Different Types of Trucks and Their Load Capacities Calculation
Published On: February 5, 2025 | Author: Content Team | Publisher: Trucksup
| Table of Content |
Trucks play a vital role in the transportation and logistics industry. From light commercial vehicles to heavy-duty trucks, each truck type is designed to serve specific purposes based on its load capacity, size, and configuration. This guide explores different types of trucks and explains how to calculate their load capacities effectively.
Why Different Capacity Trucks Are Needed
Different capacity trucks are essential to meet the diverse needs of the transportation and logistics industry. Smaller capacity trucks, such as 6 wheeler or 6 tyre trucks, are ideal for short-distance transportation and moderate loads like construction materials, consumer goods, or agricultural produce. These trucks are more economical for lighter loads and provide easier manoeuvrability in urban and rural areas.
On the other hand, larger capacity trucks, such as 10 wheeler and 12 wheeler trucks, are designed for heavy loads and long-distance transportation. These trucks are suitable for industrial goods, bulk materials, and oversized cargo. Using the right truck capacity ensures cost efficiency, reduces wear and tear, and complies with legal load limits, thereby improving safety and productivity.
Understanding Truck Configurations
Trucks are categorized based on the number of axles and wheels, which determine their load capacity and suitability for specific cargo types. Here are common configurations:
1. 6 Tyre Truck (6 Wheeler Truck):
- Typically has 2 axles, with 2 wheels on the front axle and 4 wheels on the rear axle.
- Used for medium cargo loads such as construction materials, agricultural produce, or industrial goods.
2. 10 Tyre Truck (10 Wheeler Truck):
- Features 3 axles, with 2 wheels on the front axle and 8 wheels distributed across the two rear axles.
- Designed for heavy loads such as machinery, bulk goods, and industrial materials.
3. 12 Tyre Truck:
- Includes 4 axles, with 2 wheels on the front axle and 10 wheels on the rear axles.
- Suitable for very heavy cargo like steel rods, containers, and over-dimensional cargo (ODC).
4. 14 Tyre Truck:
- Consists of 5 axles, accommodating even higher load capacities.
- Used for oversized goods and long-haul freight.
Load Capacities Chart of Common Truck Types
The load capacity of a truck depends on its axle configuration, engine power, and design. Below are the approximate load capacities for commonly used trucks:
| Truck Type | Number of Wheels | Axles | Load Capacity (Tons) |
| 6 Tyre Truck (6 Wheeler) | 6 | 2 | 7-10 |
| 10 Tyre Truck (10 Wheeler) | 10 | 3 | 16-25 |
| 12 Tyre Truck | 12 | 4 | 25-30 |
| 14 Tyre Truck | 14 | 5 | 30-35 |
| 18 Tyre Truck | 18 | 6 | 40+ |
Calculating Truck Load Capacity
Load capacity is influenced by factors such as the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), axle weight distribution, and permissible limits set by government regulations. Here’s a step-by-step method to calculate the load capacity of a truck:
Step 1: Understand Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded truck, including the vehicle’s own weight, cargo, passengers, and fuel.
Step 2: Subtract the Unladen Weight
Unladen weight, also known as curb weight, is the weight of the truck without any cargo or passengers.
Load Capacity = GVWR – Unladen Weight
Step 3: Consider Axle Load Distribution
Each axle has a maximum permissible load. Ensure the weight distribution complies with axle weight limits to avoid fines or damage to the truck.
Examples of Load Capacity Calculation
Calculating truck load capacity ensures efficient transportation. A truck load capacity chart simplifies this by subtracting unladen weight from Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Truck capacity reflects the payload, while truck volume capacity considers space. Knowing truck carrying capacity helps avoid overloading. Below are examples of how to determine truck load capacity for common truck types. For instance, a 6-tyre truck with a GVWR of 16,000 kg and unladen weight of 9,000 kg has a truck load capacity of 7,000 kg. Truck capacity varies by model, and truck volume capacity impacts load distribution. A truck load capacity chart is essential for precision, ensuring truck carrying capacity aligns with safety standards. Understanding truck load capacity enhances logistics planning and prevents costly errors.
Example 1: 6 Tyre Truck (6 Wheeler Truck)
- GVWR: 16 tons
- Unladen Weight: 9 tons
- Load Capacity = 16 – 9 = 7 tons
Example 2: 10 Tyre Truck (10 Wheeler Truck)
- GVWR: 25 tons
- Unladen Weight: 10 tons
- Load Capacity = 25 – 10 = 15 tons
Applications of Different Trucks
Trucks serve diverse purposes based on their truck load capacity. A truck load capacity chart helps match truck capacity to specific tasks. Truck volume capacity and truck carrying capacity determine suitability for cargo types. Whether hauling construction materials or industrial goods, understanding truck load capacity ensures efficient operations across industries. For example, a 10-tyre truck with a truck load capacity of 15 tons excels in heavy-duty transport. Truck capacity supports industries like agriculture, while truck volume capacity suits bulky goods like furniture. Using a truck load capacity chart, businesses optimize truck carrying capacity for deliveries. This versatility reduces costs and boosts productivity across sectors relying on truck capacity.
