#Legal axle weight distribution drivers
Also mind that trying to get around the limits by falsifying the weights on your overweight permit may be a felony.Ĭonsequently, it is important that both drivers and dispatchers understand truck loading and weight limits for axles and axle groups even before accepting the load. You can see an overview of overweight fines by state here.Īdditionally most states classify violation of overweight limits as a misdemeanor, and while not a felony, may be punishable by periods of probation, community service, and/or jail time that may be weeks, part time, and up to a year. Most states will also add court costs that may double the total cost of the fine.
#Legal axle weight distribution driver
The fines for a grossly overweight vehicle can reach tens of thousands of dollars, and when a fine is levied for an overweight condition, it is the driver who will be cited and have that citation on his driving record. If you get caught overweight on an axle, gross vehicle weight, or worse haven’t purchased an overweight permit, the consequences can be devastating. Fixing roads is a huge expense to the state, so they will transfer that expense to you. Moving the product forward or backward will distribute weight differently.Ĭhanging the kingpin setting and/or moving the trailer axle group forward or backward.Īxle spacing within an axle group has a lot to do with what is allowed by states, so check with the states directly.Why axle weight limits are important to truckers Not to over simplify this process, but typically an item can be adjusted in the case above you might move the product toward the back of the flatbed so the weight is evenly distributed on both the drive and trailer tandem axles. For example you might have 80,000 lbs total on your trailer like the image below, but you are over the legal limit on the drive tandem. However, it’s very difficult to get a trailer loaded so your axle weights would equal 80,000 lbs without going over on a set of axles. If you add all those weights up you get 80,000 lbs. So the image below shows a typical flatbed setup with max legal weight limits listed. States also have as mentioned axle weight limits. The max gross weight of a shipment with a tractor trailer combination is 80,000 lbs. – This is the max weight allowed on any axle configuration with a permit. – The max weight allowed on any axle configuration without requiring a permit. So review our Permits and Escorts Page for a list of axle weight limits by state. – Four axles arranged together and found on trailers.Īs mentioned, states range when it comes to axle limits. – Three axles arranged together and are found on drives, trailers, or both. Generally you have a drive tandem and a trailer tandem. – This is the most common tractor trailer axle configuration setup. – A single axle is generally seen in a smaller tractor trailer setup or on a spread axle trailer or as a booster. – The first axle and in fact steers the tractor. So lets break it down: Axle Configurations Secondly, states vary about what the rules are for these different axle configurations. The first thing to point out is there are several different types of axle configurations. Knowing the tractor trailer axle weights is vital to ensure a shipment is hauled legally. Understanding axle weights is extremely important in the heavy haul industry.