Tractor Trailer Axle Weights – Heavy Haul Trucking
There are several different types of axle configurations, and states vary on what the rules are for these different axle configurations, so please check your local laws before committing to a particular type of axle configuration.
Axle Configurations
A drive tandem and a trailer tandem are the most common tractor trailer axle configurations, with a single axle being used in smaller tractor trailers, spread axle trailers, or as a booster.
State Regulations
Max Legal Limits u2013 This is the maximum weight an axle configuration with a permit is allowed to weigh. Typically 34,000 lbs on a tandem. Max Permit Limit u2013 This is the maximum weight an axle configuration with a permit is allowed to weigh.
Gross Weight Limit
The maximum gross weight of a shipment with a tractor trailer combination is 80,000 pounds, but this is only half of the story; states also have axle weight limits, which make loading a trailer without going over on a set of axles extremely difficult.
What is the maximum weight for a 53 foot trailer?
53-foot trailers are the most common types of dry vans on the road, with typical dimensions of 53u2032 x 8u2032 6u201d x 8u2032 6u201d (lwh) and the ability to carry up to 45,000 pounds of freight and 26 standard pallet positions across their floor space.
What is the legal weight limit for a tractor trailer?
Maximum gross vehicle weights and axle loads are regulated by federal law on the Interstate System, with federal limits of 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group, as well as length and width standards on the National Network (NN).
What is the max legal weight allowed for semi tractor?
Federal regulations require a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds, a single axle weight of 20,000 pounds, and tandem axle weights of 34,000 pounds.
What is the weight limit for a 18 wheeler?
According to Federal Highway Administration regulations, the maximum allowed weight limit for 18-wheelers in the United States is 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons, which includes the tractor, trailer, and cargo weight. This limit was set to avoid damage to roads and bridges.
How many pallets can you fit on a 53 foot trailer?
A standard GMA pallet is 48″ long by 40″ wide, so a 53-foot trailer (which is 636″ long) will fit 13 pallets lengthwise, plus about 1 foot extra, and these trailers are wide enough for two rows of pallets, so each 53-foot trailer will hold 26 pallets.
How much does an empty 53 foot trailer weigh?
The unladen weight of a 53-foot trailer is around 10,000 pounds, for a total unladen weight of around 35,000 pounds.
What weight requires a DOT number?
If you operate in interstate commerce and meet the following criteria, a USDOT Number is required: You have vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds (GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW) You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect.
How many seconds is a safe following distance for a 18 wheeler?
What is the proper following distance for truck drivers? The proper following distance for truck drivers is seven to eight seconds, which you should strive to maintain and be ready to increase to double that amount if the weather worsens.
How much weight can you haul without a dot?
If you have a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, a DOT number is required. If you are being paid to transport 9 to 15 people, a DOT number is required. If you are operating a vehicle that can haul 16 or more people, a DOT number is required.
How heavy is an empty semi truck?
A semi towing an empty trailer weighs about 35,000 pounds, while a big rig towing a fully loaded trailer weighs around 80,000 pounds.
What is the gross vehicle weight of a semi truck?
80,000 lbs. gross weight
What happens if truck is overweight?
For overweight loads up to 10,000 pounds, a truck company can be fined $65 per pound; after 10,000 pounds, the fine rises to $125 per pound. State laws vary across the country, and many only charge a few pennies per pound when the load is overweight.
What is the dot weight limit per axle?
In addition to the Bridge Formula weight limits, Federal law limits single axles to 20,000 pounds and tandem axles to 34,000 pounds when spaced more than 40 inches apart but less than 96 inches apart.