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Cargo weight distribution

Truck Axle Load Calculator

Estimate how cargo weight is distributed between the front support point and the rear axle group. Review cargo position, centre of gravity, vehicle limits and the calculated safe loading zone before finalising the trailer plan.

Cargo positions
Centre of gravity
Axle warnings
Safe zone
Balance workflow

How the axle load estimate works

Cargo placed closer to the front transfers more of its weight to the kingpin or front support point. Cargo placed farther back transfers a larger share to the rear axle group. LogicCalc evaluates every active cargo item and combines the resulting loads.

1

Select the vehicle profile

Choose the truck or trailer configuration so LogicCalc can use the corresponding length, kingpin offset, wheelbase ratios and weight limits.

2

Add weight and position

Enter the real cargo weight and place each item along the trailer. The longitudinal cargo centre determines its calculated moment.

3

Review the balance

Check kingpin or front load, rear axle load, combined centre of gravity, overload warnings and the estimated safe loading corridor.

Simplified longitudinal load model

Rear axle share = cargo weight × distance from kingpin ÷ effective wheelbase; front share = cargo weight − rear axle share

Balance inputs

What changes the axle load estimate?

Axle loading depends on more than total cargo weight. The selected vehicle geometry and the longitudinal position of every cargo item can change the distribution significantly.

TRUCK

Vehicle profile

Trailer length, support-point position, effective wheelbase and weight limits come from the active fleet profile.

KG

Cargo weight

The calculation uses the real weight of active cargo items rather than only pallet count or volume.

POS

Longitudinal position

Moving cargo forward increases the front or kingpin share; moving it rearward increases the rear axle share.

COG

Combined centre of gravity

LogicCalc combines cargo moments to show the approximate longitudinal centre of gravity of the complete load.

LIMIT

Configured axle limits

Calculated front and rear loads are compared with the limits derived from the selected vehicle profile.

ZONE

Estimated safe corridor

The visual safe zone helps identify positions that avoid extreme front or rear loading in the simplified model.

Worked example

Example axle load calculation

Assume active cargo weighs 18,000 kg and its combined centre lies 5.4 metres behind the kingpin. With an illustrative effective wheelbase of 7.8 metres, the simplified rear share is approximately 12,462 kg.

The remaining cargo share, approximately 5,538 kg, is transferred to the kingpin or front support point. Vehicle tare weight and legally permitted axle masses must still be checked separately.

Balance component Illustrative value
Total active cargo weight 18,000 kg
Distance behind kingpin 5.4 m
Effective wheelbase 7.8 m
Estimated rear axle cargo share 12,462 kg
Estimated front or kingpin cargo share 5,538 kg
Rear share of cargo weight 69.2%
Combined cargo weight 18,000 kg

Simplified cargo-only example. Real axle loads also include tractor, trailer, fuel, equipment, passengers and vehicle-specific geometry.

Loading advantages

Why review cargo balance before dispatch?

Move cargo before it becomes a problem

Test longitudinal positions in the planning stage instead of discovering an imbalance at the weighbridge.

See weight and space together

Review axle distribution beside total weight, LDM, CBM and the cargo layout.

Use vehicle-specific assumptions

Switch fleet profiles to reflect different trailer geometry and configured weight capacity.

Keep warnings visible

Front and rear overload states remain visible while the cargo plan is adjusted.

Frequently asked questions

Truck axle load calculator FAQ

What does the LogicCalc axle tool calculate?

It estimates the cargo-weight share transferred to the front support point or kingpin and to the rear axle group using cargo weight, longitudinal position and the active vehicle profile.

Does total cargo weight alone determine axle load?

No. Two loads with the same total weight can produce different axle loads when their centres of gravity are in different positions.

What is the centre of gravity in this calculation?

It is the weighted average longitudinal position of the active cargo items. Heavier items influence the combined centre more strongly.

Can the tool detect an overload?

LogicCalc compares the estimated front and rear cargo loads with configured limits and can display an overload warning in the planning view.

Does the result replace a certified weighbridge?

No. It is a planning estimate. Actual axle loads must be confirmed using the real vehicle specification, legal limits and, when required, an approved weighing method.

Does the model include the empty vehicle weight?

The page example describes cargo distribution. Real legal axle masses also depend on tractor and trailer tare weight, fuel, equipment and the exact vehicle geometry.

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This is a real LogicCalc workspace view. Use your own route, cargo, fleet and commercial settings for the actual calculation.

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Check the load position before the truck moves

Add cargo weight and dimensions, place the items in the trailer visualiser and review the centre of gravity and axle distribution together.

Calculate axle balance →

The axle calculation is an engineering-style planning estimate, not a legal loading certificate. Verify actual vehicle data, axle limits, cargo securing and measured axle weights before dispatch.