States and provinces have different regulations and policies relating to steer axles, and the weights we discuss here are generally the lowest common denominator. Pallets are 5.5 tall on average even though they can be custom built and the dimensions can vary. of freight in 30 feet of trailer, but all the weight would be in the front. This time the trailer axles are overloaded by 1,000 lb. Truck Axle Weight Distribution on a 53' Trailer - TrueNorth Of unique structure and composed of laminate panels is the plate van. Knowing how many pallets in a truck load can be transported is critical to the success of your supply chain and business. Tip #3: DoctorDiff axles have 2.525" (Dana & 8 3/4") and 2.5" (Ford 9") brake gaps. As you learn the way weight is distributed across the axles, youll get better at loading evenly from front to back. of your gross weight deserves special attention for load distribution. You will have to slide the trailer axles back. How much overhang am I legally allowed on a flatbed trailer? Lock and unlock them occasionally and move the slider back and forth once in a while so you know they will work when you need them to.. You should know the dimensions of your truck to stay on the safe side within legal limitations to avoid exceeding the towing weight. We now have a common set of axle weights covering the most common vehicle configurations in Canada. This is the best explanation, scenerio I have found to help, my driver understand gravity, weight distribution, to stay legal. (Picture a layout of pallets that runs 2-1-1-2-1-1-2-1-2 until you reach the back door.). Browse our collection online or come to one of our locations to learn more about how we are willing to help you. If theres a problem, you dont want to make a long trek back. This tells you how many holes you need to slide the tandems. Often used to haul steel, construction equipment, lumber . How do you load a 53 foot truck? - EasyRelocated Though this added heft can be attributed to the fiber-glass encasement, keeping van freight protected from the elements in transit, it also means that dry van trailers allow less load weight than other trailer types. To avoid overweight issues, you need to know how to distribute the weight correctly inside a 53ft trailer.The good thing is that I have already covered this topic below. On U.S. Interstate highways, the weight limit for that same truck is 80,000 lb. All rights reserved. According to the federal governments gross vehicle weight guidelines without permitting semi-trucks and the loaded trailer behind them can weigh no more than 80,000 pounds collectively. States may impose lower or higher limits on state or county highways. They likely include a tandem drive axle with an air-lift third axle, hence the name triple axle. Due to the entirely enclosed structure of the trailer, which allows freight to be sheltered from outside interruptions, dry van semi trailers are designed to transport the most varied of non-perishable materials. In the U.S., weight limits on Interstate highways are determined by the Federal Bridge Formula. How many axles does a 53 trailer have? - Short-Fact I have seen photos online where drivers slid the trailer tandems right out from under the trailer.. How much does an empty 53 foot dry van trailer weigh? Works every time. The weight limits there are: 5,500 kg steering axle (12,125 lbs; some provinces vary), 17,000 kg drive and tandem axles (37,479 lbs). This 80,000-pound limit governs the movement of all multi-piece freight shipments like loads of steel I-beams which can be evenly distributed, yet still pose a risk of equipment damage and safety concerns. That distance varies across different jurisdictions (what a surprise), with California being the most restrictive at 40 feet (12.2 m). Cookie Policy | However, when the trailer is loaded with a heavier load of about 33,000 lbs or more, you may want to weigh the truck because it could be overweight on the axles. 4 Years But to illustrate the differences that can exist, Ontario allows up to 18,000 kg (39,700 lb.) Even though the tractor-trailer gross weight is below 80,000 lbs, it may still be overweight. The Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA) offers an unofficial public guide to Ontarios rules. Once youre loaded its on you to ensure weights are legal or ask the shipper to remove some of the cargo if you can. Have your 53-foot trailer pallets ready to go before each shipment so you can keep track of your costs and see how efficient you are for both your clients and your fleet. That leaves 45,000 pounds of available weight capacity for cargo to put on the truck without being overweight on the gross weight. When determining sizing, the ankle circumference should be used as the primary measure. Keep in mind that its an estimate. If the load is light, you probably wont have to worry at all about weight distribution, unless the loader stuffs everything into the front of the box. You could end up paying thousands of dollars. That said, every state sets different boundaries for the tandem-axle loads that exceed these thresholds. That should position the rear axle about eight-10 feet from the back of the trailer and keep you under the maximum allowable kingpin-to-tandem distance in most states