Container Truck: Definition and Calculation of Load Capacity
Understanding the maximum load capacity of container trucks, the calculation methods, and the consequences of exceeding the load capacity are all crucial pieces of information that many people are interested in. For businesses and truck owners, having a clear understanding of this information can help them avoid risks and legal consequences when transporting goods. In this article, let’s explore these details together with VIMID.
What is a Container Truck?
A container truck, commonly known as a tractor-trailer, is a type of road vehicle used to haul specialized cargo containers, trailers, or semi-trailers for transporting heavy goods. It’s a popular choice for transporting large quantities of goods, especially over long distances such as the journey from north to south.
Standard Container Dimensions
Container sizes vary due to different types of containers and manufacturers. However, using dimensions based on ISO standards is the most common practice to ensure global consistency. Here are the details:
– Container Height: Containers are divided into two types based on height: standard containers with a height of 8 feet 6 inches and high-cube containers with a height of 9 feet 6 inches.
– Container Length: The standard length for containers is typically 40 feet, applicable to most container types.
In cases where shorter container types are used, users need to calculate so that they can be stacked under a 40-foot container while still maintaining a safe gap in between, usually 3 inches.
Depending on the type of cargo being transported, container trucks come in different sizes. Below are the dimensions of some common container types:
[Dimensions listed for 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, and 50 feet containers]
These dimensions are standardized according to ISO standards to ensure flexibility and international use. Each type of container serves different purposes and types of cargo.
How to Calculate the Load Capacity of Container Trucks?
The load capacity of a container truck and its axles can be calculated as follows:
Load Capacity = Total weight of the truck – Truck’s own weight – Weight of people sitting in the truck
Container Truck Axle Load Capacity:
– For single axles: The load capacity of each truck axle must not exceed 10 tons per axle.
– For double axle groups (two axles): The load capacity depends on the distance (d) between the two axle centers:
– If d < 1.0 meter, the load capacity of the axle group must not exceed 11 tons.
– If 1.0 meter ≤ d < 1.3 meters, the load capacity of the axle group must not exceed 16 tons.
– If d ≥ 1.3 meters, the load capacity of the axle group must not exceed 18 tons.
– For triple axle groups (three axles), the load capacity depends on the distance (d) between the two adjacent axle centers:
– If d ≤ 1.3 meters, the load capacity of the axle group must not exceed 21 tons.
– If d > 1.3 meters, the load capacity of the axle group must not exceed 24 tons.
Load Capacity of Container Trucks:
To calculate the total weight of the truck, specific regulations apply:
– For combinations of tractor-trailer trucks or semi-trailers:
– If the truck has a total of 3 axles, the total weight of the truck must not exceed 26 tons.
– If the truck has a total of 4 axles, the total weight of the truck must not exceed 34 tons.
– If the truck has 5 or more axles, the total weight of the truck must not exceed 40 tons.
– For combinations of straight trucks pulling trailers or semi-trailers:
– The total weight of the truck combination must not exceed 45 tons, including the total weight of the truck and the total axle loads of the trailer or semi-trailer being pulled.
What are the Penalties for Exceeding the Maximum Load Capacity Allowed for Container Trucks?
Under regulations related to container trucks, vehicle owners may face fines ranging from 800,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND in the following situations:
– Cargo is loaded on the roof of the container.
– Cargo exceeds the surface area of the container.
– Cargo exceeds 10% of the front or rear of the container.
Penalties may increase to 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND if the cargo exceeds the permitted height of container trucks. This is to ensure that transport vehicles maintain safe load capacities and dimensions as regulated, reducing the risk of accidents for road users.
These are the latest details on how to calculate the load capacity of container trucks along with some related regulations. It is hoped that this article will provide useful information and support for drivers and truck owners in their upcoming journeys.
