Weight Out
Weight out occurs when a shipment reaches the maximum legal weight limit of the vehicle before filling the available trailer space. This is common with dense freight like steel, concrete products, or machinery.
In Depth
On a standard 5-axle semi-truck, the maximum legal gross weight is 80,000 lbs. With a typical tractor-trailer tare weight of 33,000–35,000 lbs, the maximum payload is 45,000–47,000 lbs. A full load of steel coils might max the weight limit while occupying only 15–20 feet of a 53-foot trailer.
Weight-out loads are common in steel service centers, quarry and mining operations, and building materials industries. From a carrier's standpoint, a weight-out load that only partially fills the trailer is not a problem because FTL pricing is per load, not per foot.
However, weight-out loads require very careful loading. Dense freight concentrated on a small section of the trailer must be distributed to keep axle weights within legal limits.
Usage Example
Example: 'The coils of sheet steel weighed 46,000 lbs and only filled 18 feet of the trailer — a classic weight-out load.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Cube Out
Cube out occurs when a trailer reaches its dimensional capacity — the available space is filled — before reaching its maximum weight limit. This is common with light, bulky freight like furniture, snack foods, or bedding.
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.
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).
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
Can I take extra freight if I haven't filled the trailer on a weight-out load?
No. If you're at or near the 80,000 lb gross limit, adding any freight — even light items — puts you overweight and subject to fines.