Where to weigh a truck? In road transport, compliance with regulations regarding the vehicle's gross vehicle weight is crucial. Despite numerous legal regulations, truck overloading is still a common occurrence – both in domestic and international transport. The question of liability for such offenses raises many questions. Is the carrier, the freight forwarder, or perhaps the shipper at fault? Below, we explain who is responsible for overloading a truck and what the consequences may be.
Pursuant to Article 61, Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, cargo may not exceed the vehicle's permissible gross vehicle weight (GVM) or its payload. Importantly, the regulations do not limit liability to a single entity. Liability may be borne by the carrier, but also by the freight forwarder, consignor, or shipper, depending on the contractual provisions and the actual loading process. The obligation to comply with the standards rests with the party who had actual control over the loading method and had access to information about the weight of the cargo.
Correctly calculating payload is a fundamental step in road transport planning. Payload is the difference between the gross vehicle weight and the vehicle's unladen weight. For example, if a vehicle has a GVM of 18 tonnes and an unladen weight of 7 tonnes, the maximum payload is 11 tonnes. Knowing this value allows for better transport planning and minimizes the risk of violating regulations. It's worth remembering that exceeding this limit by even a few hundred kilograms can result in a fine.
Vehicle weight can be checked at many points – both those supervised by the Road Transport Inspectorate and at weighing stations at logistics bases or freight forwarding companies. If you're wondering where to weigh your truck, it's worth using certified truck scales. They allow for a quick check of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight and axle load distribution.
Responsibility for overloading a truck can be attributed to various participants in the transport process. If overloading is detected during a roadside inspection, administrative authorities analyze who actually influenced the loading and transport documentation. Most often:
The carrier is liable if he knew or should have known that the vehicle was overloaded.
The shipper is at fault when he is responsible for the physical arrangement of the goods.
The freight forwarder may be at fault if he or she has incorrectly organised the transport or has incorrectly completed the waybill.
Transport contracts should precisely define the scope of obligations in order to clearly establish liability in the event of a breach.
Penalties for exceeding the permissible vehicle weight or axle loads are provided for in the Road Transport Act and the Road Traffic Law. Financial penalties depend on the scale of the violation – they can range from several hundred to several thousand zlotys. Additionally, a driving ban may be imposed until the excess load is removed. The CMR Convention applies to international transport, which in many cases transfers responsibility to the shipper.
Both the carrier and the freight forwarder can take a number of measures to prevent vehicle overloading. The following are crucial:
regular vehicle weighing and documentation checks;
use of accurate data on the weight of the goods;
high-quality cargo straps and chains for securing cargo ;
taking into account the weight of equipment and fuel tanks.
With proper preparation and diligence, you can not only avoid fines, but also increase the safety of road transport.
Many people seek information about how much a truck weighs and what its gross vehicle weight is. The average empty weight of a truck is between 7 and 13 tons, while the GVM of vehicles ranges from 16 to 40 tons depending on the design. Proper load distribution is also crucial – not only for regulatory reasons but also for vehicle durability and driving safety.
In emergency situations – for example, when damage occurs due to overloading – it's worth choosing a professional truck repair shop and the wide range of truck parts available at Autos. To ensure compliance with regulations and avoid high fines, it's essential to be aware of the risks and take a meticulous approach to load preparation. It's good practice to always check the weight before departure – even if this means visiting a weigh station.
