What every commercial vehicle operator in Ontario should know about weight distribution

As a commercial vehicle operator it's important to be cognizant of the weight distribution of your truck by ensuring the equipment and payload(s) are both safely and legally positioned, in addition to meeting the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act for vehicle weights & dimensions. 

Technically speaking, the weight distribution of a truck refers to the portion of a vehicle's total weight that is supported by each axle and individual tire. Having the proper distribution of vehicle weight is critical when it comes to the braking, handling and service life of all the vehicle's components (ex: axles, springs, bearings, tires).

Weight distribution and payload capacity are also key factors in preventing overloading, which by definition is any positive weight difference between the axle weight and the maximum axle unit weight for a group of axles allowed under regulations. Not only does overloading cause problems for end users and equipment installers, it's the #1 cause of truck maintenance problems.

So how do you know if your commercial vehicle falls in line with weight law requirements? 

Weight distribution calculations are used as early as possible (ideally prior to the selection of a chassis for a defined work truck application) and factor in stuff like the # of axles, the distance between the axles, the amount of weight allowed on the steering axle, the size of the tires and the type of suspension -- all of which are used in formulas that ultimately determine the gross allowable weight or the registered gross vehicle weight as per regulations under the Highway Traffic Act for a commercial vehicle. 

Next, the weight of a truck must be properly distributed on the axles in order to comply with the chassis manufacturer's axle ratings and weight laws, therefore a weight distribution analysis is typically performed before the truck is built to identify the proper axle loadings and to ascertain whether they are properly placed as per the vehicle building and load balance dynamics. In essence, you need to make sure your vehicle has the correct wheelbases on the chassis and that the loads and bodies are placed correctly.

As for calculating your vehicle's payload capacity: all you need to know is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) which gets calculated by the manufacturer based on the trucks' design & materials + curb weight which is the weight of an automobile minus occupants or baggage. The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the entire vehicle when it is packed up and ready to go, including stuff like the weight of the vehicle itself plus all of its necessary fluids for operation (gas, diesel, oil), cargo (if any), passengers, and tools. If you don't know your truck's GVWR, refer to the owner's manual or look for it on your vehicle's door frame near the door latch. 

Why should you care about ensuring the proper weight of your vehicle?

As a commercial vehicle operator you are responsible for the weight of your truck and could be charged with an offense if you fail to meet the legal obligations of proper weight distribution.

Aside from having to take measures in preventing the issue of overloading which can shorten the life of your truck and its components, reduce emergency handling capabilities and increase the risk for accidents, you should always make sure you are being compliant with weight laws and commercial transport regulations not just to avoid the risk of fatalities caused by accidents and lawsuits, but for your own safety as well.

You should always make sure you are compliant with weight laws and commercial transport regulations in your area and should never operate a vehicle on a highway when its gross weight exceeds the maximum weight permitted.