Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum safe operating weight of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its maximum cargo load. For combination vehicles (truck + trailer), the combined GVWR is called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
In Depth
Federal weight limits for commercial vehicles are: 20,000 lbs per single axle, 34,000 lbs per tandem axle group, and 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight on the Interstate Highway System. States may have lower limits on non-Interstate routes.
A standard 5-axle semi-truck (3-axle tractor + 2-axle trailer) has a maximum legal gross of 80,000 lbs, with the typical tare weight of the tractor-trailer combination around 33,000–36,000 lbs. This leaves approximately 44,000–47,000 lbs of available payload capacity.
Exceeding GVWR or legal weight limits results in overweight citations that can range from $50 to over $1,000 per 100 lbs overweight, depending on state law. Repeat violations damage CSA scores and can trigger inspections.
Usage Example
Example: 'The trailer GVWR was 80,000 lbs. My tractor-trailer tare was 34,500 lbs, so maximum payload was 45,500 lbs.'
Related Terms
Axle Weight
Axle weight is the total load transmitted to the road through a single axle or tandem axle group. Federal law limits single axles to 20,000 lbs and tandem axles to 34,000 lbs, and states may impose stricter limits.
Bridge Formula
The Federal Bridge Formula (also called Bridge Formula B) is a federal regulation that limits the weight a commercial vehicle can carry based on the number of axles and the distance between them, to prevent damage to bridges and road infrastructure.
Oversize/Overweight Permit
An oversize or overweight (OS/OW) permit is a state-issued authorization that allows a vehicle to operate above standard size or weight limits. Permits are required when loads exceed 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, 53 feet long, or 80,000 lbs gross.
Scale Ticket
A scale ticket is a printed receipt from a certified commercial scale showing the date, time, truck identification, and recorded gross and axle weights. Scale tickets are used to document legal compliance with weight limits before entering a weigh station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum weight for a semi-truck?
Federal Interstate limit is 80,000 lbs gross. Some states allow higher weights on non-Interstate routes with permits.