What is the max weight per axle on a 18 wheeler?
Depends on the configuration. For a standard five axle setup,
without requiring permits, a gross weight of 80,000 lbs. is
permitted. The steer axle is typically permitted 12,000 lbs., but
can actually be loaded up to 20,000 lbs., if the axle and tyres are
rated for that sort of weight (most are not - you have to be
running 425s or 435s on the steers to get that weight rating - most
OTR trucks only run between 275 and 315s). The two drive axles are
permitted a combined weight of 34,000 lbs. Tandem axles on the
trailer are also permitted 34,000 lbs. between them, although
40,000 lbs. between the two axles is permitted if there is a spread
of nine to ten feet between the axles (this is often seen on
flatbeds).