Weight Limits
Federal and state regulations that set maximum allowable weights for commercial vehicles on public roads. The federal gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 lbs for a standard 5-axle tractor-trailer combination on interstate highways. Individual axle limits also apply: 12,000 lbs for a single axle, 34,000 lbs for a tandem axle. Some states allow higher weights on non-interstate roads or with special permits. Overweight fines can be severe, often thousands of dollars.
Detailed Explanation
Federal and state regulations that set maximum allowable weights for commercial vehicles on public roads. The federal gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 lbs for a standard 5-axle tractor-trailer combination on interstate highways. Individual axle limits also apply: 12,000 lbs for a single axle, 34,000 lbs for a tandem axle. Some states allow higher weights on non-interstate roads or with special permits. Overweight fines can be severe, often thousands of dollars.
Example
A loaded flatbed weighs 82,500 lbs at a weigh station on I-80 in Nebraska. The carrier is fined $1,200 for being 2,500 lbs over the 80,000 lb federal limit and must offload freight before proceeding.
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