Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Vehicle Size and Weight Team

The US Department of Transportation has implemented what they call the Vehicle Size and Weight Team. This organization is part of the Federal Highway Administration that helps to protect the public and the truck and bus drivers from accidents. This organization helps to keep all of the trucking and bus companies in line as far as their weight and size restrictions are concerned.

When trucks enter a weight station, they are required to park it there to check the exact weight, length, and width of everything they are carrying. The maximum standard for a single axle is 20,000 lbs., for a tandem axle is 34,000 lbs., and for the total Gross Vehicle Weight is 80,000 lbs. Although, these can sometimes vary when it comes to the Bridge Formula Weights.

The width and length of each tractor varies depending on which state you are being measured in. Although there are standard measurements for federal use, each state is allowed to use their own ruling and judgment to make size standards. The vehicle height in most states ranges between 13.6 feet and 14.6 feet depending on what the state chooses is appropriate. Federal law states that the length limitation can not be less than 48 feet and the width limitation can not be more or less than 102 inches.

The Vehicle Size and Weight Team helps to monitor these basic standards at the weigh stations and helps to keep all the truck drivers and companies up to date with the codes that the FHWA have.

If you or someone needs help with a truck accident case, contact the Truck Accident Lawyers of Texas Williams and Kherkher at 800-220-9341.