A contractor needs to transport a 25-tonne wheel loader with an operating mass of 22,700 kg (including all attachments) on a tandem-axle float trailer with a declared gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 35,000 kg. Each axle on the float trailer is rated for 11,500 kg. If the truck's front axle typically carries 6,000 kg and its drive axles carry 18,000 kg, what is the primary concern for regulatory compliance regarding vehicle weight?

Question: A contractor needs to transport a 25-tonne wheel loader with an operating mass of 22,700 kg (including all attachments) on a tandem-axle float trailer with a declared gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 35,000 kg. Each axle on the float trailer is rated for 11,500 kg. If the truck's front axle typically carries 6,000 kg and its drive axles carry 18,000 kg, what is the primary concern for regulatory compliance regarding vehicle weight?

Answer options:

• Ensuring the loader's bucket is empty to reduce overall weight.
• The combined weight on the float trailer's axles exceeding their individual ratings. ✅ The loader's operating mass exceeding the trailer's GVWR.
• The overall vehicle length exceeding provincial regulations.

Correct answer: The loader's operating mass exceeding the trailer's GVWR.

Explanation: The primary concern is the loader's operating mass (22,700 kg) exceeding the trailer's declared GVWR of 35,000 kg IF the trailer itself weighs, for example, 13,000 kg or more. The loader's weight plus the trailer's tare weight must not exceed the trailer's GVWR. The sum of the float axles' ratings is 23,000 kg (2 x 11,500 kg), which is important, but directly comparing the loader's weight to the trailer's total capacity (GVWR - tare weight) is a critical first step. The question implies the loader is essentially the full payload. If the trailer weighs 13,000 kg, the total combined weight on the trailer is 35,700kg (22,700kg load + 13,000kg trailer), exceeding the 35,000kg GVWR.