Steel coil load and axle limits
You are loading a 3-axle rigid truck with a permitted gross vehicle mass of 26 t and a kerb weight of 10 t. The front axle limit is 7.5 t and each of the two rear axles is limited to 11.5 t. The payload is two steel coils, 8 t each, and the loader has placed one coil directly behind the cab and one at the extreme rear of the flatbed. A weighbridge shows: front axle 6.0 t, first rear axle 11.8 t, second rear axle 8.2 t, total 26.0 t. The coils are 1.2 m wide and stacked to a total height of 4.1 m above the road. The vehicle is 2.5 m wide. You must decide whether the load is legal as positioned, how to reposition it, and how to secure it.
1. Is the vehicle legal for the road as loaded? Show your axle and dimension reasoning.
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No. The total mass is exactly 26.0 t, so the GVW is not exceeded. The front axle at 6.0 t is below 7.5 t and the second rear axle at 8.2 t is below 11.5 t. But the first rear axle is 11.8 t, which exceeds its 11.5 t limit by 0.3 t. That alone makes the load illegal and unsafe because the tyre and suspension are overloaded.
The height is also a problem: 4.1 m exceeds the general 4.0 m maximum height, so the load would need a permit or rearrangement. The width at 2.5 m is within the 2.55 m general limit. Do not depart. Move the rear coil forward or redistribute the coils so that the first rear axle is at or below 11.5 t and the front axle stays below 7.5 t. Re-weigh after moving; do not rely on calculation alone.
2. How should the coils be secured, and what else must you check before departure?
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Steel coils are dense and can shift or roll. Use purpose-made coil cradles or chocks, and secure each coil with straps or chains arranged to prevent forward, rearward and sideways movement. Do not rely on friction alone. Check the flatbed, twist locks if used, and the condition of straps.
Because the load is high, check that it does not obstruct lights, mirrors or the tachograph. Re-check the total height after repositioning; if it remains above 4.0 m, obtain the required permit or do not move. Confirm axle loads on a weighbridge, check tyre pressures for the actual load, and ensure the rear markings are visible. Record the new axle loads. If the coils cannot be secured to the required standard, refuse the load.