GVWR vs total allowed weight

Keep studying, you're still confused!

 

Who said they're rated for "much less"?

 

Weight can be confusing. I spend more time with rookies on weights more than anything else. The primary difference between a "rated weight" and a "gross weight" is actually simple once you learn the basics. It is important to know what is being discussed when rated weight is being talked about. Example. A vehicle is defined as a CMV with a rated weight of over 10,001 pounds. A CMV for the purposes of a CDL is defined as one that has a rated weight of over 26,001 pounds. If a suspension has a rated weight of (X) that's the limit for that vehicle. The typical 18 wheeler has 3 contact points on the ground. The steers (12,000) The tractor drives (34,000) and the trailer tandems (34,000) = 80,000 pounds gross MAX. If you have an axle or tandem with rated weights below these numbers based on suspension/tire limits THESE limits have to be subtracted from that maximum 80,000 gross.

 

And just a follow-up most trucks have a tag on the door that will tell you what the actual weight rating of the truck is, gvwr, and the combination weight which is the gross combined vehicle weight rating, gcvwr, pulling a trailer.

Most tractor trailers have a GVWR of 52000, and a GCVWR of 80000, although some tractors can have a higher GVWR.

 

The 26,000 is for the difference between CDL and not. If it's over 26,000 lbs registered it requires a CDL to operate for business.