What are the interior dimensions of a 12.5m Chinese curtainsider?

The standard 12.5m Chinese curtainsider has interior dimensions of 12,500 mm (length) × 2,500 mm (width) × 2,800 mm (height), giving approximately 88 m³ of cargo volume. These figures comply with the GB 1589-2016 standard for a 17.5m overall combination length.

What is the maximum payload of a 12.5m curtainsider under GB 1589-2016?

Approximately 27,000 kg. With a 6-axle combination GCM of 49,000 kg and a typical tare weight of around 8,000–10,000 kg for the semi-trailer plus 8,000–10,000 kg for the tractor, the available payload is ~27,000–33,000 kg depending on the specific tractor-trailer configuration.

How many T-11 pallets fit in a 12.5m Chinese curtainsider?

22 T-11 pallet positions (11 rows × 2 wide). T-11 pallets measure 1,100 × 1,100 mm and are the standard pallet size in China, Japan, and Korea. Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) fit 30 positions (10 rows × 3 wide or 15 rows × 2 wide).

What axle weight limits apply under GB 1589-2016?

Steering axle: 7,000 kg. Drive tandem axle: 18,000 kg. Trailer tridem axle group: 24,000 kg. Maximum GCM for a 6-axle combination: 49,000 kg. These limits are set by GB 1589-2016 (amended); exceeding any single axle group limit requires a special transport permit from the relevant provincial authority.

How does the Chinese 12.5m curtainsider compare to the European 13.6m?

The EU 13.6m curtainsider is 1.1m longer (13,620 mm vs 12,500 mm) and slightly narrower (2,480 mm vs 2,500 mm), with lower interior height (2,700 mm vs 2,800 mm). The EU trailer is lighter (GCM 44,000 kg) but the payload is similar (~24,000 kg EU vs ~27,000 kg CN) because the Chinese GCM cap is higher (49,000 kg). Both offer full side-curtain access.

What is the maximum GCM for a curtainsider combination in China?

49,000 kg for a standard 6-axle combination (2-axle tractor + 3-axle semi-trailer) under GB 1589-2016. The maximum overall combination length is 17.5m. Loads exceeding 49,000 kg or 17.5m require a special oversized transport permit (超限运输许可证) from the provincial transport authority.

Does the 12.5m Chinese curtainsider allow side loading?

Yes. Like its European counterpart, the Chinese curtainsider has retractable side curtains that open fully along the entire 12.5m length, enabling forklift access from both sides simultaneously. This makes it the preferred choice for multi-stop distribution routes and goods that cannot be loaded through the rear door.

Trailer Dimensions Guide — China

12.5m Curtainsider (CN) — Dimensions & Cargo Specifications

Internal dimensions, volume, max payload, LDM, and pallet capacity for the standard 12.5m Chinese curtainsider (tautliner) semi-trailer — GB 1589-2016 compliant

Interior length

12.50m

Interior width

2.50m

Interior height

2.80m

Max payload

~27,000 kg

Volume

~88 m³

Linear meters

12.50 LDM

T-11 pallets

22 positions

Loading access

Rear & sides

12.5m CN Curtainsider vs 13.6m EU Curtainsider — Comparison

Variant	Interior (L × W × H)	Volume	LDM	Max payload	Max GCM
12.5m CN Curtainsider	12.50m × 2.50m × 2.80m	88 m³	12.50	~27,000 kg	49,000 kg
13.6m EU Curtainsider	13.62m × 2.48m × 2.70m	91 m³	13.60	~24,000 kg	44,000 kg

12.5m CN Curtainsider

Interior (L × W × H)

12.50m × 2.50m × 2.80m

Volume

88 m³

LDM

12.50

Max payload

~27,000 kg

Max GCM

49,000 kg

13.6m EU Curtainsider

Interior (L × W × H)

13.62m × 2.48m × 2.70m

Volume

91 m³

LDM

13.60

Max payload

~24,000 kg

Max GCM

44,000 kg

Note: Dimensions are typical for the 12.5m curtainsider class used in Chinese domestic long-haul transport. The 17.5m refers to the overall tractor + trailer combination length under GB 1589-2016; the trailer cargo deck is 12.5m. Side curtains retract fully for forklift access along the entire length. Actual dimensions may vary by trailer manufacturer — verify with your carrier.

Explore the 12.5m CN Curtainsider in 3D

Interactive 3D model of the 12.5m Chinese curtainsider semi-trailer — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom

Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom

Loading Specifications

Pallet capacity, weight limits, and GB 1589-2016 rules

Pallet capacity

How many pallets fit in a 12.5m × 2.5m floor

T-11 pallets (1,100 × 1,100 mm) 22 floor positions

Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) 30 floor positions

Double-stacked T-11 pallets up to 44 (height permitting)

Floor load limit 5,000 kg/m²

Typical for Chinese curtainsider floors. Verify with your carrier's spec sheet.

Weight limits (GB 1589-2016)

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

Max GCM (6 axles) 49,000 kg

Steering axle limit 7,000 kg

Drive tandem axle limit 18,000 kg

Trailer tridem axle limit 24,000 kg

Net payload available ~27,000 kg

Axle & weight distribution: GB 1589-2016 sets a 49,000 kg GCM for a 6-axle combination (2-axle tractor + 3-axle semi). The steering axle is limited to 7,000 kg, the drive tandem to 18,000 kg, and the tridem rear to 24,000 kg. Load distribution is critical — keep the centre of gravity at 35–45% from the front of the cargo deck to stay within all three axle group limits simultaneously.

GB 1589-2016 dimension limits

China allows wider and longer combinations than the EU. The overall combination length cap is 17.5m, giving a cargo deck of ~12.5m on a 3-axle semi. Width up to 2.55m is permitted without a special permit; height up to 4.0m.

Cargo length 12.50m

Cargo width 2.50m

Cargo height 2.80m

Max GCM (6 axles) 49,000 kg

Max width (no permit) 2.55m

Max height (no permit) 4.00m

Max combination length 17.50m

12.5m CN Curtainsider — Frequently Asked Questions

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