Heavy load: where do the pallets go and where do the tandems go?
Spread heavy pallets through the middle of the trailer, not on the nose or tail. Then slide the tandems to balance the weight and confirm on a scale ticket.
| Axle group | Typical limit |
|---|---|
| Steer axle | about 12,000 lb (common practical cap, not a federal limit) |
| Each tandem group (drives, trailer) | 34,000 lb |
| Gross | 80,000 lb |
Federal figures for tandems and gross; the steer figure is a common practical cap. Not legal advice. State limits and the bridge formula can be stricter, so confirm with your carrier.
FAQ
Where do heavy pallets go? Toward the middle. Too much on the nose puts it on the tractor's drive axles (and some on the steer). Too much on the tail puts it on the trailer tandems.
When do I slide the tandems? After you scale. Treat the slider as a fix based on the scale ticket, not a guess.
Does the planner show axle weights? Yes, it shows axle weights for your plan.