Trucking is becoming a popular choice for businesses due to its cost-effectiveness and safety. This article provides detailed information on regulations, dimensions, weight limits, and important considerations when using trucking services.
Trucks play a crucial role in road transportation and freight transport. With the increasing volume of goods being transported, trucking services on domestic routes, across borders, and especially to seaports are becoming increasingly essential.
Choosing the Right Truck
Selection of different types of semi-trucks
One thing to keep in mind when renting a truck is its ability to move into warehouses, avoid power lines, and allow two vehicles to pass each other safely. To check, the cargo owner should contact the freight forwarding company or the trucking company directly to choose the appropriate vehicle.
Trucks are often used to transport bulky, heavy goods such as boxcars or large vehicle convoys that require high-powered tractors.
Regulations on Cargo Length
Illustration of cargo length limits on a truck
The length of cargo loaded on motor vehicles must not exceed 1.1 times the overall length of the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s design or the approved modified design, and must not exceed 20 meters. When carrying goods longer than the vehicle’s cargo bed, appropriate warning signs must be displayed, and the cargo must be securely fastened to ensure traffic safety.
Truck Weight Regulations
Image of a weigh station checking truck weight
Since April 1, 2014, authorities have been conducting nationwide vehicle weight inspections, especially on key national highways.
The arrangement of goods on road vehicles must comply with regulations on: the total weight of the vehicle, axle load, height, width, and length of cargo allowed for the vehicle, and must not exceed the vehicle’s designed load capacity as stated in the vehicle registration certificate.
Total vehicle weight:
- For truck combinations with trailers or semi-trailers:
- With a total of three axles, the total vehicle weight ≤ 26 tons;
- With a total of four axles, the total vehicle weight ≤ 34 tons;
- With a total of five or more axles, the total vehicle weight ≤ 40 tons.
- For vehicle combinations with trailers or semi-trailers: The total weight of the vehicle combination includes the total weight of the vehicle and the total axle load of the trailer or semi-trailer being towed, but must not exceed 45 tons.
Cargo Height, Width, and Length
Diagram illustrating height, width, and length limits for truck cargo
- Height: For specialized trucks and container trucks, the height of loaded cargo (measured from the highest point of the road surface upwards) must not exceed 4.2 meters (effective from January 1, 2011).
- Width: The allowable width of cargo loaded on road vehicles is the width of the vehicle’s cargo bed according to the manufacturer’s design or the approved modified design.
- Length: (As mentioned above). When carrying goods longer than the vehicle’s cargo bed, appropriate warning signs must be displayed, and the cargo must be securely fastened.
Complying with regulations on truck weight limits and cargo dimensions helps to minimize traffic accidents and ensure public safety.
