The maximum load capacity of container trucks and related regulations are always a major concern for trucking companies and transportation businesses. Understanding the load capacity of a 3-axle container truck not only ensures smooth and legal cargo transportation but also guarantees safety on every journey. The following article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình provides a comprehensive overview of 3-axle container truck load capacity, from regulations and calculation methods to important considerations.
What is a 3-Axle Container Truck?
3-axle container truck driving on the highway, demonstrating its ability to transport large volumes of goods.
A 3-axle container truck, also known as a 3-axle tractor truck, is a common type of heavy-duty transportation vehicle in Vietnam. The typical 3-axle configuration for tractor trucks consists of two rear axles and one front axle, providing better load-bearing and weight distribution compared to trucks with fewer axles. 3-axle container trucks are designed to tow trailers or semi-trailers, transporting a variety of goods, and are particularly effective for transporting large quantities of cargo over long distances.
Compared to other types of container trucks, 3-axle container trucks have notable advantages:
- High Load Capacity: The three axles help distribute the load more evenly, allowing for the transport of a larger volume of goods within the regulated limits.
- Operational Stability: The 3-axle structure enhances the truck’s stability during operation, especially on complex terrains or when cornering.
- Suitable for Various Goods: 3-axle container trucks can transport a wide range of goods, from dry goods and bulk cargo to standard containerized freight.
Common Container Sizes for 3-Axle Trucks
The size of the container directly affects the load capacity and transport capability of a 3-axle container truck. Here are the common sizes of some container types frequently used with 3-axle trucks:
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20-foot Container:
- Length: 6.060m
- Width: 2.440m
- Height: 2.590m
- Maximum Load Capacity: Approximately 21.6 tons (depending on the manufacturer and standards)
-
40-foot Container:
- Length: 12.190m
- Width: 2.440m
- Height: 2.590m
- Maximum Load Capacity: Approximately 26.5 tons (depending on the manufacturer and standards)
-
45-foot Container:
- Length: 13.716m
- Width: 2.500m
- Height: 2.896m
- Maximum Load Capacity: Approximately 29 – 30 tons (depending on the manufacturer and standards)
It’s important to note that these are reference sizes and load capacities. The actual dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific standards of each container type.
3-Axle Container Truck Load Regulations in Vietnam
To ensure road safety and protect road infrastructure, Vietnamese law has strict regulations regarding the load capacity of container trucks, including 3-axle trucks. Understanding and complying with these regulations is the responsibility of every vehicle owner and driver.
According to current regulations, the maximum total weight allowed for a 3-axle tractor truck pulling a semi-trailer is 26 tons. This regulation is clearly stated in legal documents such as:
- Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT: Regulations on axle load, total vehicle load; vehicle size limits; cargo loading on automobiles when participating in road traffic.
- Road Traffic Law 2008: General regulations on road transport and the responsibilities of road users.
Overloading a 3-axle container truck is not only a violation of the law but also poses numerous risks:
- Traffic Safety Hazards: Overloaded vehicles are difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when braking suddenly or cornering.
- Vehicle Damage: Overloading reduces the vehicle’s lifespan, causing damage to the suspension system, tires, and other components.
- Road Structure Damage: Overloaded vehicles exert significant pressure on the road surface, reducing the lifespan of transportation infrastructure.
- Administrative Penalties: Overloaded vehicles will be penalized according to the law, resulting in costly expenses and time delays.
Detailed Calculation of 3-Axle Container Truck Load
To determine the maximum cargo load that a 3-axle container truck can carry, it’s essential to understand how to calculate load capacity. The basic load capacity calculation formula is as follows:
Allowable Cargo Load = Maximum Allowable Total Weight of Vehicle – Vehicle’s Empty Weight – Weight of People on Board (if any)
Where:
- Maximum Allowable Total Weight of Vehicle: For a 3-axle container truck (tractor and semi-trailer), this figure is 26 tons according to current regulations.
- Vehicle’s Empty Weight: This information is clearly stated in the vehicle’s registration certificate. The empty weight of a 3-axle container truck typically varies depending on the model, brand, and specific configuration.
- Weight of People on Board: Usually insignificant and can be disregarded when calculating cargo load.
