There is a very costly misconception regarding ocean container transit that may lead global heavy freight shippers to pay far more than needed, based on maximum truck weights allowed on US highways. Specifically, steamship lines promote the idea that container weights must be limited to 44,000 lbs. or less to stay within “legal” limits. 

But knowing the actual DOT truck weight limits by state can easily lead to six-figure savings for large-volume shippers of heavy freight. So it actually pays to know more about the maximum weight for a truck and trailer as you haul freight across the US.

The actual capacity of ocean containers is the max gross cargo weight listed on the container door, usually 10,000 lbs or more beyond 44,000 lbs. Some steamship lines and forwarders advise against shipping overweight containers because once they reach port and move inland, any extra weight could bring it beyond the DOT’s standard 80,000 lbs maximum truck weight limit for over-the-road (OTR) moves. 

But if you study the actual DOT weight limits for trucks by state, you’ll find many allow carriers with designated permits to handle containers 10,000–15,000 lbs. heavier than the 44,000 lbs “limit.”

For instance, heavyweight shipping permits allow specialized rigs to carry at least 10,000 lbs more than a standard truck for things like dense cargo, construction vehicles or heavy machinery. That brings the allowable maximum gross vehicle weight to about 90,000 lbs. The maximum shipping weight allowance for a 20’ or 40’ container payload for over the road transport is approximately 59,000 lbs.

The only exception to the 80,000-lb or 90,000-lb semi trailer weight limit is when the weight isn’t evenly distributed across a longer trailer with several axles. The Federal Bridge Gross Weight Limit formula uses a weight-to-length ratio to determine whether a vehicle can operate safely across bridges at the allowed limit. The DOT legal weight per axle formula currently allows up to seven axles with 86 feet or more between axle sets, and a maximum gross weight of 105,500 lbs.

Tanker trucks are allowed to use a standard five-axle set to carry 80,000 lbs. without violating the bridge formula for tractor-trailer weight limits. This carve-out was requested by the American Trucking Association. A Federal Bridge Gross Weight Limit calculator can be found here.

When performing heavy freight shipping, maximizing ocean container payload reduces freight cost per ton. This requires relationships with trucking companies that have blanket or single-trip permits to move containers directly from port to consignee with no need for transloading.

You may also want to consider working with a freight forwarder specializing in global door-to-door moves of heavy freight that can manage everything from pick-up to final delivery. They have built a network of heavy haul trucking companies at every US port to help you minimize ocean freight costs while remaining “street legal” on OTR moves.

How Much Weight Can a Semi Haul?

The chart below shows DOT truck weight limits by state in terms of the maximum that can be added to the tare weight. You can also see a full listing here, and more detail from US DOT here. It’s important to know how much weight a semi-truck can haul, state by state.

Only states that allow legal hauling of overweight loads with a special permit are listed; all others apply the federal DOT 80,000 lb. gross weight limit.

Why Are There Truck Weight Limits by State?

Truck weight limits help ensure road safety, manage highway wear and tear, and protect the environment. They are crucial because heavier vehicles can cause significant damage to roads and bridges, leading to higher maintenance costs. Each state sets its own truck weight limits based on road and bridge design and capacity, as well as local traffic conditions and environmental considerations.

Safety is a primary concern behind truck weight restrictions. Heavier trucks have longer stopping distances and create greater momentum, which can increase the severity of crashes. By regulating semi truck weight limits, states aim to reduce the risk of more catastrophic accidents compared to other vehicles.

States receive taxes from carriers calculated based on weight, and it’s used to compensate for investments in road and bridge maintenance. Goods are often valued based on weight, so maximum truck weight limits factor into fair trade and profitability.

Finally, environmental protection plays a role. Heavier loads mean higher fuel consumption and greater Co2 emissions. By imposing weight limits, states can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

These regulations also help create a more equitable use of public roads. By limiting truck weights, states ensure that no single vehicle type causes excessive highway deterioration, causing a greater tax burden on citizens and budgetary issues. State weight limits are essential for balancing safety, environmental impact, and economics.

Local municipalities sometimes push for stricter truck weight limits to address congestion and road damage issues. Places like Luzerne County, PA, Grand Rapids, MI, and Saratoga Springs, NY, have all seen local efforts to restrict truck weight due to concerns over traffic and environmental impact.

What Are the Legal Weights Per Axle Across the States?

