Understanding axle weights

I have no idea on MD laws, but I am a contractor and I will share how we go about things.

We have an annual permit that allows up to specified width, height, length, and weight, and it varies depending on which road we are running.
We have a four axle tractor and 50 ton three axle trailer, and our tare is about 42,000 lbs. We also have a three axle tractor that we can pull the same lowboy with. Here is our permit for the 3 axle tractor:
As you can see, we are allowed various weights depending on the road. We also have a max that we are allowed to go on an axle group (trailer, drives, steer). Many states are different, so you will have to learn what your area allows. It should be available on the State's permitting website. We printed up sheets so that anytime we haul something and have a chance to weigh it we write down the position of the piece of equipment on the deck, how far forward or back, finals forward or back, etc. We don't haul equipment other than our own often, so we can get it pretty dialed in as to what every load weighs, and how it axles out.

You will learn how your trailer tends to balance. By that I mean, do you typically have to have everything toward the rear of the deck, right in the center, or whatever. With a three axle tractor I would guess you will need things toward the rear to keep from getting too heavy on the drives.

I'm sure your company will give you guidance, but I would recommend that you carry around a notebook, or keep notes on your phone for each piece of equipment that you haul, especially when you get the chance to weigh it.

 

Assuming you’re on air ride put some pressure gauges on the suspension plumbing and make a chart for axle weight vs pressure….the information might already be around the net somewhere. If not air ride put a hydraulic pressure gauge on the neck lift cylinder…. I am assuming it’s hydraulic and not mechanical. If you’re hauling tracked equipment the center of mass of the equipment will be really close to the point that it tips down flat onto the deck as you load. Some simple math and a tape measure from there will give you an idea. I have no clue what weights you can permit in your state.

 

Maryland has no issue unless you exceed 27,000lbs an axle.