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41 Foot Mark: Where is it REALLY supposed to be?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by IceDogg, May 25, 2009.

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DrivingMyLifeAway "Looking for a better day"

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I drive national lower-48. In my 7+ years driving I have not been ticketed in California or any other state for violation of bridge law. Because food, frozen, beer loads for the most part weigh in the range of 42K to 45K lbs., I set my bridge at 42' to 44' to dial-in my individual axle weight to 34K lbs. and less. I've entered California and crossed scales with my bridge 2' to 4' or more past the 40' mark and have never been ticketed.

When running loads up and near 80K lbs, I'm more concerned about legal weight limits on my axles than bridge law. For me, I set my bridge for legal axle weights which will give better safety in handling, safety in weight distribution of load, and proper load bearing on tires.

DrivingMyLifeAway, May 29, 2009

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dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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DrivingMyLifeAway said: ↑

I drive national lower-48. In my 7+ years driving I have not been ticketed in California or any other state for violation of bridge law. Because food, frozen, beer loads for the most part weigh in the range of 42K to 45K lbs., I set my bridge at 42' to 44' to dial-in my individual axle weight to 34K lbs. and less. I've entered California and crossed scales with my bridge 2' to 4' or more past the 40' mark and have never been ticketed.

When running loads up and near 80K lbs, I'm more concerned about legal weight limits on my axles than bridge law. For me, I set my bridge for legal axle weights which will give better safety in handling, safety in weight distribution of load, and proper load bearing on tires.
Click to expand...

I'd say you've been fortunate. We had guys get tickets for 6 inches over, when I was with CFI.

I rarely worry about bridge law east of the MS, unless I'm in GA and have to cross the scales.

dancnoone, May 30, 2009

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25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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danc694u said: ↑

That's always been my assumption, based on fines I've heard quoted for both. I'll take my chances with over axle, before bridge law in CA. You can see bridge law violations, without a scale.

But after thinking about it. It still comes out to be problematic.. If you're over axle in CA, they'll cite you for that. Then require you to adjust, and cross the scales again. Which will clearly show you to be over on bridge. Which in turn, will have you shut down to adjust/shift the load before proceeding.

It's a no win situation if you have to cross the scales IMO.
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I have heard of that happening.

25(2)+2, May 30, 2009

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Mtngonzo Bobtail Member

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danc694u said: ↑

I rarely worry about bridge law east of the MS, unless I'm in GA and have to cross the scales.
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Don't run across I-68 in Maryland with that attitude!

Mtngonzo, May 30, 2009

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dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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Mtngonzo said: ↑

Don't run across I-68 in Maryland with that attitude!
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North of the last scales on I-95 in VA, I only have to worry about being over axle. I slide it up as short as possible.

100 year old street designs/layouts and 53 footers don't mix.

dancnoone, May 30, 2009

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danc694u said: ↑

North of the last scales on I-95 in VA, I only have to worry about being over axle. I slide it up as short as possible.

100 year old street designs/layouts and 53 footers don't mix.
Click to expand...

Best watch that in Maryland, they have a rule about it being too short. It's in the bridge laws appendix in the Rand McNally Truck Atlas. Their law reads no more than 41 feet to the center of the rear tandem from the kingpin as well, not the center of the rear axle.

One of my friends got busted on that too short thing last year, actually about a year ago. I think he had about 18 inches too much hanging over the back axle.

Last edited: May 30, 2009

25(2)+2, May 30, 2009

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dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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25(2)+2 said: ↑

Best watch that in Maryland, they have a rule about it being too short. It's in the bridge laws appendix in the Rand McNally Truck Atlas. Their law reads no more than 41 feet to the center of the rear tandem from the kingpin as well, not the center of the rear axle.

One of my friends got busted on that too short thing last year, actually about a year ago. I think he had about 18 inches too much hanging over the back axle.
Click to expand...

Yeh, it's 13 feet of overhang. Not a real issue for most.

dancnoone, May 30, 2009

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Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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25(2)+2 said: ↑

If a load is loaded longer and you aren't going to California, you can go 2 feet longer in most states, read the rules for each state you are traveling, some have some quirks you wouldn't expect.

A 48 inch kingpin setting is pretty rare, and a 36 inch setting is not the usual for a spread axle trailer, either.

Forty three foot to the center of the axle group allows a 53 foot spread axle to be legal in most states except California, in California, the rear most axle can't be more than 40 feet behind the kingpin, center to center, unless the trailer is 48 feet or less. California legal 53 foot spreads must have the rear axle adjustable.

I have been told that it is better to have an axle overload than be in violation of the bridge laws, is that the truth?
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The easy safe answer is simple, if its legal in CA it is legal everywhere else as far as axles, weights etc...

Forty feet from the center of the king pin to the center of the rear axle. The theory of over weight is better than over lenght is because CHP, can easily spot over lenght and they need a scale for weights.

53' the mark is 2 1/2 panels from the rear of the trailer. as far as weights, 32's load nose heavy and get a scale w/axle before you puting your loaded call. And top off fuel before your Tare.

Powder Joints, May 30, 2009

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Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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DrivingMyLifeAway said: ↑

I drive national lower-48. In my 7+ years driving I have not been ticketed in California or any other state for violation of bridge law. Because food, frozen, beer loads for the most part weigh in the range of 42K to 45K lbs., I set my bridge at 42' to 44' to dial-in my individual axle weight to 34K lbs. and less. I've entered California and crossed scales with my bridge 2' to 4' or more past the 40' mark and have never been ticketed.

When running loads up and near 80K lbs, I'm more concerned about legal weight limits on my axles than bridge law. For me, I set my bridge for legal axle weights which will give better safety in handling, safety in weight distribution of load, and proper load bearing on tires.
Click to expand...

I drove for IWX and loaded out to 79+ regular, and had no problem loading and staying at the 40' mark. You have to start double turned (2,2,1,2) in the nose. It has to be nose heavy to scale out. I never had a problem with how it handled.

Powder Joints, May 30, 2009

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psanderson Road Train Member

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DrivingMyLifeAway said: ↑

I drive national lower-48. In my 7+ years driving I have not been ticketed in California or any other state for violation of bridge law. Because food, frozen, beer loads for the most part weigh in the range of 42K to 45K lbs., I set my bridge at 42' to 44' to dial-in my individual axle weight to 34K lbs. and less. I've entered California and crossed scales with my bridge 2' to 4' or more past the 40' mark and have never been ticketed.

When running loads up and near 80K lbs, I'm more concerned about legal weight limits on my axles than bridge law. For me, I set my bridge for legal axle weights which will give better safety in handling, safety in weight distribution of load, and proper load bearing on tires.
Click to expand...

This is not a bridge law. It is a separate ruling for 53' trailers over and above any bridge law

psanderson, May 31, 2009

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