Calculate payload (net weight) from gross and tare weight. Check compliance with legal GVM limits.
Legal GVM: 48,000 kg · Typical tare: 16,000 kg · Max payload: 32,000 kg · 5 axles
Total laden vehicle weight from weighbridge
Empty vehicle weight
From vehicle registration / C-RTMC
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About the SA Weighbridge Calculator
Key Calculations
- • Net Weight = Gross Weight − Tare Weight
- • Overload % = ((Gross − GVM Limit) ÷ GVM Limit) × 100
- • Max Payload = Legal GVM − Tare Weight
- • Payload Utilisation = (Net ÷ Max Payload) × 100
- • Cost per Ton = Total Cost ÷ Payload (tonnes)
- • Fuel Cost = (L/100 km ÷ 100) × Distance × Price/L
Applications in South Africa
- • Mining — ore and coal payload compliance
- • Agriculture — grain, sugar, citrus transport
- • Construction — aggregate and cement haulage
- • Retail logistics — FMCG distribution
- • Steel & manufacturing — plate and coil transport
- • C-RTMC weigh station pre-checks
Weighbridge Formulas & SANS 10231 Limits
Net Weight
Net = Gross − Tare
Basic payload calculation
Overload %
OL% = (Gross − GVM) ÷ GVM × 100
Positive = overloaded
Payload Utilisation
Util% = Payload ÷ Max Payload × 100
Target 90–100% for efficiency
Freight Cost per Ton
CPT = Total Cost ÷ Tonnage
Key KPI for transport operators
Fuel Cost
Fuel = (L/100 ÷ 100) × km × R/L
Both legs of journey
4th Power Law (Road Damage)
Damage ∝ (Axle Load)⁴
Pavement deterioration accelerates with load
South African Legal Load Limits (SANS 10231 / NRTA)
| Vehicle Configuration | Legal GVM (kg) | Typical Tare (kg) | Max Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDV / Bakkie (2-axle light) | 3,500 | 1,800 | 1,700 |
| 2-Axle Rigid Truck | 16,000 | 6,500 | 9,500 |
| 3-Axle Rigid Truck (tag/pusher) | 22,000 | 9,000 | 13,000 |
| 4-Axle Rigid Truck (tridem rear) | 30,000 | 12,000 | 18,000 |
| 5-Axle Semi-Trailer (3+2) | 48,000 | 16,000 | 32,000 |
| 6-Axle Semi-Trailer (3+3) | 56,000 | 17,500 | 38,500 |
| 7-Axle B-Train | 56,000 | 22,000 | 34,000 |
Axle Group Load Limits (SANS 10231)
| Axle Type | Max Load (kg) |
|---|---|
| Single Steering Axle | 8,000 |
| Single Drive Axle (dual tyre) | 9,000 |
| Tandem Axle Group | 16,800 |
| Tridem Axle Group | 24,000 |
| Quad Axle Group | 32,000 |
| Light Axle (single tyre) | 8,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions — Weighbridge Calculator South Africa
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Legal Disclaimer
This calculator is a pre-check tool for planning purposes. Actual legal GVM and axle load limits must be verified against your vehicle's registration certificate and current C-RTMC / SANS 10231 regulations. Always consult an accredited weighbridge before entering a public road. ManufacturingEzyFind accepts no liability for overloading fines or road traffic violations.
C-RTMC Weighbridge Notes
- →SA operates high-speed Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems on N1, N3, N4, N14
- →Overloading fines can target the owner, operator AND the driver
- →>10% overload: vehicle may be stopped until off-loading completed
- →AARTO demerit points apply for overloading offences
- →Road damage accelerates with the 4th power of axle load
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