6 Tyre Truck Applications
- Suitable for medium-weight cargo such as:
- Construction materials (sand, bricks, cement)
- Consumer goods
- Agricultural produce
10 Tyre Truck Applications
- Ideal for heavy cargo like:
- Industrial machinery
- Long-distance goods transportation
- Bulk materials (coal, gravel, iron ore)
Specialized Trucks
- Refrigerated Trucks: Used for transporting perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals.
- Container Trucks: Designed for containerized cargo, ensuring secure transportation over long distances.
- Flatbed Trucks: Suitable for oversized loads like machinery or construction equipment.
Government Regulations and Safety Standards
The Indian government regulates truck load capacities to ensure road safety and reduce damage to infrastructure. Key regulations include:
- Axle Load Limits: Maximum weight per axle varies based on truck type and configuration.
- Overloading Penalties: Overloaded trucks face heavy fines and potential confiscation.
- Permits for Oversized Loads: Special permits are required for carrying oversized or over-dimensional cargo.
Also read:- Container Truck Size and Dimensions
Tips for Optimizing Truck Load Capacity
- Choose the Right Truck Type: Select a truck that matches the cargo’s weight and size to avoid underutilization or overloading.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure cargo is evenly distributed to maintain stability and reduce wear and tear on the truck.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Well-maintained trucks are more efficient and safer for carrying heavy loads.
- Use GPS and Load Management Software: Optimize routes and monitor load capacity in real time to improve efficiency.
Role of TrucksUp in Managing Load Capacity
At TrucksUp, we understand the importance of choosing the right truck for your transportation needs. Whether you’re transporting goods locally or across long distances, selecting the right truck type and managing load capacity effectively can make a significant difference in operational efficiency and profitability.
In case it’s a 6-wheeler for moderate loads or a 10-wheeler for heavy cargo, We provide reliable truck booking solutions tailored to your business. Our commitment to efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness ensures your goods reach their destination on time. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, TrucksUp is here to elevate your logistics experience. Trust us for seamless operations and unmatched service in the trucking industry. Let’s move forward, together.
FAQs
Q1. What is the load capacity of a truck?
Ans: The truck load capacity is the maximum weight a truck can carry, calculated by subtracting unladen weight from GVWR. For example, a truck capacity of 7 tons fits a 6-tyre truck, per the truck load capacity chart, ensuring safe truck carrying capacity. Truck volume capacity also plays a role in load planning. A truck load capacity chart provides precise figures for truck capacity, keeping operations safe and efficient.
Q2. What is the capacity of a full truck load?
Ans: A full truck capacity depends on its truck load capacity, like 15 tons for a 10-tyre truck. This reflects the truck volume capacity and truck carrying capacity when fully loaded, as shown in a truck load capacity chart. Truck capacity ensures heavy loads are transported effectively. Truck load capacity and truck carrying capacity align to maximize efficiency without compromising safety.
Q3. How to check truck load capacity?
Ans: To check truck load capacity, refer to the truck load capacity chart or subtract unladen weight from GVWR. This determines truck capacity and truck carrying capacity, ensuring the truck volume capacity meets your needs. For example, a truck load capacity chart shows a 7-ton truck capacity for a 6-tyre model. It’s a simple way to verify truck carrying capacity.
Q4. What is the maximum load for a truck?
Ans: The maximum load, or truck load capacity, varies—7 tons for a 6-tyre truck, 15 tons for a 10-tyre truck. A truck load capacity chart defines this truck carrying capacity and truck capacity limit. Truck volume capacity also influences the maximum load. Truck load capacity ensures safety and compliance, as outlined in a truck load capacity chart.
Q5. What is the load capacity limit?
Ans: The truck load capacity limit is the highest safe payload, like 15 tons for a 10-tyre truck. It balances truck volume capacity and truck carrying capacity, per the truck load capacity chart, to prevent overloading. Truck capacity must stay within this limit for safety. A truck load capacity chart helps define this truck carrying capacity threshold clearly.
Q6. How to calculate truck load capacity in kg?
Ans: Convert GVWR and unladen weight to kg, then subtract: e.g., 25,000 kg – 10,000 kg = 15,000 kg truck load capacity. This aligns with truck capacity, truck volume capacity, and truck carrying capacity on a truck load capacity chart. Truck load capacity in kg ensures precision. A truck load capacity chart simplifies this for accurate truck carrying capacity.
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