What is tare weight in trucking?

Tare weight, also known as unladen weight, is the weight of a vehicle without any cargo, passengers, or driver. In trucking, the tare weight is very important for determining the maximum payload capacity of a truck and ensuring it doesn’t exceed the allowable weight limits.

The following formula is used for transportation in trucks:

Payload = Gross Weight - Tare Weight

(Maximum Safe Load Allowed - Weight of the Empty Truck = Amount of Cargo/Contents that Can Be Hauled)

It can also be calculated as a percentage of the gross vehicle weight (GVW):

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Tare Weight = GVW × Tare Weight Ratio

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For trucks:

- The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum allowable weight of the truck, including the vehicle, cargo, passengers, and driver.

- The tare weight ratio is a fixed value for each vehicle model and is determined by the manufacturer based on the truck's design and specifications.

Trucking companies need to know the accurate tare weight of their vehicles to comply with weight regulations, avoid potential fines or penalties, and guarantee the safety and efficiency of their operations. Weight stations along highways are often used to enforce these regulations and ensure trucks are within the legal weight limits.