Practical calculators and references built to support better decisions on the road, in the yard, and at the desk.
Weight Cheat Sheet
Quick reference (general). Always confirm your state rules, permits, posted bridges, tire ratings, and axle group limits.
Common Federal / Rule-of-Thumb Limits
| Item | Typical Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steer axle | 12,000 lbs | Depends on axle/tire rating; some fleets run less for safety margin. |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs | Often a statutory limit; equipment ratings still apply. |
| Tandem axle group | 34,000 lbs | Spacing and state rules can change what’s allowed. |
| Gross (typical) | 80,000 lbs | Bridge formula, state rules, and permits may allow more in some cases. |
Quick Safety Margin Idea
If you’re consistently tight on one axle group, aim to leave a buffer (ex: 200–500 lbs) to account for scale variance, fuel burn, and load shift.
Reminder
This page is intentionally simple, use it for fast planning, then confirm with the scale and the rules that apply to your route.