Truck Weight Guide

How to Calculate Truck Payload

GVW minus tare weight equals your legal payload. Get the formula right — once per load, before the truck leaves the dock.

EU max GVW (5-axle)

40,000 kg

US max GVW (5-axle)

80,000 lbs

Typical EU tare

~16,000 kg

Typical EU payload

~24,000 kg

Payload Calculator

Select a configuration to see the payload breakdown

40% tare
60% payload
0 40,000 kg GVW
GVW 40,000 kg
Tractor tare − 8,500 kg
Trailer tare − 7,500 kg
Net payload = 24,000 kg
With 5% safety margin 22,800 kg
Formula GVW − Tare = Net Payload
Calculation Guide

How to calculate truck payload in 6 steps

Follow this sequence every time you plan a load.

Step 1

Step 1

Step 2

Step 2

Step 3

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Step 4

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Step 5

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Step 6

Step 6

Weight Limits Reference

GVW and payload limits at a glance

Federal/directive-level limits. Individual roads and seasonal restrictions can be lower.

EU 5-axle GVW

40,000 kg

44,000 kg intermodal

US 5-axle GVW

80,000 lbs

36,287 kg federal

Typical EU payload

~24,000 kg

Varies with tare

Typical US payload

~50,500 lbs

~22,900 kg net

EU intermodal bonus

+4,000 kg

Seasonal restrictions

80–90% of limits

Overweight fines

€500 – €10,000+

Frequently Asked Questions

Your next load, perfectly planned.

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