so vehicles can drive on.
- Modular Trailer (HMT)A modular trailer is built from axle lines that are coupled end to end and side by side. Hydraulic suspension keeps the load level, and the capacity grows with every axle line — up to hundreds of tonnes.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.