Difference Between Gross Weight and Curb Weight
Overloaded vans continue to be an issue in the UK, according to inspection data provided by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency which examines over 10,000 vans annually. Their 2015 inspection found 89% were dangerously overloaded – this amounts to 9000 vehicles total. Bear in mind these were random spot checks; likely many more vans than just these 89% are being overloaded on UK roads today.
While many drivers were likely negligent, others likely did not know their van’s exact legal weight limit. When searching for van deals, it’s essential that payload and gross vehicle mass are verified before purchasing one – this will prevent yourself or any drivers you hire from making costly errors! Below we outline all important considerations related to van weight.
Why you need to know about van weights
Weight matters for several reasons, including fuel efficiency and legal considerations. When designing vans and light commercials, manufacturers set very strict upper weight limits. If these weight thresholds are exceeded, certain components, like steering, suspension and axles may no longer function effectively.
Overloaded vans may not be able to stop or navigate in time to avoid potential dangers and can become particularly hazardous to other road users.
As previously discussed, DVSA officers can stop, weigh, and restrict vehicles on the roads. When vans exceed legal weight limits they could receive a fixed-penalty notice in which fine amounts vary based on how far beyond these they exceed them.
If your levels exceed by 5- 10% of the legal limit, a fine of 100 PS may be issued as punishment.
Fines of 200 PS will be assessed if your weight exceeds legal limit by 10%-15%; and 300PS for any excesses exceeding 15%-30% of legal limit.
If a van exceeds 30% above its legal weight limit, if its driver poses any danger to other road users they could face criminal charges for dangerous driving.
Avoiding these situations for both yourself and your driver can be easily accomplished; often just by applying common sense. If a large or heavy piece of cargo appears likely to exceed the legal weight limit for vans, then chances are it probably will; any amount overstepping this threshold could result in fines up to three figures!
Key Terms You Need to Understand about Van Weights
There are multiple methods by which vans’ weight can be defined. As discussed herein, one such way can be the “Short Weight”.
Gross Vehicle Weight
This term refers to the total weight of the van including its driver and passengers as well as fuel and load. Most vans classified as light commercial vehicles must weigh in under 3.5 tonnes (3500kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight can also be known as Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) or gross plated weigh. Each van’s gross vehicle weight can be found listed in its owner’s manual as well as displayed on an attached sticker or plate located inside its front panel. Furthermore, these plates or stickers may display Gross Train Wight (GTW), also referred to as Gross Combination Weight; which adds up the weights associated with its vehicle, unit trailer combination and load.
Kerb Weight Management in Kerb Lake
Kerb weigh is the weight of an empty van when its driver or passengers have left it, including fuel and standard van equipment. By subtracting kerb vehicle weight from gross vehicle weight, you can determine its payload capacity.
Axle Weight When loading your van, take note of its axle weight – although this topic doesn’t often make headlines as much. Your cargo’s weight alone shouldn’t matter; how you load it plays just as important a role.
Each axle has a maximum weight limit, making it important that loads are evenly distributed on them. Placing heavy items too close or far in any one direction could cause it to tilt disproportionately on its axles, impacting steering and braking functionality, leading to significant penalties even if its gross vehicle weight does not go over.
Whenever in doubt, visiting a weigh station may be beneficial – though the inconvenience might seem excessive, remember it could save lives!
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