Transporting and shipping a flagpole in Sweden
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the Swedish original. Where the two versions differ, the Swedish text is the original.
A flagpole is often six to twelve metres long in one piece, which makes transporting it a small challenge of its own. Here is an overview of what the rules say and what can be useful to consider.
Rules for projecting loads
The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) describes the rules for loads that project from the vehicle:
- On the road, the outermost part of the load is to be clearly marked when the load projects in front of the vehicle or more than one metre behind it.
- When driving in the dark, a projecting load is to be marked with lights and reflectors, white to the front and red to the rear.
- The Transport Agency mentions a red pennant as an example of marking.
According to the Transport Agency, the load is also to be secured so that it cannot shift or fall off. It is worth bearing in mind that a long pole lying loose can slide forwards when braking.
Transporting a pole oneself
- Trailer: a long trailer is often the simplest option for a pole of 6–8 metres.
- Roof rack: sometimes used for sectional and shorter poles. It is worth bearing in mind that the roof rack has a maximum load.
- The surface: support points and ratchet straps can chafe glass fibre or paint if no protection is used.
- Bending: it is worth bearing in mind that a long glass-fibre pole resting on only two points can bend and be damaged on an uneven road.
- Finial and pulley: many fit them only on site.
Home delivery and shipping
- Long loads: one-piece poles are often delivered by a carrier that handles long goods. It is worth bearing in mind that the vehicle needs to be able to get through and that space is needed for unloading.
- Sectional poles: many manufacturers have poles in two or more sections that are joined on site. They are easier to ship and to carry onto a plot without vehicle access.
- Transport damage: scratches, cracks and bends are easiest to make a complaint about if they are discovered and documented at delivery.
Storage
A pole that is to lie down for a while, before raising or over the winter, does not bend as easily if it lies flat and is supported at several points. It is worth bearing in mind that the surface can chafe against what it rests on and that a pole on the ground can be easy to trip over or drive into.
A worn-out pole
An old pole going to the recycling centre often needs cutting to fit in the car. It is worth bearing in mind that dust and fibres from glass fibre can irritate the skin and airways. More in the guide to flagpole lifespan.
What happens once the pole is on site is covered in the guide to flagpole installation.
Frequently asked questions
What applies to a load projecting behind the car in Sweden?
According to the Swedish Transport Agency, the outermost part of the load is to be clearly marked when the load projects in front of the vehicle or more than one metre behind it. In the dark, a projecting load is to be marked with lights and reflectors, white to the front and red to the rear.
Can a flagpole be carried on a car roof?
Shorter or sectional poles are sometimes carried on a roof rack. It is worth bearing in mind that the roof rack has a maximum load, that a long pole can sway and catch the wind, and that the rules on projecting loads and load securing apply here too.
How are flagpoles delivered when bought?
Flagpoles are often delivered in one piece by a long-load carrier, or in two sections joined on site. It is worth bearing in mind that the delivery vehicle needs to be able to get through and that a long package needs space when it is unloaded.
How is a flagpole stored lying down?
A pole lying flat and supported at several points does not bend as easily. It is worth bearing in mind that the surface can chafe against what it rests on and that a pole lying on the ground can be easy to trip over.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Swedish:
- Lastsäkring – Transportstyrelsen
- Sveriges flagga – flaggstänger – Riksarkivet
Related guides
- Flagpole installationInstalling a flagpole in Sweden: when planning permission is required, placement, underground cables, foundations, ground sleeves and raising the pole.
- Types of flagpolesFree-standing, hinged, telescopic and wall-mounted poles, internal or external halyard: the most common flagpoles in Sweden and where they are usually used.
- Flagpole materialsComparing flagpoles in glass fibre, aluminium, steel and wood: strength, weight, maintenance and what suits the Swedish climate, houses and businesses.
- Lifespan and sustainabilityHow long do a flagpole, halyard, flag and pennant last? What affects their lifespan in Sweden and what applies to worn-out poles and flags.