The legal carrying capacity of a semi-trailer involves several factors, including vehicle type, number of axles, and national load standards.
National Regulations and Vehicle Type
According to national regulations, the standard tonnage for a semi-trailer is typically 40 tons. However, the specific load capacity varies depending on the type of semi-trailer. For example, the total tonnage of a container semi-trailer is generally 40 tons, and the actual load capacity needs to be calculated by subtracting the trailer's mass. Additionally, road administration regulations stipulate a load capacity standard of 10 tons for single-axle semi-trailers and a maximum of 55 tons for six-axle semi-trailers.
Number of Axles and Load Capacity
The load capacity of a semi-trailer is also related to its number of axles. Four-axle center-axle trailers, four-axle articulated trailers, and four-axle full trailers generally have a load capacity of 36 tons, while four-axle trucks have a load capacity of 31 tons. These regulations are based on vehicle safety and road protection considerations.