Example:
Suppose a 3-axle container truck has an empty weight of 10 tons. According to regulations, the maximum allowable total weight is 26 tons. Therefore, the maximum cargo load that the truck can carry is:
26 tons – 10 tons = 16 tons
Thus, for the 3-axle container truck in this example, the safe and legal cargo load is 16 tons.
Diagram illustrating the formula for calculating container truck load, highlighting the difference between total weight, vehicle weight, and cargo load.
3-Axle Container Truck Axle Load and Influencing Factors
In addition to the total load, axle load is also an important factor to consider when operating a 3-axle container truck. Axle load is the weight distributed on each axle and also has regulatory limits to protect roads.
Axle Load Regulations (according to Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT):
- Single Axle: Load not exceeding 10 tons.
- Tandem Axle (2 axles):
- Distance between 2 axles (d) < 1.0m: Load not exceeding 11 tons.
- 1.0m ≤ d < 1.3m: Load not exceeding 16 tons.
- d ≥ 1.3m: Load not exceeding 18 tons.
- Tridem Axle (3 axles):
- Distance between adjacent axles (d) ≤ 1.3m: Load not exceeding 21 tons.
- d > 1.3m: Load not exceeding 24 tons.
Factors Affecting the Load Capacity of a 3-Axle Container Truck:
- Vehicle Configuration: Number of axles, distance between axles, and type of tires affect load-bearing capacity.
- Container Type: Container size and materials determine the container’s empty weight and maximum load capacity.
- Cargo Type: The density of the cargo determines the actual load when the container is full. Heavy goods such as steel and cement will quickly reach the load limit compared to light goods such as cotton and fabric.
- Cargo Distribution: The way cargo is arranged in the container also affects the distribution of the load on the axles. Cargo needs to be evenly distributed to avoid localized overloading on any one axle.
Consequences and Penalties for Overloading a 3-Axle Container Truck
Violations of regulations regarding the load capacity of a 3-axle container truck will be severely penalized according to Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP (amended by Decree 123/2021/NĐ-CP). The amount of the fine can range from several million to tens of millions of Vietnamese Dong, depending on the extent of the overload.
Reference Penalties (subject to change according to current regulations):
- Overload from 10% to 20%: Fine of VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 for the vehicle driver; VND 6,000,000 to VND 8,000,000 for individual vehicle owners; VND 12,000,000 to VND 16,000,000 for vehicle owners that are organizations.
- Overload from 20% to 50%: Fine of VND 5,000,000 to VND 7,000,000 for the vehicle driver; VND 14,000,000 to VND 16,000,000 for individual vehicle owners; VND 28,000,000 to VND 32,000,000 for vehicle owners that are organizations.
- Overload over 50%: The penalties are even higher, potentially reaching tens of millions of Vietnamese Dong.
In addition to fines, the violating vehicle may also have its driver’s license suspended, be required to unload the excess cargo, and be subject to other remedial measures as prescribed.
Important Considerations for Carrying Cargo within the Load Capacity of a 3-Axle Container Truck
To ensure safe, efficient, and legal cargo transportation, owners and drivers of 3-axle container trucks need to note:
- Understand the Regulations: Regularly update on the latest regulations regarding vehicle load, axle load, and related legal documents.
- Check Vehicle Weight: Accurately determine the vehicle’s empty weight and cargo weight before transportation. Use a weighbridge for verification when necessary.
- Choose the Right Container: Select a container type with dimensions and load capacity suitable for the type of cargo being transported.
- Arrange Cargo Scientifically: Distribute cargo evenly in the container, avoiding concentrating too much weight in one area.
- Plan Transportation Logically: Carefully calculate cargo load and travel routes to ensure safety and avoid the risk of penalties.
- Regularly Inspect the Vehicle: Perform routine vehicle maintenance, check the suspension system, tires, and load-bearing components to ensure the vehicle is always in good operating condition.
- Raise Awareness of Compliance: Drivers need to raise their awareness of compliance with the law regarding load capacity, and not carry overloaded cargo for profit, endangering themselves and the community.
Conclusion:
Understanding the regulations regarding the load capacity of 3-axle container trucks is a key factor in ensuring safe, efficient, and legal transportation operations. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes this article has provided useful information, helping readers better understand this issue and find the best transportation solutions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Xe Tải Mỹ Đình for advice and support!
