December 11,2024

Truck Overloading Rules in India

The logistics industry in India is rapidly expanding, and with it comes a rising demand for trucks. To meet these demands, some companies resort to overloading trucks, which is both unsafe and illegal.

What Are Overloaded Trucks?

Overloaded trucks carry more weight than their prescribed load limit. Every truck has a specific load capacity, and exceeding this limit leads to overloading. Overloaded trucks pose significant risks, including accidents, higher fuel consumption, and increased maintenance costs.

Rules to Prevent Truck Overloading

To combat overloading, the Indian government enforces strict regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988:

  • Section 113:
State governments set conditions for transport permits and can restrict vehicle usage in specific areas.
Vehicles must not exceed their registered gross weight or unladen weight.
Truck owners are held accountable for violations.

Supreme Court Ruling on Overloading (2018)

In July 2018, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark judgment:

Trucks exceeding their permissible weight limit by 10% will incur a fine of ₹20,000 for the first tonne and ₹2,000 for every additional tonne.
State governments were directed to install weighbridges to monitor commercial vehicle weights.

Penalties for Overloaded Trucks

Heavy fines are imposed at key border points across India to curb overloading:

Border

Fine Amount

Karnataka-Maharashtra (Nipani)

₹25,000

Kolkata-West Bengal (Jhargram)

₹25,000

West Bengal-Assam (Srirampur)

₹25,000

Truck Load Capacities

Truck capacity varies based on axle type, truck size, and road conditions. Here’s a general guide:

Axle Type

Maximum Weight (Tonnes)

Single Axle (1 tyre)

3

Single Axle (2 tyres)

7.5

Single Axle (4 tyres)

11.5

Tandem Axle (rigid vehicles)

21

Tandem Axle (puller tractors)

28.5

Tri-Axle (rigid vehicles)

27

Modular Hydraulic Trailers (2 axles)

18

Final Thoughts

Despite strict laws and penalties, truck overloading remains a persistent issue in India. Overloaded trucks not only damage roads but also endanger lives. To ensure safer roads, logistics companies must adopt responsible practices, and the public must be educated on the consequences of overloading. Together, we can work towards a safer and more sustainable transportation system.

FAQs

1. What is truck overloading?
Carrying more weight than a truck’s maximum load capacity.

2. What is the penalty for truck overloading?
₹20,000 for the first tonne and ₹2,000 for every additional tonne.

3. What are the dangers of overloading trucks?
It increases the risk of accidents, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs.

4. What is the capacity of a single axle with two tyres?
7.5 tonnes.

5. What is the capacity of a tri-axle truck?
27 tonnes.

Leave A Comment

About Author

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus err sit voluptatem accusantium dolore mo uelau dantium totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa quae ab illo inven.

Streamline your logistics operations with Delipack Express, the ultimate solution for efficient warehouse and logistics services.

Contact Info
Office Address
Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
  • Image
  • SKU
  • Rating
  • Price
  • Stock
  • Availability
  • Add to cart
  • Description
  • Content
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Additional information
Click outside to hide the comparison bar
Compare

Get Best Rate for Your Freight Transport

Speak to a Delipack representative to learn the best solution for your business today!
Delipack Express