Class
Single AxleTandem AxleThree or More Axle GroupingsGross Vehicle Weight

Restricted by Legal Weights
20,000 lb34,000 lb17,000 lb per axle, not to exceed 48,000 lb gross weight on divisible loads$105,500 lb$

8-TON
16,000 lb32,000 lb14,000 lb per axle, not to exceed 42,000 lb gross weight on divisible loads$105,500 lb$

7-TON
14,000 lb28,000 lb12,000 lb per axle, not to exceed 36,000 lb gross weight on divisible loads$105,500 lb$

6-TON
12,000 lb$24,000 lb$10,000 lb per axle, not to exceed 30,000 lb gross weight on divisible loads80,000 lb

5-TON
10,000 lb20,000 lb10,000 lb per axle, not to exceed 30,000 lb gross weight on divisible loads80,000 lb






How much greater is the maximum axle weight for a tandem axle than for a single axle?


A10,000 lb
B12,000 lb
C$14,000 lb$
D16,000 lb

Verified Answer :

  • The weight limits for tandem and single axles vary across different vehicle classes listed in the table.
  • Calculating the difference for the standard 'Restricted by Legal Weights' category yields \(34,000 - 20,000 = 14,000\) lb.
  • This difference of \(14,000\) lb aligns with the provided options.
  • The tandem axle limit is \(\boxed{14,000 \text{ lb}}\) greater than the single axle limit under legal regulations.

Explanation

  1. Analyzing the weight limit table

To find the difference between the maximum axle weight for a tandem axle and a single axle, we examine the provided table of weight restrictions. The table lists different classes of weight limits, where each row specifies the limits for a 'Single Axle' and a 'Tandem Axle'.

Let's calculate the difference in pounds (lb) for each class:

  1. Restricted by Legal Weights: \(34,000 - 20,000 = 14,000\) lb
  2. 8-TON: \(32,000 - 16,000 = 16,000\) lb
  3. 7-TON: \(28,000 - 14,000 = 14,000\) lb
  4. 6-TON: \(24,000 - 12,000 = 12,000\) lb
  5. 5-TON: \(20,000 - 10,000 = 10,000\) lb

The question asks for the difference between the tandem axle weight limit and the single axle weight limit. While the values vary by class, typically, road weight restriction tables refer to the most standard or legal weight limits as the primary reference. In this case, for the 'Restricted by Legal Weights' category, the tandem axle limit is \(34,000\) lb and the single axle limit is \(20,000\) lb. Calculating the difference gives \(34,000 - 20,000 = 14,000\) lb.

  1. Concluding the comparison

Comparing the calculated difference from the 'Restricted by Legal Weights' row to the given multiple-choice options, we find that \(14,000\) lb is one of the options. This value represents the standard difference between these two types of axle configurations in the primary regulatory context. Thus, the tandem axle weight limit is \(14,000\) lb greater than the single axle weight limit under standard legal restrictions. Therefore, the correct option is \(14,000\) lb.

Examples

Understanding axle weight limits is crucial for road safety and infrastructure maintenance. Trucks have different axle configurations, such as single and tandem axles, to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly across the road surface. By knowing the difference in allowed weight between these configurations, logistics companies and drivers can ensure they remain compliant with legal weight regulations, thereby avoiding heavy fines and reducing wear and tear on bridge and road surfaces. This knowledge helps in planning efficient cargo distribution and maintaining the integrity of transportation infrastructure.