Axle weights

12k 34k 34k is 48 state legal without permits

What you're seeing is what the truck is rated at, which means it can carry safely. Yes you would be given an overweight ticket without a permit.

 

You are limited by what your truck is registered (licensed) for, probably 80,000 lbs (vehicle total gross weight) if a typical tractor-trailer rig apportioned somewhere in the USA.

 

Illegal.

 

Those are just axle weight ratings. The more weight they're rated to carry, the heavier duty they're built.

 

Many states allow heavier than 12,000 lbs on the steer axle, if the equipment and tires are rated for it.

20,000 lb axles flex less than lower rated axles and are often recommended if using wide single tires.

 

12,500 on steers is limit, not 12,000. Can't believe how often I have seen this for 26+ years.

 

There are several states that still list 12k max steer weight but I don't know that any enforce this to the letter any more since the introduction of heavier CARB engines and APU's. Louisiana I think is another state that still publishes 12k max

 

WRONG! If you have a Spread axle, You are perfectly legal those weights. One can have 40k on a 10.2 spread.

 

OK. Lot of misinformation out there about weights. First, Steer axle. If you look in the motor carriers road atlas, which is a federal document by the way, IT says that if the state wishes to regulate a weight under 20000 lbs they can regulate according to what the tires are rated for, so if your tires are rated for say 7500 then 7500x2 would mean you could run 15000 pounds legally and if a state officer gave you a ticket for that, that is a ticket you can beat in court as federal law trumps state law. Its in the constitution that the federal government has jurisdiction over interstate commerce.

Most states have 20000lbs weight limits per axle, (talking drives and trailers now) that may be where you are seeing the 40000lbs quote from, generally that is for split axles, Most flatbed are running with split axles now as well as some refers. Also, many states allow more than the 34000lbs most people quote, look in the motor carrier's road atlas for the states you are running in.

The thing is the gross of 80000lbs is pretty much the unbreakable rule. over 80k and youll need a permit or you'll be getting a ticket. Also, make sure you arent over bridge law. Many states are cracking down on that now because it is easier to enforce than a generic over weight.

If you aren't sure weigh it. And don't count on being able to run an entire trip with no issues just because the first couple weight stations gave you a pass, those states have different laws.