Shipping freight in the United States involves strict cargo weight regulations that impact trucking, rail, ocean, and air freight. Failure to comply with these limits can result in delays, fines, and extra costs—all of which disrupt your supply chain.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of U.S. cargo weight restrictions, covering:
- Truck weight limits and axle requirements
- Container weight restrictions for ocean freight
- Rail and air cargo weight regulations
- Penalties for exceeding weight limits
- Best practices to avoid costly compliance issues
If you’re involved in freight forwarding, logistics, or importing/exporting, understanding U.S. weight restrictions is essential for efficient cargo movement and avoiding unexpected costs.
U.S. Trucking Weight Limits: Federal and State Guidelines
In the U.S., trucking weight regulations are governed by both federal and state laws. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sets the standard weight limits, but individual states may have stricter requirements or allow exceptions.
Federal Truck Weight Limits (USDOT Regulations)
Under federal law, the maximum legal weight for a fully loaded semi-truck is:
- 80,000 lbs. (Gross Vehicle Weight – GVW)
- 20,000 lbs. per single axle
- 34,000 lbs. per tandem axle
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) = Truck + Trailer + Cargo
Bridge Formula for Trucking Weight Distribution
The U.S. Bridge Formula ensures that heavy loads are distributed evenly across multiple axles to prevent road damage. If the total weight exceeds federal limits but is evenly spread across axles, some states may issue overweight permits for additional cargo.
Overweight Trucking Penalties
Exceeding legal truck weight limits can result in:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000+, depending on the excess weight
- Cargo delays due to mandatory weight adjustments
- Additional permit fees for overweight shipments
For a look at state-specific truck weights, click here.
Ocean Freight Weight Limits: Containerized Cargo Regulations
For ocean freight shipping, cargo weight is restricted by:
- Maximum container payload capacity
- Port weight limits
- U.S. trucking restrictions upon arrival
Standard Ocean Freight Container Weight Limits
| Container Type | Max Gross Weight | Tare Weight | Max Cargo Weight |
| 20′ Standard (TEU) | 52,900 lbs. (24,000 kg) | 5,115 lbs. (2,320 kg) | 47,785 lbs. (21,680 kg) |
| 40′ Standard (FEU) | 67,200 lbs. (30,480 kg) | 8,200 lbs. (3,720 kg) | 59,000 lbs. (26,760 kg) |
| 40′ High Cube | 67, 200 lbs. (30,480 kg) | 8,600 lbs. (3,900 kg) | 58,600 lbs. (26,580 kg) |
Important: Even if an ocean carrier allows full container weight, U.S. trucking laws may prevent full inland transport if the total cargo weight exceeds 80,000 lbs. GVW when combined with the truck and chassis.
Rail Freight Cargo Weight Limits
For rail freight, weight limits vary based on the type of railcar and the specific rail line capacity.
| Railcar Type | Max Gross Weight | Typical Cargo |
| Boxcar | 220,000 – 286,000 lbs. | Consumer Goods, Electronics, Dry Bulk |
| Flatcar | 195,000 – 286,000 lbs. | Machinery, Construction Materials |
| Hopper Car | 263,000 – 286,000 lbs. | Grain, Coal, Minerals |
| Tank Car | 263,000 – 286,000 lbs. | Liquid Chemicals, Oil, Fuel |
Rail shipping allows heavier cargo weights than trucking, making it a cost-effective alternative for bulk shipments exceeding 80,000 lbs.
Air Freight Weight Limits: Cargo Plane Restrictions
Air cargo weight limits depend on the type of aircraft and the airline’s policies.
| Aircraft Type | Max Cargo Weight | Ideal Cargo |
| Boeing 747-400F | 248,000 lbs. | Heavy Machinery, Auto Parts |
| Boeing 777F | 224,900 lbs. | E-Commerce, Pharmaceuticals |
| Airbus A330-200F | 138,000 lbs. | Consumer Goods, Perishables |
| FedEx/UPS Freighters | Varies by Model | Express Parcels, Light Freight |
Air freight weight limits are much lower than ocean or rail due to fuel efficiency, safety, and runway capacity constraints.
How to Avoid Cargo Weight Violations and Delays
- Weigh Cargo Before Shipping: Always verify cargo weight against the allowed GVW, axle limits, and container capacity.
- Use a Certified Weigh Station: Many ports and trucking hubs offer certified weigh stations to check compliance.
- Distribute Weight Properly: Proper weight distribution across axles can prevent bridge formula violations.
- Apply for Overweight Permits in Advance: If needed, obtain permits before dispatching cargo to avoid last-minute delays.
- Consider Rail or Intermodal Solutions: If your shipment is overweight for trucking, rail or barge transport may offer more flexibility.
Stay Compliant & Optimize Freight Costs
Understanding U.S. cargo weight limits is essential for shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics managers looking to reduce shipping costs, avoid penalties, and ensure smooth transportation.
- Trucking weight limits: 80,000 lbs. GVW, but varies by state
- Ocean freight containers: Must comply with both vessel and trucking limits
- Rail freight: Higher weight capacity but depends on railcar type
- Air freight: Strictest weight limits due to aircraft fuel efficiency
Reach out to our expert Freight Forwarding team today if you need assistance with your shipments.