and Canada. Be the first to know when a new article is published to our Learning Hub! Dry Van Canada typically allows higher axle weights and gross vehicle weights than the U.S. For example, on roads designated as part of the national highway system, and per the MOU, the allowable gross weight for a typical five-axle tractor trailer combination is 39,500 kg (87,082 lb.). It work for me. Transfer Trailers | Moving Trailers | Tipper Trailers in the box. How many pallets fit in a 53 foot trailer will likely depend on whether you use the pinwheeled pattern. With something as important as the health of your companys supply chain on the line, you deserve much better from the transportation businesses that keep Americas industries afloat. Ankle Size Chart- Zensah Before attempting to slide, look to see the locks have disengaged and will slide freely. Have the defect corrected as soon as you can. https://www.trucknews.com/equipment/spif-rules-saved-lift-axles-in-ontario-ctea-says/1003147908/, distance varies across different jurisdictions, unofficial public guide to Ontarios rules. here are the legal total cargo-weight thresholds for tandem-axle trailers across the United States and Canada: although the weight of your load doesnt need to be evenly distributed, the weight placed on each axle grouping cannot exceed legal limits. The total number of pallets that can be loaded into a trailer varies depending on the size of the pallets. That said, states like California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington to name a few restrict overweight freight movement on three-axle trailers substantially, with California only allowing 51,000 total pounds 17,000 per axle. In March of 2022, Hale Trailer, Brake, and Wheel purchased the operating assets of Commonwealth Trailer Rentals. Texas, like many other states, restricts tandem-axle freight to 20,000 pounds per axle or 60,000 pounds total. On most trailers, youll find a pull lever near the tandem axles. on the steer axle, and 34,000 lb. Flatbed Shipping, The Federal Government regulates axle weight using the Federal Highway Administrations Bridge Formula. Those types of products can be hauled with schnable trailers or other specialized trailers. As such, legal axle weight restrictions keep the motoring public safe from harm during the transportation of oversized goods. That's your 41'. Since this is an enclosed trailer type, lets keep in mind the interior dimensional capacities for pallet configuration purposes: Any product that exceeds these dimensions cannot be transported in any 53 foot trailer pallet loading patterns because it is an enclosed trailer. Having the finest trailers for your travel should be coupled with optimizing your shipping expenses for your companys performance. But theres a limit to how far back you can go. As a general rule of thumb when looking to transport overweight, single piece, freight through the majority of states you should be able to get anywhere from 22,000-25,000 pounds per axle on your tandem-axle trailer through permitting. Usable holes, total holes? . Drivers should become familiar with the weight regulations for any jurisdiction in which they operate. Note: Also, the legal weight on the steer axle may change from state to state. on the trailer axle or 46,000 lb. The advantage of turning the pallets in this pattern will offer little shifting keeping goods secure. Either way, youre going to be close to maximum gross weight, and that means youll be tight on the axle weights, too. The Weight per Axle Distribution in a Tractor with a 53 Trailer And remember if you are traveling between jurisdictions, the lowest allowable weight in any jurisdiction you travel becomes the highest weight you can carry. This can also help to improve your load-carrying safety protocol. In this case, here is how you figure the trailers weight capacity? Tridems and multi-axle trailers will be heavier, of course, as will refrigerated trailers. Some companies are releasing shorter bows for better speed and maneuverability, as well as longer bows for better stability and for the archers that have a longer draw length. The answers to these, and questions like these, can sometimes feel hidden in the fast-paced world of transportation and leave you feeling undervalued, unseen and forgotten. When comparing which pattern to pack your goods, remember whichever method you choose will either limit or expand the design of pallets in total that can be moved. Hi Jim, Fixing roads is a huge expense to the state, so they will transfer that expense to you. If your pallets are 48x40, and your trailer is 53 feet long, you should be able to load 26 pallets in a straight pattern across the floor of a trailer. You covered every option, spoke to us in an easy tone of voice, and of course made sure everyone could understand. a lot of rookies shorten trailers rear axle as much as they can. The numbers will be different (5,500 kg, 17,000 kg and 17,000 kg), but the same thinking applies to Canadian weights. Arcan stressed the importance of exercising the slider locks periodically. You are 2,000 lbs. At this size, you need at least an F-250 truck to pull it, but anything smaller than . How Many Pallets Fit on a 53 Foot Trailer and How to Optimize Your Dry Finding the 41 foot mark on a 53 foot trailer. 