For the Newbies and as a refresher for the pros.
Saw the debate on another post regarding a non CDL unit.
How to find your cargo capacity.
This formula works regardless of your GVW or number of axles make the adjustments to match your truck.
Empty the truck keeping only the equipment you plan to carry load bars, pads, pallet jack, etc.
Take the truck to a truck stop with a certified scale. CAT scale recommended as you want to get each axle weight. Fill the truck with fuel and Immediately weigh the truck, get the weight receipt.
EXAMPLE ONLY CHECK YOUR TRUCK!!
The math is simple.
If a NON CDL strait truck has a GVW or max weight marked on the sticker on the door jamb 26,000 lbs.
My scale tag says the total unloaded weight full tank of fuel, equipment, and driver is just under 15,000 lbs I can legally carry 11,000 lbs.
The steer and drive axles are rated for specific max weights. Steer axle 8,000 drive 18,000
your scale ticket shows unloaded you have 5,000 lbs on the steer and 11,000 on the drive axle
So, you have 3,000 lbs available to load the steer axle and 7000 lbs to load on the drive axle total load 10,000 lbs
Regardless of the gross weight and axle weights, this means you need to know your trucks limits, how your truck feels at different weights as well as calculate load placement especially heavy shipments so you are not over GVW or over axle weight. You can be legal gross weight but over weight on an axle. In that case an overweight is an overweight and the penalty is just as painful.
Good luck, be safe, and keep the shiny side up.
Bob Wolf.
Saw the debate on another post regarding a non CDL unit.
How to find your cargo capacity.
This formula works regardless of your GVW or number of axles make the adjustments to match your truck.
Empty the truck keeping only the equipment you plan to carry load bars, pads, pallet jack, etc.
Take the truck to a truck stop with a certified scale. CAT scale recommended as you want to get each axle weight. Fill the truck with fuel and Immediately weigh the truck, get the weight receipt.
EXAMPLE ONLY CHECK YOUR TRUCK!!
The math is simple.
If a NON CDL strait truck has a GVW or max weight marked on the sticker on the door jamb 26,000 lbs.
My scale tag says the total unloaded weight full tank of fuel, equipment, and driver is just under 15,000 lbs I can legally carry 11,000 lbs.
The steer and drive axles are rated for specific max weights. Steer axle 8,000 drive 18,000
your scale ticket shows unloaded you have 5,000 lbs on the steer and 11,000 on the drive axle
So, you have 3,000 lbs available to load the steer axle and 7000 lbs to load on the drive axle total load 10,000 lbs
Regardless of the gross weight and axle weights, this means you need to know your trucks limits, how your truck feels at different weights as well as calculate load placement especially heavy shipments so you are not over GVW or over axle weight. You can be legal gross weight but over weight on an axle. In that case an overweight is an overweight and the penalty is just as painful.
Good luck, be safe, and keep the shiny side up.
Bob Wolf.
