GVWR?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Pop, Aug 31, 2014.

  1. Pop

    Pop Light Load Member

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    Jan 19, 2012
    Garnerville, New York
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    OK, so I'm driving a International Pro Star. Its rated at 80,000 lbs.
    I'm pulling a 38 ft flatbed, It's rated for 60,000 lbs.
    I also have a Compass Navigator forklift mounted to the rear of the trailer, It weighs 5,800 lbs.
    So what the GVWR of my setup?
    80 or 60 K?
     
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  3. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    might you just go scale it and know what the weight it?
     
  4. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    If you are a regular 5 axle tractor trailer combination then your maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) will be 80,000 pounds. You can get "R" permits in NY state to exceed this weight. The forklift you carry has noting to do with the gross weight rating, however, it does reduce the payload you can carry. If you look closer at the tag in the door frame of the ProStar, it will show a GVWR of 54,000 pounds and a GCWR (gross combination weight rating) of 80,000.

    One other thing to keep in mind, you can only gross however much your truck is registered for (unless you have a overweight permit), so look at you tractor cab card (registration) and it will list the weight you are registered for in each state you travel in. Weight your truck, trailer, and forklift on a public scale and subtract this weight from the registered gross and that is how much payload (cargo) you can carry.
     
    Pop Thanks this.
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    The most important thing is what's printed on your registration. This is what you're allowed to gross at any time, regardless of equipment rating.

    Barring that, I would say you're safe to run 80k if you're tagged for it. The next thing you need to know is your empty weight before you can determine you much freight you can get on there.
     
    Pop Thanks this.
  6. Pop

    Pop Light Load Member

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    Jan 19, 2012
    Garnerville, New York
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    Yeah Thats what I keep telling the boss!
     
  7. Pop

    Pop Light Load Member

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    Jan 19, 2012
    Garnerville, New York
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    Thanx, I know the weight of the tractor, trailer and forklift but really need to get the weight of the combination as it is set up. I keep telling the boss this but I may as well be talking to the wall.
     
  8. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Now, what does your registration say? That is the standard you will be held to for the purpose of weight citations.

    Also, if the guy you're working for doesn't see the importance of knowing what your truck weighs empty, then it may be time to find somewhere else to work. As a driver I feel it is part of my job to know that.
     
  9. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    Jul 23, 2014
    Mechanicsburg, PA
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    Good luck Pop. I assume you're hauling lumber or stone on pallets or sum such freight. I used to haul lumber with the same set up. Brian's advice is spot on.
    My advice is: always know what the weight of the individual items you're hauling is. Whether that's a bundle of 2x4's or 2x6's or 1/2" plywood, etc.
    I would watch the loaders and when I knew it was close to being overweight I would stop them. Then there would be a discussion with my dispatcher and then I would tell him that I would go to a nearby scale and if I couldn't get it right by the axle weights, I was coming back.
    Then he would verify what I was telling him with the loaders and they either took some off or stopped.
    Of course the shipper wants to maximize his profit by loading to the max but he's not driving your truck.
    It's a circus and a hassle but stick by your guns because YOU are liable for the weight.
    That company did NOT pay for weight violations and they are VERY expensive. Good Luck and be safe
     
  10. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I don't see why you need the bosses approval to go into a truck stop and scale your mt weight.
    It only costs 10 bucks and 10 minutes after all.
     
  11. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    Jul 23, 2014
    Mechanicsburg, PA
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    No, You misunderstood. What I was telling him is that the load is or will be overweight. No, I don't need permission to scale the load. If he wants the load to move and be there at a certain time, we need to have it legal.

    If I add the weights of all the items and I'm not happy, It's not gonna move.
     
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