5+ Years, Please select ALL of your current, valid drivers licenses. You want to make sure your trailer is loaded so that you can set your tandems to the legal distance without being overweight on one of your axles. Trailer Weights Explained Jim, you are a writing genius. Generally, states east of the Mississippi River give shippers more leeway when it comes to axle weight limits than their western counterparts. This is necessary for the stability of the trailer as well as to stay in compliance with DOT when being checked as inspection stations. The U.S. allows 34,000 lb. Start at the back of the trailer, measure 9 feet toward the front and mark it. Contents 1 53ft Trailer Weight, Length and Size 2 It will all be based on what is required for a successful delivery and efficient use of resources. For example im in Canada so, Im talking about a truck/trailer combo that would scale 11,000 lbs on steer, 22,000 lbs on drives and 39,000 lbs on tandem trailer. As per the aero-truck example above, about 600 lb. Minus Tandems 32,800 lbs. After you pick up a load, weigh your truck as close to the shipper as you can. Commercial Trailers and Trailer Supplies for Sale and Rent. per U.S. gallon (0.85 kg/L or 1.8 lb./L). Always reweigh to confirm that youre legal. If one pin malfunctions and doesnt lock, youre still legal as long as the other 3 lock in place. In this role, Adam enjoys maintaining longstanding relationships with great partner carriers and working with them to move all kinds of heavy haul and oversized freight. State-level per-axle weight limits help governing bodies keep their roads in good condition while keeping supply chains running smoothly. They can signal you when the tandems are in position. Thats not the way it needs to be. This is the most frequent method of optimizing trailer space. It will all build upon on whats need for successful delivery with an good use of resources. Why is it important to know this information and get it right? Major trailer manufacturers place it on the drivers side. How Much Weight Can I Put On a Flatbed Trailer? [An Overview of Flatbed You should have all four in place. For example, lets say you need to move freight through North and South Dakota. There are even government standards for each trailer type regarding weight restrictions. To be allowed a 53-57 foot trailer, how is the king pin measurement measured on a trailer with a split rear axle? Cargo Placement And Trailer Overhang | High Road Online CDL Training You can feel more secure in your fleet security when you lay the pallets in the most secure pattern. If more of the weight is placed further behind the fulcrum, the center point will bear more of the weight, lightening the load at front (the drive axles). What are the Legal Axle Weight Limits for Commercial Trucks? With the locking pins released, you can slide the position of the tandem by moving the tractor while the trailer brake is set. 32-6-26 (j). Most lift axles use airbags or springs to lift and lower the axle. If, staying with this example, you have a 12K steer axle loaded to 12,000 lb., and you slide some weight from the trailer axles forward onto the drive axles, the weight of the steer axle is likely to increase slightly as well. per ft. on 16" centers Width: 102 in. each, or worse, a mixed load with pallets of different heights, dimensions and weights. Thats easy to meet with a 53-foot trailer. Take pictures or makes notes of these positions so you have a record of your starting point. SIZES INCHES CENTIMETERS; XS: 8 - 8.5: 20.25 - 21.5: S: 8.5 - 9: 21.5 - 22.75: M: 9 - 9.5 (36,287 kg) on a U.S. interstate highway, there must be at least 39 feet (11.89 m) between the extremities of the drive and trailer axle groups. Lift Axles: Lift axles provide drivers with the ability to raise and lower the axle for easier control. Cargo restraining straps are useful, as are restraining or decking bars. However, the dimension of the pallets, including the weight of your cargo and pallets, will determine what your 53 ft trailer pallet loading diagram will look like. With demand for goods increasing in the past couple of years, shippers and trucking companies have devised strategies for maximizing available trailer space by loading pallets in a variety of ways to overcome the trucking industrys current influx in demand. A Guide to Trailer Weights by Trailer Type - CURT Is it possible to shave some dollars off my freight rates? per foot over eight or 12 feet. Jim is a regular contributor to Today's Trucking and Trucknews.com, and produces Focus On and On the Spot test drive videos. Jim Park was a CDL driver and owner-operator from 1978 until 1998, when he began his second career as a trucking journalist. The per-foot load on the floor would be 7,500 lb. While sheet and post trailers are stronger and offer logistics post on tighter centers,composite plate trailers offer more interior cubic capacity. The others are measured from the FRONT (brake line clip on the back toward top), so the passenger tube is on the left. Know How Many Pallets Fit in a 53-Foot Trailer A 53-foot trailer can fit up 26 pallets that measure 42" x 48". Today, Adam functions as a heavy haul and wind operations manager within ATS Logistics. This