In the field of cargo transportation, two-axle truck weight limits are a crucial factor that every driver and vehicle owner needs to understand thoroughly. Clearly understanding and complying with weight regulations not only ensures traffic safety and extends vehicle lifespan but also avoids unnecessary fines. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Truck), a leading website about trucks, will provide a comprehensive and in-depth look at two-axle truck weight limits, helping you feel secure on every journey.
What is Axle Load and Why is it Important?
To fully understand two-axle truck weight limits, we first need to grasp the basic concept of axle load. According to the national technical regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT, axle load is defined as the portion of the vehicle’s total weight distributed on each axle. Two-axle trucks, as the name suggests, have two main load-bearing axles: the front axle and the rear axle. Each of these axles has a specific load-bearing capacity, known as the axle load limit.
Complying with two-axle truck weight limits is extremely important for the following reasons:
- Traffic safety: Overloaded axles reduce control, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during sudden braking or cornering.
- Road infrastructure protection: Exceeding the prescribed weight limits damages and degrades roads and bridges, increasing maintenance costs and affecting the community.
- Vehicle lifespan: Regularly overloading puts pressure on the suspension, tires, and chassis, reducing lifespan and increasing vehicle repair costs.
- Avoiding fines and legal issues: Violating axle load regulations leads to heavy administrative fines and even driver’s license revocation.
Understanding and adhering to two-axle truck weight limits is the responsibility of every road user, and it is also a way to protect assets and operate transportation businesses sustainably.
Current Regulations on Two-Axle Truck Weight Limits
So, what are the two-axle truck weight limits? Vietnamese law has specific regulations to control this issue, clearly stated in Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT. Below are the key points to note regarding two-axle truck weight limits:
Single Axle Load (Applicable to Two-Axle Trucks)
For two-axle trucks, each axle is considered a single axle. According to regulations, the single axle load must not exceed 10 tons. This means that the total weight distributed on the front or rear axle of a two-axle truck must not be greater than 10,000 kg.
Gross Vehicle Weight for Two-Axle Trucks
In addition to the limit for each axle, two-axle trucks must also comply with the gross vehicle weight. Although regulations do not directly specify the gross vehicle weight for two-axle trucks, it can be inferred from the single axle load and regulations related to the total vehicle weight and road clearance limits. Typically, the gross vehicle weight of a two-axle truck (including both the vehicle and cargo) will depend on the manufacturer’s design and must not exceed the permitted total weight stated in the vehicle registration certificate.
Axle Spacing and its Impact on Weight Limits
The distance between the two axles (front and rear) is also an important factor affecting two-axle truck weight limits. Although regulations on tandem axles and tridem axles mention axle spacing, for two-axle trucks, this distance is usually optimally designed by the manufacturer to ensure reasonable load distribution and compliance with safety and technical regulations.
Illustration of a two-axle truck showing the front and rear axle positions.
How to Calculate Two-Axle Truck Weight Limits Simply and Accurately
To ensure compliance with two-axle truck weight limits, calculating and checking the weight before each trip is essential. Below are the steps and formulas Xe Tải Mỹ Đình guides you on how to calculate weight limits simply and accurately:
1. Determine the Vehicle’s Kerb Weight
This information is usually clearly stated in the vehicle registration certificate or owner’s manual. This is the weight of the vehicle when unloaded, including fuel, oil, and standard equipment.
2. Determine the Permitted Payload
The permitted payload is also specified by the manufacturer and stated in the registration certificate. This is the maximum weight of cargo that the vehicle is allowed to carry.
3. Calculate the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) According to Design
GVW = Kerb Weight + Permitted Payload
GVW is the maximum total weight that the vehicle is allowed to reach when loaded.
4. Axle Load Distribution
This is a crucial step to check two-axle truck weight limits. Although accurately calculating the load distribution on each axle is quite complex and depends on many factors such as the cargo’s center of gravity and vehicle design, you can estimate and check using the following methods:
- Use an axle scale: This is the most accurate method. Current weigh stations can measure the weight on each axle of the vehicle.