The maximum weight for truck and trailer set by the US DOT is 20,000 lbs. per axle on single-trailer configurations, and a tractor trailer weight limit of 34,000 lbs. for a tandem setup.

There are state-by-state exemptions to DOT legal weights per axle. For single-trailer configurations, they range from 18,000 lbs. in Michigan to 22,500 lbs. in Hawaii. The majority of state exemptions are at 22,400 lbs. (Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont).

For tandem trailers, the DOT truck weight limits per axle run higher because weight is distributed across more axles. Tandem trailers have multiple axles close together, spreading the load more evenly and minimizing road wear and tear.

State exemptions from DOT legal weight limit per axle for tandem trailers go from 35,200 lbs. in South Carolina to 44,800 lbs in Rhode Island. Other states with higher tandem legal weights per axle include Florida (44,000 lbs.); Maine (41,000 lbs.); North Carolina and the District of Columbia (38,000 lbs.); Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Wyoming (36,000 lbs.); and South Carolina (35,200 lbs.).   

These exemptions only apply to certain sections of highway, for instance, from New Mexico to Wyoming on I-25. You can find more detail about state exemptions on legal weights per axle on this DOT page.

What Are the Penalties for Weight Limit Violations?

Penalties for violating truck weight restrictions vary widely by state. For example, they start as low as $3 per pound overweight in Connecticut, if the violation is less than 5% over the limit. This helpful site gives state-by-state details on penalties for violations of weight limits for semi trucks. 

Fines can be substantial. For example, in Rhode Island in 2017, a trucking company was fined $57,000 for operating a vehicle that was nearly 400,000 pounds over the legal weight for tractor trailers without the necessary permit.  

Generally, fines are calculated based on how far a truck exceeds the legal weight limit. Some states impose fines on a per-pound basis, with rates increasing as excess weight rises. For instance, fines may start at a certain amount for the first 1,000 lbs. in excess, and go up incrementally for each additional 1,000 lbs.

In California, fines for overweight violations can reach $4,000, depending on the severity of the infraction. In Texas, fines start at $100 to $150 for a first offense but can escalate to $10,000 for loads exceeding the weight limit by more than 40,000 pounds. 

Fines can of course accumulate with violations of more than one truck weight limit (i.e., gross vehicle weight and axle weight). Repeat offenses or egregious violations may result in higher fines, mandatory offloading of excess weight, and other penalties.

Given the variability in fines, carriers and drivers need to be aware of specific weight regulations and potential penalties in the states where they operate.

How Are Violations For Maximum Truck Weight Enforced?

Violators of truck weight restrictions are caught by law enforcement using a combination of technology and random checks.

If a driver decides to skip a weigh station, many states now employ electronic License Plate Readers (LPR) mounted alongside the highway, and Weigh In Motion (WIM) sensors embedded in the roadway. A WIM system can alert state authorities about violators and flag them for enforcement.

LPR can be integrated with WIM systems or weigh stations, capturing a truck’s license plate and DOT number, allowing authorities to track carriers with a history of violations.

There are also checkpoints where DOT officials conduct detailed inspections. They may review shipping documents like the bill of lading to verify that declared cargo weight matches the actual load. In some cases, violators are flagged based on tips or complaints from other drivers or warehouse personnel.

What About Weight Restrictions and Regulations on Container Trucking?

Based on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty from the International Maritime Organization, trucks transporting shipping containers must be weighed in one of two approved ways: by weighing the full container using calibrated, certified equipment, or by adding up the combined tare weight of the container and all cargo. Estimated weights are not allowed. 

Improperly weighed or loaded containers are subject to civil liability and federal and state penalties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national standards for securing cargo which are enforced by the DOT and state authorities.

It does make sense in terms of efficiency and economy to maximize the payload of every container, allowing you to ship less of them. This equates to fewer ocean freight sailings, fewer road hauls, less handling, lower freight bills and a sizably reduced carbon footprint. You can learn more here about ways to optimize your shipping logistics in this manner.

Knowing DOT Truck Weight Limits by State Can Drive Dramatic Savings for Heavy Cargo Shippers

If you ship large volumes of heavy freight via ocean, it pays to develop your network of specialized drayage partners with the permits required to move heavy containers from port to consignee, with no need for transloading. Or, better yet, partner with a heavy freight specialist like I.C.E. Transport that can seamlessly handle your door-to-door container shipments. Contact I.C.E. today to start a conversation.