is where the art of loading comes into play, along with the science. Recently, your questions regarding the legal axle weight limits for freight transported on tandem-axle and tridem-axle trailers have been unanswered leaving you without direction once more. Getting you the best fleet options is top of mind for our team. Each province enforces its own allowable axle and gross weights (some of which may be higher), but the MOU sets out the weights you would operate to remain legal from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia. If youre not already familiar with your trucks empty axle weight, the calculations start by weighing the truck. Semi Trailer Dimensions, Length & What Can You Haul - Transwest Common Trailer Types For Moving Freight | Paige Logistics over eight feet, and thats pretty close to the 800 lb. Legal tandem weight limit on all trucks is 37,340 pounds, i.e., any two or more axles within 216 inches on the unit, not including steering axle. Once youve set the ideal position for a heavy load, the same position is ideal for all heavy loads. Adding more heft to a load, only complicates this process further. You may have to slide the 5th wheel back slightly to keep that weight off the steer axle. How Many Pallets Fit on a 53 Foot Trailer? off the drive axles, but you have room on the trailer axles for an additional 2,000 lb. In 1982, the US Congress passed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) that included provisions relating to the length of truck tractor-semitrailer and truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combinations on National Network (NN) highways or in transit between NN highways and service locations or terminals. However, if you are short on time or have an express delivery, you may not have the time to use this type of layout as it is time-consuming. Since you are driving for Prime, as memory serves me correctly, it is from the front of the slide rail where the holes are. Not just the dimensions matter, but the weight must be evenly distributed as well. This is why we have arranged this information so you understand 53 trailer inside dimensions and out. Front or steer axles are a different story (see the Understanding Steer Axle Weights sidebar shown above). Ill own the mistake. Let's take the example of a semi-truck and a standard 53 foot dry van. The weigh station is open and your PrePass is blinking red. on the steer, 20,000 lb. In this case, you round up to 4. Load locks are generally not regarded as suitable cargo restraint devices and may not be accepted by a curious roadside inspector, so dont depend on them to restrain singled-out pallets. Lets say you had 18 2,500-lb. Depending on the total weight, you can understand how many pallets fit into a truck without exceeding the trailers limit. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Terms | Great layman reading, everyone can understand, Stay up to date on technology, regulations and trucking life. Accessories and Parts. For example, to haul a full load of 80,000 lb. It is generally accepted that 53 ft trailers hold a combined capacity of 3,489 cubic feet and weigh 13,500 lbs. Mr. John Tutorial: sliding the trailer tandems (trailer axles) of a Roadside inspectors like to peek inside often enough. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. You need to move the tandems forward 4 holes (by moving the tractor backward). So what's the skinny? Wiki User 2009-04-05 02:14:53 Study now See answer (1) Best Answer Copy Normally there will be 5 or 6 axles. You wonder if that weight includes the 24 pallets. Owner-operators dont like being overweight because they may receive tickets from the DOT. Count the holes after the stop bar ( the holes that are usable) 2. Length and height variations are common, although the width is more consistent throughout models. Finally, if you have any other questions about heavy haul trucking, including what trailer combinations are used for it or what you can do to cut down on costs, please dont hesitate to reach out. Front Steers = 11,200 lbs. If you knew your tare weight, you would know in advance if you can put the load on the truck. If you have a sliding 5th wheel, position it about two to four inches (5-10 cm) ahead of the center of the drive axles with a setback-axle aero truck. (161 reviews) Code: 23-106. However, when the trailer is loaded with a heavier load of about 33,000 lbs or more, you may want to weigh the truck because it could be overweight on the axles. That could leave the tractor dangling from the kingpin, which could damage the 5th wheel. California is the most restrictive. When hauling freight in a 53 foot trailer, you will always have some overhang behind the trailer tandems because the laws limiting the overall length from kingpin to trailer tandems won't allow you to put the trailer tandems all the way to the rear of a 53 foot trailer. We can help you get your pallets organized for a seamless delivery for your clients today. If you have a 13.2K steer axle with the appropriate tires, you have room for an additional 1,200 lb., but doing that leaves little room for additional fuel. Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. Redistribute the weight inside the trailer back and forward. In CDL School Now