Check truck axle weights against federal and state limits. Verify steer, drive, and tandem axle compliance with FMCSA 80,000 lb GVW and per-axle regulations.
Federal law limits commercial vehicle weights: 12,000 lbs on the steer axle, 34,000 lbs on a tandem (drive or trailer), and 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. States may have stricter limits, especially on secondary roads and posted bridges. Exceeding any single limit triggers fines and potential out-of-service orders.
Drivers and dispatchers must verify axle weights before departing the shipper. Even a load under the 80,000 lb GVW can have an individual axle overweight due to improper weight distribution. This is one of the most common citations at weigh stations.
This calculator lets you enter actual or estimated axle weights and instantly see whether each axle group complies with federal limits. Use it before departing to avoid costly fines, out-of-service delays, and unsafe driving conditions.
Supply-chain managers, warehouse operators, and shipping coordinators rely on precise axle weight limit data to maintain efficiency and control costs across complex distribution networks. Revisit this calculator whenever conditions change to keep your logistics plans aligned with real-world performance.
Overweight fines average $1-$10 per pound over the limit depending on the state. A truck 3,000 lbs over on drives could face a $3,000-$10,000 fine. This calculator takes 30 seconds and can save thousands in penalties. Real-time recalculation lets you model different scenarios quickly, ensuring your logistics decisions are backed by accurate, up-to-date numbers.
GVW = Steer + Drive Tandem + Trailer Tandem Steer Limit: ≤ 12,000 lbs (tire-rated, advisory) Drive Tandem Limit: ≤ 34,000 lbs Trailer Tandem Limit: ≤ 34,000 lbs Federal GVW Limit: ≤ 80,000 lbs
Result: GVW: 80,500 lbs — ⚠ Over GVW & Trailer Axle Limits
Steer 11,800 ✓ (under 12,000). Drive 33,500 ✓ (under 34,000). Trailer 35,200 ⚠ (over 34,000 by 1,200 lbs). GVW 80,500 ⚠ (over 80,000 by 500 lbs). Actions: slide trailer tandems forward to shift weight to drives, or remove freight.
While 80,000 lbs GVW is the federal standard, states set their own rules for non-interstate roads. Some states are more restrictive on secondary highways and county roads. Michigan allows up to 164,000 lbs on 11-axle configurations on state highways. Check each state's DOT website for specific limits along your route.
Some drivers attempt to bypass weigh stations, which is illegal and often detected by weigh-in-motion sensors and PrePass systems. The consequences of scale avoidance (additional citations, higher fines, suspension) far outweigh the cost of compliance.
Build weight verification into your standard operating procedures: weigh loads at origin (use shipper scales or nearby CAT Scale), adjust weight distribution before departure, and document weights on the BOL. This systematic approach eliminates weigh station surprises.
The federal gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 lbs for a standard 5-axle tractor-trailer on interstate highways. This includes the weight of the tractor, trailer, fuel, driver, and all cargo. Some states allow higher weights with permits or on designated routes.
Federal limits: single axle ≤ 20,000 lbs, tandem axle ≤ 34,000 lbs. The steer axle is effectively limited to 12,000-12,500 lbs by tire ratings. The bridge formula may further restrict weight based on axle spacing.
The truck is held until the overweight condition is corrected. Fines are assessed per state law — typically $1-$10 per pound over. The driver may also receive a citation affecting their CDL record. The carrier's safety score is impacted.
Yes. Most states issue overweight permits for loads that cannot be reduced. Permits typically cost $20-$200+ depending on weight, distance, and route. The load must follow a specified route, often restricted to highways and limited to daytime hours.
Tandems spaced less than 8 feet are treated as a single axle group (20,000 lb limit). At 8+ feet spacing, the tandem limit of 34,000 lbs applies. Wider spacing allows more weight under the bridge formula.
Diesel weighs about 7 lbs per gallon. A full 150-gallon fuel tank adds approximately 1,050 lbs, primarily on steer and drive axles. When running near weight limits, fuel level can make the difference between legal and overweight.