6+ Axles.... Why Not??

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by GOV'T_Trucker, Apr 5, 2013.

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  1. Apr 5, 2013 #1
    GOV'T_Trucker

    GOV'T_Trucker Heavy Load Member

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    Ok so I have been thinking for a very long time.. What is the reasoning behind the lack of multi axle setups in the U.S?? I am pretty sure that all of Canada has muti-axle setups and a list of several states (Michigan for sure since it shares lots of freight between Ontario and them).. Is the 5 axle 80,000lbs only apply if your running the Interstates or is this limited to most of all states regardless of the roads/highways your running?? I am sure you can get special permits for more weight but why isn't is just a normal thing that you can do...

    My company runs 5 axles trailers and I don't know what we would do if we were limited to only tandem axle trailers... Since I haul solid waste we gross out at 130,000lbs... 80,000lbs really wouldn't allow for that much material (especially when our tare weights are anywhere from 44,000-55,000lbs).. Even when I am at my lightest loaded weight I am still over 80,000.... We run up to 6 axles (but can have more with permits)... We also have 7 axles trailers running around Ontario but the 7th axle is for Michigan (apparently MI requires more axles then we do for the same weight)... Our roads are in great shape so the effect on our roads from the extra weight isn't affecting them so much.. It's not uncommon (in Ontario) to see more multi-axle units then just tandem units.. When you register truck you just purchase whatever GVW you need (for as much weight you can haul with the axles you have)..

    Just a question that's been burning in my brain for a long time... Like I stated I know you can get weight permits but why not be able to just have x amount of axles as a normal rather then being limited to 80,000lbs...

    Just like our lift axles, I don't know about the US or rest of Canada... But in Ontario they just came out with SPIF (Safe,Productive And Infrastructure Friendly) which means our lift axle turn when the truck turns... So unlike rigid axles that need to be lifted when making turns, these ones stay down all the time so that the weight is still spread out on all axles... Whereas when we had axles that needed to be lifted you would be taking weight that needs say a 4 axle trailer well once you lift them for the corner all the weight is not only on 2 axles of the trailer (and the truck axles).. They work well.. So now the rigid axle setups are still being used they have a reduced tonnage (you loose roughly 3ton per rigid axle.. of course different rules for different types of trailers etc..)

    So anyone know why most of the US is limited to 80,000, 5 axle setups...
     
    GOV'T_Trucker, Apr 5, 2013
    GOV'T_Trucker, Apr 5, 2013
    #1
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  3. Apr 5, 2013 #2
    aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Depends on what state you are in, I had registration to run up to 115K in some states with 7 axles, 9 axles went to 126K, but that was state highways and not Interstate.

    Good question
     
    aiwiron, Apr 5, 2013
    aiwiron, Apr 5, 2013
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    Lepton1 and critters Thank this.
  4. Apr 5, 2013 #3
    Bikerboy

    Bikerboy Light Load Member

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    Mostly political bs, voters are scared of heavy trucks,
     
    Bikerboy, Apr 5, 2013
    Bikerboy, Apr 5, 2013
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  5. Apr 5, 2013 #4
    Driver of the year

    Driver of the year Medium Load Member

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    I took a load of city drain pipes from Plant City FL. to Grand Rapids MI and this was the first time i was that far north in my life and when i reached Michigan, i started seeing rigs with 5 axles, never saw something like that down south, i asked the receiver whats up with those axles, he told me that most of them a Canadian trucks with permits of up to 160,000 pound. Fuel tankers in particular and same in North Dakota with those hugh bumper guards for moose protection. You pull 160,000 in FL and you go straight to jail!
     
    Driver of the year, Apr 5, 2013
    Driver of the year, Apr 5, 2013
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    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  7. Apr 6, 2013 #5
    Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    Crazy canuck! ;)
     
    Logan76, Apr 6, 2013
    Logan76, Apr 6, 2013
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  8. Apr 6, 2013 #6
    Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    i run a multi axle setup normally 7 axles for 98k or sometimes 8 for 105.5k

    the problem with running this setup otr is 80k 5 axle is universal between all states, where 6+ axles varies greatly state to state, with some doesn't matter how many axles you have cant be over 80k then your higher empty weight is hurting you.

    the only time it really makes sense to run more than 5 axles is in specialized hauling of oversize overweight non divisible loads.
     
    Ezrider_48501, Apr 6, 2013
    Ezrider_48501, Apr 6, 2013
    #6
  9. Apr 6, 2013 #7
    MrEd

    MrEd Road Train Member

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    Politics plays a big role. Heavier trucks are said to cause more damage to our nations already crumbling infrastructure. Our govt would rather feed people who won't work than to spend that money repaving a road or building a bridge. Also, with many products, until trailers get longer, you lose more with the higher empty weight than you could gain with the extra axle. And it's hard enough to tarp 48,000 of lumber sometimes. I really don't want to tarp 60,000 or whatever.
     
    MrEd, Apr 6, 2013
    MrEd, Apr 6, 2013
    #7
  10. Apr 6, 2013 #8
    okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    It's all about money. 8axle/105,500# is typical truck around these parts. However,w/ said permits(state,county,city),ect. 9-13 axles/220k# are driven in the 11 Western and bigger. I run a 8 axle @ 174k GVW# daily. Want to go big? Give us your money. Studded tires do more damage to the roads than trucks.
     
    okiedokie, Apr 6, 2013
    okiedokie, Apr 6, 2013
    #8
  11. Apr 6, 2013 #9
    mp4694330

    mp4694330 Road Train Member

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    Wasn't a program in NE states that allowed over 80 000 lbs on interstate ??? (without permit?)
     
    mp4694330, Apr 6, 2013
    mp4694330, Apr 6, 2013
    #9
  12. Apr 6, 2013 #10
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    You people are complaining about freight rates, home time and pay, YET you think they should pull heavier trucks? Are you serious? I know some of the hands here were pulling back when trailers were 40 ft. When I started, trailers were 48 ft long. Then came the53 ft. Do you know what happened with the pay during the transition from 48 ft trailers to 53? Absolutely nothing. Why in the world would anyone want to pull another axle, an extra 3000 lbs on your empty weight, an extra 20000 on your gross, for the same pay? All of your expenses go up astronomically, AND YOUR PAY WILL REMAIN THE SAME.

    Think people.
     
    TripleSix, Apr 6, 2013
    TripleSix, Apr 6, 2013
    #10
    MrEd and cc tanker Thank this.
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