What is the load limit for a four-axle vehicle?
2 Answers
Four-axle vehicles have a load limit of 31 tons. They are flexible, stable, and in high demand in the industry, but their body weight is at least around 10 tons. Therefore, some regions still set the overload limit for four-axle vehicles at 36 tons. However, according to the official regulations, the load limit for four-axle vehicles will be uniformly set at 31 tons. Overload and over-limit criteria include: total width not exceeding 2.55 meters or length not exceeding 18.1 meters, total height of the vehicle and cargo exceeding 4 meters from the ground, total width of the vehicle and cargo exceeding 2.55 meters, total length of the vehicle and cargo exceeding 18.1 meters, total mass of a two-axle truck and its cargo exceeding 18,000 kilograms, total mass of a three-axle truck and its cargo exceeding 25,000 kilograms, total mass of a three-axle vehicle and its cargo exceeding 27,000 kilograms, and total mass of a four-axle truck and its cargo exceeding 31,000 kilograms.
I've been driving a four-axle truck for several years, and I remember the load limit is 31 tons, which is the standard on national highways. Once, to make a delivery on time, I overloaded by 2 tons and got caught at the toll station, resulting in an 800-yuan fine and the risk of penalty points. That delivery was delayed for several days. Now, I always carry a small portable scale to check the total weight before loading to avoid exceeding the limit. Four-axle trucks have a long wheelbase, and overloading can make braking unstable, especially dangerous in rainy weather. I recommend regularly checking tires and suspension systems, as overloading accelerates wear and tear, leading to expensive repairs and business delays. By the way, standards may vary slightly in different provinces. For example, mountainous areas sometimes have stricter limits, so it's safest to check local regulations before long-distance trips.
