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

A three-axle vocational dump truck has an unladen tare weight of 21,350 lb21,350\text{ lb} and a manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 54,000 lb54,000\text{ lb}. Statutory highway weight regulations for this vehicle's specific axle configuration restrict the maximum allowable operating gross weight on the planned route to 51,000 lb51,000\text{ lb}. What is the maximum payload (in pounds) that can legally be loaded onto this truck?

Answer: 29650 lb

Answer

The maximum allowable payload is 29,650 lb29,650\text{ lb}.
The maximum legal payload is 29,650 lb29,650\text{ lb}. Commercial vehicle operators must abide by the most restrictive limit applicable to the vehicle. Even though the manufacturer certified the chassis for up to 54,000 lb54,000\text{ lb} (GVWR), the statutory roadway limit restricts the vehicle to 51,000 lb51,000\text{ lb}. Subtracting the tare weight of 21,350 lb21,350\text{ lb} from the 51,000 lb51,000\text{ lb} legal ceiling yields exactly 29,650 lb29,650\text{ lb} of allowable cargo.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the governing gross weight ceiling between the manufacturer rating and statutory regulations.
The governing weight limit is min⁡(54,000 lb,51,000 lb)=51,000 lb\min(54,000\text{ lb}, 51,000\text{ lb}) = 51,000\text{ lb}.
A commercial motor vehicle must never exceed either its structural manufacturer rating (GVWR) or the legal statutory road limit; the lower value always serves as the legal ceiling.
2
Subtract the unladen vehicle tare weight from the governing gross weight limit.
51,000 lb−21,350 lb=29,650 lb51,000\text{ lb} - 21,350\text{ lb} = 29,650\text{ lb}.
Payload capacity is defined as the total allowable gross vehicle weight minus the unladen empty (tare) weight of the vehicle.

Key Concept

A vehicle's maximum legal payload is governed by the most restrictive threshold between the manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and statutory road limits, minus the unladen tare weight.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

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

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