What are the interior dimensions of a 13.8m baú seco?

A standard Brazilian 13.8m baú seco has an interior floor length of 13,800 mm, interior width of 2,500 mm, and interior height of 2,900 mm, giving a cargo volume of approximately 100 m³. These dimensions are governed by CONTRAN Resolution 210/2006. The maximum external trailer body length is 14.00m.

What is the maximum payload of a 13.8m baú seco in Brazil?

Payload is typically around 28,000 kg on a 2-axle tractor + 3-axle tridem semi-trailer combination, which has a maximum GCM of 48,500 kg under CONTRAN 210. Subtracting a combined tare of approximately 18,000–20,000 kg (tractor + trailer) leaves roughly 28,000–30,000 kg net payload. Always verify with the vehicle's CRLV plate.

What axle weight limits apply under CONTRAN 210?

CONTRAN Resolution 210/2006 sets: single steering axle 6,000 kg, tandem drive axle 17,000 kg, tridem rear axle group 25,500 kg. The maximum GCM for a 2+3 axle combination (the most common for 13.8m semi-trailers) is 48,500 kg. Higher GCMs are possible with more axles and special permits (AET from DNIT).

How many PBR pallets fit in a 13.8m baú seco?

A 13.8m × 2.5m floor fits 26 PBR pallets (ABNT NBR 9151, 1,000 × 1,200 mm) in a 13-row × 2-wide layout. For Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) the floor fits 34 positions (17 rows × 2 wide). Double-stacking PBR pallets at ≤1.45m per layer is possible within the 2.9m interior height.

What is the maximum vehicle combination length in Brazil?

The maximum length for a tractor + semi-trailer combination (Conjunto A) in Brazil is 18.60m under CONTRAN 210. The maximum semi-trailer body length is 14.00m. Longer combinations such as bi-trains (bitrens) or road trains (rodotrens) require special authorisation and are typically limited to specific road networks (DNIT/ANTT regulated routes).

When is an AET permit required for a baú seco in Brazil?

An Autorização Especial de Trânsito (AET) is required when any load exceeds: 2.60m width, 4.40m height, 14.00m semi-trailer body length, or 48,500 kg GCM (for standard 2+3 axle combinations). AETs are issued by DNIT for federal roads and by state road authorities (DER) for state roads. Oversize loads also require escort vehicles beyond certain thresholds.

What is the difference between a baú seco and a baú frigorífico?

A baú seco (dry van) carries general, dry cargo in a non-temperature-controlled environment — the most common semi-trailer in Brazil for packaged goods, electronics, and industrial cargo. A baú frigorífico (refrigerated van) adds insulation and a refrigeration unit for temperature-sensitive freight (typically -25°C to +12°C), with slightly reduced interior dimensions and payload due to the thermal walls and equipment weight.

Trailer Dimensions Guide — Brazil

13.8m Dry Box Van (Baú Seco) — Dimensions & Cargo Specifications

Interior dimensions, max GCM, CONTRAN 210 axle limits, and pallet capacity for the standard Brazilian 13.8m dry box semi-trailer

Interior length

13.80m

Interior width

2.50m

Interior height

2.90m

Max payload

~28,000 kg

Volume

~100 m³

Linear meters

13.80 LDM

Max GCM (BR)

48,500 kg

PBR pallets

26 positions

Baú Seco 13.8m (BR) vs Box Trailer 13.6m (EU)

Variant	Interior (L × W × H)	Volume	Max payload	Max GCM	Regulation
Baú Seco BR	13.80m × 2.50m × 2.90m	100 m³	~28,000 kg	48,500 kg	CONTRAN 210/2006
Box Trailer EU	13.62m × 2.46m × 2.70m	90 m³	~24,000 kg	44,000 kg	Directive 96/53/EC

Baú Seco BR

Interior (L × W × H)

13.80m × 2.50m × 2.90m

Volume

100 m³

Max payload

~28,000 kg

Max GCM

48,500 kg

Regulation

CONTRAN 210/2006

Box Trailer EU

Interior (L × W × H)

13.62m × 2.46m × 2.70m

Volume

90 m³

Max payload

~24,000 kg

Max GCM

44,000 kg

Regulation

Directive 96/53/EC

Note: Dimensions represent industry-standard specifications for the Brazilian baú seco semi-trailer operating under CONTRAN Resolution 210/2006. Internal dimensions and payload capacity vary by body builder and axle configuration. Always confirm with your carrier's specification plate (CRLV). Maximum combination length is 18.60m for a tractor + semi-trailer.

Explore the 13.8m Baú Seco in 3D

Interactive 3D model of the full-size 13.8m Brazilian dry box van semi-trailer — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom

Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom

Loading Specifications

Pallet capacity, weight limits, and CONTRAN rules

Pallet capacity

PBR and Euro pallet positions in the 13.8m × 2.5m floor

PBR pallets (1,000 × 1,200 mm) 26 floor positions

Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) 34 floor positions

Double-stacked PBR pallets up to 52 (height permitting)

Floor load limit 5,000 kg/m²

Typical for Brazilian steel-floor box vans. Verify with your carrier's spec sheet.

Weight limits (CONTRAN 210)

Brazilian axle group limits for a 2-axle tractor + 3-axle semi-trailer

Max GCM (2+3 axles) 48,500 kg

Steering axle limit 6,000 kg

Tandem drive axle limit 17,000 kg

Tridem trailer axle limit 25,500 kg

Net payload available ~28,000 kg

Axle & CoG rules: CONTRAN 210 sets individual axle group limits: single steering 6,000 kg, tandem drive 17,000 kg, tridem rear 25,500 kg — totalling 48,500 kg GCM. Cargo must be loaded so the tridem rear axle carries no more than 25,500 kg; typical practice is to keep the longitudinal CoG at 35–45% of cargo length from the front.

CONTRAN 210 dimension limits

Brazil allows wider (2.60m) and taller (4.40m) trailers than EU. The maximum semi-trailer body length is 14.00m; maximum combination (tractor + semi) is 18.60m. Loads exceeding 2.60m width or 4.40m height require a special transport permit (AET) from DNIT/state road authority.

Interior length 13.80m

Interior width 2.50m

Interior height 2.90m

Max width without AET 2.60m

Max height without AET 4.40m

Max GCM (2+3 axles) 48,500 kg

13.8m Baú Seco — Frequently Asked Questions

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