Loading taking into account axle loads - how to avoid penalties and optimize loading?

Incorrect cargo distribution in road transport can lead to serious consequences: axle overloads, vehicle and cargo damage, and heavy fines. That’s why logistics companies increasingly rely on 3D load planning applications like Smartload to ensure compliance with local transport regulations in countries such as Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

📌 Why is axle load control important?

In transport, it’s not only the total weight of the vehicle that matters, but especially the correct distribution of cargo and axle loads. Exceeding permissible limits can result in:

👉 Fines for axle overloads - reaching tens of thousands of zlotys,
👉 Vehicle detention by ITD, BAG, DVSA,
👉 The need to reorganize the loading or change the route,
👉 Accelerated wear of axles, suspension, and tires.

🚛 Axle load limits [PL / DE / UK] - comparison

Poland
➡️ Maximum axle load for a single drive axle is 11.5 t - general limit for vehicles with two or more axles.
➡️ On some local or dirt roads, the limit may be reduced to 10 t or 8 t, marked with road signs.
➡️ Tandem axle load depends on the axle spacing:
- below 1.0 m - approx. 11.5 t,
- from 1.0 to 1.3 m - approx. 16 t,
- from 1.3 to 1.8 m - approx. 18 t,
- above 1.8 m - up to approx. 20 t.

Germany
➡️ Axle load limit for a non-drive axle: up to 10 t.
➡️ Limit for a single drive axle: up to 11.5 t.
➡️ Tandem axle - load depends on axle spacing; up to 19 t is possible with technical requirements (twin wheels, suspension, approved type).

United Kingdom
➡️ Allowable load for a single drive axle: up to 11.5 t.
➡️ For a single non-drive axle: 10 t limit.
➡️ Tandem axle: usually 16.5 t, triple axle (tridem): up to 25 t, depending on vehicle configuration.

In Poland, local restrictions may reduce limits to 10 t or 8 t.

📙 Smartload enables:

- Precise cargo placement with axle load consideration,
- Selection of vehicle type: tractor, trailer, set, solo,
- Real-time visualization of axle load,
- Overload alerts for the cargo space.

📈 Benefits for transport companies using Smartload:

👉 Avoidance of penalties and fines,
👉 Optimized load distribution and vehicle wear,
👉 Easy compliance verification,
👉 Professional image and road safety,
👉 Transparency for clients through downloadable load plan visualizations.

🧭 Summary

In times of increasing road inspections and strict regulations, axle load planning is not only a legal requirement but also a way to generate real savings. Thanks to Smartload, transport companies can stay compliant, efficiently plan routes, and eliminate overload risks.

Also read: Smartload with new features and improvements: faster load planning and real-time team collaboration.