Trailer Weight
Distribution Calculator
Estimate axle weights before you load or dispatch — in lbs or kg. See how your freight distributes across steer, drive, and trailer axles and compare it against Canadian or US axle limits.
Switching units reinterprets the entered numbers in the new unit — re-check your values.
Canada — federal / common provincial baseline
Typical axle-group limits — Canada
These are typical regulatory limits used for planning. Actual limits vary by province/state, configuration, and permits — verify with the jurisdiction.
| Axle group | Limit (lbs) | Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Steer axle | 12,125 lbs | 5,500 kg |
| Single axle | 20,062 lbs | 9,100 kg |
| Tandem axle group | 37,479 lbs | 17,000 kg |
| Gross vehicle weight | 87,082 lbs | 39,500 kg |
Typical single-trailer baseline. Each province sets its own limits and seasonal (spring) weight restrictions; B-trains, permit loads, and special configurations differ. Verify current limits with the provincial highway authority.
Pallets 1–8 (nose)
Pallets 9–18 (mid)
Pallets 19–26 (tail)
Canada Axle Weight Limits Reference
Typical single-trailer configuration
| Steer axle | 5,500 kg | 12,125 lbs |
| Single axle | 9,100 kg | 20,062 lbs |
| Tandem axle group | 17,000 kg | 37,479 lbs |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 39,500 kg | 87,082 lbs |
Weight distribution tips
- •Load heaviest freight directly over or just forward of the drive axles
- •Keep weight balanced left-to-right — side-to-side imbalance > 500 lbs (≈ 227 kg) causes handling issues
- •Sliding the trailer axle rearward moves weight forward (increases drive, reduces trailer)
- •Overweight steer axle: shift cargo rearward; overweight trailer: slide axle rearward or shift cargo forward
- •Limits vary by province/state — AB, SK, BC and many US states have seasonal (spring) weight restrictions
Typical single-trailer baseline. Each province sets its own limits and seasonal (spring) weight restrictions; B-trains, permit loads, and special configurations differ. Verify current limits with the provincial highway authority. This tool provides planning estimates only and does not certify legal compliance.
Shipping heavy freight on a flat deck?
OTR currently coordinates legal-dimension and legal-weight flatbed and open-deck freight. We do not arrange oversize, overweight or permit-required shipments.
Flatbed freight planning guides for dimensions, equipment and quote preparation · Flatbed freight overview · Request a flatbed quote
About this tool
What it calculates
Estimates steer, drive, and trailer axle weights based on load position (front, mid, and rear zone distribution) and compares them with selected jurisdiction planning references.
Who it's for
Carriers and drivers loading a flatbed, reefer, or dry van who want preliminary axle-distribution planning guidance.
What you'll need
Total load weight, cab-to-axle distance, load centre of gravity zone allocation (% front / mid / rear), and applicable jurisdiction weight limits.
How to use the result
Use before loading to assess cargo placement. If an axle comparison is high, consider the educational rebalancing suggestions, then confirm actual weights on a certified scale before dispatch.
Key assumptions
Calculation uses simplified static weight distribution and typical reference values. Payload is freight-only capacity and is distinct from gross vehicle weight. Actual legal axle and gross limits depend on jurisdiction, vehicle configuration, route and seasonal rules.
When to confirm with a specialist
If verified axle or gross weights remain beyond applicable legal limits, the shipment is outside OTR's current service. OTR currently coordinates legal-dimension and legal-weight flatbed and open-deck freight. We do not arrange oversize, overweight or permit-required shipments.
Need help with this shipment?
OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.
Related Free Tools
OTR Hub
Loading Weight Distribution Calculator…
Preparing the tool while keeping this page in place.