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You may have heard of GVW before. The meaning of GVW is Gross Vehicle Weight, which refers to the maximum gross weight of a vehicle. In your search for the ideal truck or trailer, it is essential to be well-informed about the rules regarding the maximum weight of the vehicle. In this article, we will explain more about GVW and why it is so important.
GVW, or gross vehicle weight, refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can have when fully loaded. It is the sum of the weight of the empty truck + the cargo + the fuel + the passengers + any other elements. Note: this does not include the weight of any trailers. When the trailer weight is added, it is called Gross Combination Weight (GCW). The weight is determined by the manufacturer and must not be exceeded. If exceeded, it can affect safety and legal requirements you must meet.
The maximum weight of a truck depends on the number of axles it has. These rules are legally defined and ensure extra safety on the road. If this weight is exceeded, the axle may break. The maximum weight is as follows:
When discussing the maximum weight, the term axle load often comes up. Axle load is the weight pressing on a single axle with two wheels on a vehicle. This is stated on the vehicle's registration certificate. For trucks and trailers, axle load is a crucial factor influencing weight distribution across the axles, road load, and safety. For trucks with trailers, the axle load is important not only for complying with legal requirements but also for ensuring the stability of the vehicle. If the axle load is too high, it can lead to accelerated wear and, in the worst case, accidents. As a transport company, you can face heavy fines if the permitted axle load is exceeded.
The permitted weight of a truck with a trailer is higher than that of a standalone truck because the weight is distributed across more axles. In many European countries, the maximum GVW weight for a standard truck-trailer combination is 40 tonnes. The specific weight restrictions depend on the axle configuration and the type of vehicle. Additionally, the maximum weight can vary from country to country.
As mentioned earlier, the maximum GVW depends heavily on the type of vehicle and the number of axles. The maximum weight can also vary from country to country. Always check the maximum weight limit of the country you are driving through. Below, we provide the GVW limits for the three most important countries for freight transport: the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.
In the Netherlands, the maximum GVW for vehicle combinations with five or more axles is 50 tonnes. For single trucks, the limit is usually between 19 and 32 tonnes. The Netherlands follows the European Union's guidelines on maximum axle load. For trucks with a single axle, the limit is 10 tonnes, and for double axles, it can go up to 18 tonnes. Exceptions can be made for special transport, such as oversized or heavy loads. A permit is required for this.
Germany has a stricter limit on the maximum weight for trucks with trailers: 40 tonnes. Exceptions can also be made for large or heavy loads. In Germany, the maximum axle load is closely monitored. For a single axle, the maximum is 11.5 tonnes.
For trucks with a combination of four or more axles, Belgium applies a maximum weight of 44 tonnes. For trucks with three axles, the rule is a maximum of 26 tonnes. For other axles, Belgium follows the European regulations on axle load. This means 10 tonnes for a single axle and 19 tonnes for a double axle. It is important to know that the rules can vary between the regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. In cities, stricter rules often apply to prevent road damage.
When you purchase a truck, you receive a certificate of conformity. Keep this document safe! It is the confirmation that the vehicle complies with European standards. This certificate includes all important information, such as technical data and information about brakes and tires, as well as the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle. During inspections, this is one of the documents you need to present. Are you buying a second-hand truck? It is possible that this certificate may be missing. Alejandro, Product Manager Trailers at BAS World, explains: "The certificate of conformity is equivalent to the COC document. It is not always included when you make a purchase at BAS World. This is because this document is not always available for every vehicle and may need to be requested from the manufacturer. As far as I know, a COC has been available since 2012, but it is not always guaranteed to be present."