How to load trailers and distribute weight: Driver's Education

How to Load Trailers and Distribute Weight: Driver's Education

Loading a heavy trailer efficiently requires a balance of mathematics and practical know-how to ensure the axle weight is correctly distributed. Improper weight distribution can negatively impact a vehicle's dynamic stability and braking performance.

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Lightly loaded axle tires offer less traction compared to heavily loaded ones. Incorrectly loading the trailer may also strain the suspension and potentially result in an overweight ticket if inspected.

Figuring out the optimal placement of your cargo involves both science and creativity. It's straightforward if you're dealing with palettes of similar weight; however, differing cargo loads may require some imaginative planning.

Begin by understanding your truck’s empty axle weight. Typically, highway tractors range between 18,000 to 21,000 lb., while tandem van trailers usually weigh around 15,000 lb. Multi-axle and refrigerated trailers will be heavier.

Start With Your Truck's Weight

Begin by configuring your fifth wheel and trailer axles into a standard setup: position the kingpin just ahead of the center of the drive axle, and center the trailer axles at the 41-foot mark to comply with measurement rules. Ensure fuel tanks are full to simulate the worst-case scenario.

Using round numbers for simplicity, let’s say a five-axle dry van tractor-trailer weighs 35,000 lb. unloaded:

• Steer axle: 11,000 lb. (4,990 kg)
• Drive axles: 14,000 lb. (6,350 kg)
• Trailer axles: 10,000 lb. (4,353 kg)
• Tare weight: 35,000 lb. (15,875 kg)

With these figures, the calculated maximum payload would be 1,000 lb. on the steer, 20,000 lb. on the drives, and 24,000 lb. on the trailer axles, totaling 46,000 lb. for a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 lb.

Consider additional factors: Does the cargo manifest include pallet weight? Is the shipper accurate with reported cargo weight? Can your truck handle the proposed load?

Knowing your vehicle's tare weight in advance can help determine if you can carry a given load. Remember, it’s possible to stay within gross weight limits yet still exceed limits on specific axles, which can result in penalties.

A Million Possibilities

A 53-foot trailer can hold 26 to 30 standard 40×48-inch pallets, depending on their orientation. Ensure the load is light enough not to impact axle weight. Larger or mixed loads require strategic placement to balance the weight appropriately.

Securement is also vital; inspectors may fine you if cargo isn’t properly secured against shifting.

Visualize loading pallets evenly across the trailer, ideally targeting an average of 800 lb. per foot of trailer length. This could mean up to 28 pallets weighing 1,600 lb. each arranged side by side and front to back, totaling a payload of 44,800 lb.

Other Considerations

Loading isn’t straightforward. Consider breaking large loads into smaller segments for better weight distribution. For instance, staggering pallets (e.g., two side by side, followed by a single pallet) can distribute weight more evenly.

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If the pallets are securely shrink-wrapped and packed tightly, they will likely stay in place during transit.

Average the Weight

With mixed-weight pallets, use calculations to distribute 800 lb. per foot, possibly extending the pattern over larger segments for accuracy. Aim to load slightly heavier in the middle of the trailer to ensure even weight distribution.

A potential pattern might include pallets of varying weights placed strategically to achieve balanced axle loads. Filling voids with dunnage, air bags, or cargo straps helps maintain cargo securement.

It's Your Responsibility

Ultimately, the responsibility for safe loading falls on the driver. Shippers aim to move freight off their dock, but it’s essential to ensure proper loading to avoid overweight penalties and ensure safe transit.

Loads nearing the vehicle's total weight capacity require careful attention to distribution. Make a habit of recording the truck's empty weight and how loads are distributed to refine your loading strategies over time.

– Transportation Warehouse Optimization offers a worksheet demonstrating efficient trailer loading, which can be useful for drivers.

• Driver's Education is a series of articles designed to address essential knowledge for drivers, beyond entry-level training.

Adding a 3rd Axle to a Trailer

Considering adding a third axle to a 36-foot wedge car hauler? This can increase the trailer's load capacity and provide a contingency in case of axle failure. Ensure you measure existing axles accurately when adding the new one.

Three axles might complicate turning, but the benefits can outweigh this if it addresses load and safety concerns.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a gooseneck detach trailer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.