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CARGO
U.S. truck payload calculator
Estimate available payload in pounds from the truck’s actual pre-load weight or tare-based starting weight.
⚠️ Important
Planning aid only. Always verify state and federal rules, permits, vehicle/tire ratings, route restrictions, carrier tariffs and certified scale weights when they apply.
How to calculate payload in pounds
- If you have a certified or reliable scale weight before loading, use it directly so fuel, driver and equipment are not subtracted twice.
- A common federal Interstate gross-weight reference for a typical 5-axle combination is 80,000 lb, but Bridge Formula, axle, state, permit, tire and vehicle ratings may be lower.
- A gross-weight check does not prove axle compliance; use the axle-weight calculator and a scale for the final load.
Important: FHWA federal Interstate references include 80,000 lb gross for qualifying combinations, subject to Federal Bridge Formula and state/grandfather exceptions.