- Estimate load distribution: When loading cargo, try to distribute it evenly across the vehicle bed, avoiding concentrating too much weight towards the front or rear. Typically, the rear axle will bear more load than the front axle.
- Refer to manufacturer specifications: Some manufacturers provide information on axle load distribution in the technical documentation.
Simple estimation formula (for reference):
- Rear axle load ≈ (Total cargo weight / 2) + Kerb weight of the rear part of the vehicle
- Front axle load ≈ (Total cargo weight / 2) + Kerb weight of the front part of the vehicle
Note: This is just an estimation formula and does not replace checking with an axle scale. For absolute accuracy, especially when carrying heavy loads, you should use a specialized axle scale.
Penalties for Violating Two-Axle Truck Weight Limits and Consequences
Violating regulations on two-axle truck weight limits is not only dangerous but also faces severe penalties according to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP). Below are some common penalties related to axle overload:
- Exceeding 10% – 20% of axle load:
- Fine: From 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND for the vehicle operator.
- Driver’s License Suspension: From 01 to 03 months.
- Exceeding 20% – 50% of axle load:
- Fine: From 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND for the vehicle operator.
- Driver’s License Suspension: From 01 to 03 months.
- Exceeding over 50% of axle load:
- Fine: From 5,000,000 VND to 7,000,000 VND for the vehicle operator.
- Driver’s License Suspension: From 02 to 04 months.
In addition to fines for drivers, vehicle owners may also be heavily fined if overloading occurs. Furthermore, violating two-axle truck weight limits also causes many other serious consequences:
- Vehicle damage: Causing issues with tires, suspension, brakes, gearbox, engine, leading to significant repair costs.
- Safety hazard: Increasing the risk of traffic accidents, causing damage to people and property.
- Business disruption: Vehicle impoundment for violation processing, affecting delivery schedules and business reputation.
Experience in Operating Two-Axle Trucks and Weight Limit Considerations
To operate two-axle trucks safely and efficiently while complying with two-axle truck weight limits, Xe Tải Mỹ Đình shares some important experiences and notes:
- Understand vehicle specifications: Always check the registration certificate and owner’s manual to know the kerb weight, permitted payload, and other technical specifications of the vehicle.
- Choose the right vehicle: Select a two-axle truck with a load capacity suitable for your cargo transportation needs.
- Load cargo scientifically: Distribute cargo evenly across the vehicle bed, ensuring a stable center of gravity and avoiding overloading one axle.
- Check tires regularly: Tires are the direct load-bearing components. Ensure tires are always in good condition and tire pressure is at the standard.
- Drive carefully: Drive at appropriate speeds, especially when cornering, going uphill or downhill, or on bad roads. Avoid sudden braking and abrupt steering.
- Regularly check weight: Use axle scales periodically to check and ensure the vehicle is not overloaded.
- Update on the latest regulations: Traffic laws and weight limit regulations may change. Always update with the latest information to comply with the law.
Illustration of truck axle weighing, a precise method for checking weight limits.
Conclusion
Two-axle truck weight limits are an important issue that cannot be ignored in cargo transportation. Understanding the regulations, knowing how to calculate, and complying with weight limits not only helps you avoid legal and financial risks but also ensures safety for yourself and the community.
Xe Tải Mỹ Đình hopes this article has provided you with useful and necessary information about two-axle truck weight limits. If you have any questions or need further advice on trucks and truck parts, please contact us immediately for dedicated support.
Xe Tải Mỹ Đình – Your trusted companion on every road!
Contact us now:
Hotline: 09xxxxxxxxx Website: www.xetaimydinh.vn Address: [Address of Xe Tải Mỹ Đình]
References:
- National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT
- Circular 46/2015/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport
- Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP) of the Government
