How do Texas truck drivers know what weight they're allowed to carry?

 

A:
Montgomery County truck wreck lawyers respond: the U.S. DOT provides a Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula (also called Bridge Formula B) that allows truck drivers to calculate the maximum weights allowed for their particular types of trucks. The formula is based around the number of axles on a tractor-trailer and the spacing between the axles. The formula was created as a way to prevent damage to U.S. roads and bridges from overly heavy trucks and their cargos.
 
Truck drivers know that on any long hauls, they're likely to encounter government weigh stations that check their compliance with the Formula. The in-ground truck scales can check their vehicles' gross weights and axle weights.

The Formula that truck drivers must follow looks like this:

 w=500 (ln/n-1 + 12n + 36)

where w is the maximum weight to be carried on a group of 2 or more axles (to the nearest 500 pounds), l is the spacing in feet between the outer axles of any 2 or more consecutive axles, and n is the number of axles on the tractor-trailer.

The standard 18-wheeler is permitted to carry up to 80,000 pounds of cargo. With proper oversize or overweight permits, tractor-trailers are allowed to carry a bit more weight. Failure to comply with the Formula can result in heavy fines and other penalties.

Overweight cargos can not only damage roads and bridges, they can also lead to catastrophic truck wrecks causing debilitating or even fatal injuries. If you've been injured in a Texas truck wreck and you have questions, contact the knowledgeable Montgomery County truck wreck lawyers at Denena & Points for a free consultation. We have the answers and experience you need for a successful claim.

Texas Board Certified Montgomery County accident injury lawyers stand ready to help you make your maximum financial recovery on your accident compensation claim. Call today for your free initial legal consultation!