What Is the Legal Weight Per Axle on a Semi Truck?

Semi trucks are large vehicles used for transporting goods and materials over long distances. They carry a tremendous amount of weight, and it is important to know the legal weight per axle that is allowed on a semi truck.

The legal weight per axle on a semi truck varies from state to state, but there are some common standards. In general, the maximum allowable weight per axle is 34,000 pounds.

This includes both the weight of the vehicle itself and the load it is carrying.

In addition to this maximum allowable weight, there are other regulations that must be followed when operating a semi truck. The total gross vehicle weight must not exceed 80,000 pounds, and all axles must be evenly distributed with no more than 12,000 pounds on any one axle.

Safety Considerations

It is important to ensure that any weight carried by a semi truck does not exceed the legal limits for safety reasons. If too much weight is placed on an axle, it can cause excessive wear and tear on the vehicle and lead to accidents or breakdowns while in transit. It also increases fuel consumption which can increase costs for businesses that rely on these vehicles.

Axle Weighing

To ensure compliance with legal limits, it is important for businesses that use semi trucks to regularly weigh their axles before departure. This can be done using portable scales or permanent installation systems at truck stops or weigh stations along major roads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the legal weight per axle on a semi truck is essential for safety and compliance purposes. The maximum limit for each axle is 34,000 pounds with no more than 12,000 pounds per single axle and an overall gross vehicle limit of 80,000 pounds. Regularly weighing axles before departure can help prevent accidents or breakdowns caused by overloaded vehicles.

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James Gardner