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Difficulty: MediumWeight Definitions and Limits (GVWR, GCWR, Axle Weights)

A logistics carrier is configuring a five-axle tractor-semitrailer combination for an interstate route. The equipment specifications are as follows:

- Truck-tractor unladen (tare) weight: 17,000 lb17,000\text{ lb}
- Semitrailer unladen (tare) weight: 13,000 lb13,000\text{ lb}
- Manufacturer Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): 74,000 lb74,000\text{ lb}
- Semitrailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 65,000 lb65,000\text{ lb}

Assuming all individual axle weight limits and vehicle structure ratings are satisfied, what is the maximum cargo payload this combination can legally carry on interstate highways?

  1. 44,000 lb44,000\text{ lb}Answer
  2. B
    50,000 lb50,000\text{ lb}
  3. C
    52,000 lb52,000\text{ lb}
  4. D
    57,000 lb57,000\text{ lb}

Answer

The maximum legal cargo payload is 44,000 lb44,000\text{ lb}.
The legal operating limit for total combination weight is the lower of the federal interstate limit (80,000 lb80,000\text{ lb}) and the manufacturer's GCWR (74,000 lb74,000\text{ lb}). With an empty combination weight of 30,000 lb30,000\text{ lb} (17,000 lb17,000\text{ lb} tractor + 13,000 lb13,000\text{ lb} semitrailer), subtracting tare weight from the 74,000 lb74,000\text{ lb} GCWR gives a maximum cargo payload of 44,000 lb44,000\text{ lb}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the governing Gross Combination Weight limit
Maximum allowable total weight is 74,000 lb74,000\text{ lb}
Commercial motor vehicles must never exceed either statutory legal limits (such as the standard federal interstate cap of 80,000 lb80,000\text{ lb}) or manufacturer-specified ratings. Since the manufacturer Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 74,000 lb74,000\text{ lb}, it acts as the binding upper limit.
2
Calculate the total unladen (tare) weight of the combination
17,000 lb+13,000 lb=30,000 lb17,000\text{ lb} + 13,000\text{ lb} = 30,000\text{ lb}
The entire empty vehicle combination (tractor plus semitrailer) constitutes the total unladen tare weight.
3
Calculate the allowable cargo payload
74,000 lb−30,000 lb=44,000 lb74,000\text{ lb} - 30,000\text{ lb} = 44,000\text{ lb}
Payload capacity equals the maximum allowable gross combination weight minus the total tare weight. Additionally, the resulting trailer gross weight (13,000 lb+44,000 lb=57,000 lb13,000\text{ lb} + 44,000\text{ lb} = 57,000\text{ lb}) remains well within the trailer GVWR of 65,000 lb65,000\text{ lb}.

Key Concept

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) vs. Statutory Gross Limits in Payload Calculation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Weight Definitions and Limits (GVWR, GCWR, Axle Weights)

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