Weight and size decide which trailer can carry your freight, whether permits are needed, and how many carriers can take the load. Accurate numbers give you an accurate quote.
Weight limits
- On the Interstate Highway System, the federal limit for a standard tractor-trailer is 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight, which includes the truck, trailer, fuel and freight.
- Axle limits apply too: generally 20,000 lb on a single axle and 34,000 lb on a tandem axle. Weight has to be spread across the trailer, not just kept under the total.
- After the truck and trailer, the cargo allowance for a dry van is commonly around 42,000–45,000 lb, and slightly different for reefers and flatbeds. Actual capacity depends on the equipment.
Trailer dimensions
- Standard trailers are 48 or 53 feet long and 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) wide.
- Maximum vehicle height is set by each state, and is commonly 13 feet 6 inches. On a standard flatbed, that leaves about 8 feet 6 inches for freight. A step deck allows roughly 10 feet.
- A 53-foot dry van holds up to about 26 standard 48" × 40" pallets single-stacked.
When freight is over the limit
Loads that exceed legal width, height, length or weight are over-dimensional. They need state permits, may be limited to certain routes and hours, and sometimes require escort vehicles. That adds planning time and cost. Send exact measurements early so we can tell you what's involved.
Measure accurately
Measure the longest, widest and tallest points of each piece, including the pallet or skid, and weigh the freight if you can. Underestimating can mean a truck that can't legally haul the load when it arrives.