Tonage, an important concept in the transportation sector, indicating the volume at which goods transfer operations are carried out. This term, frequently used especially by logistics companies, varies according to the total capacity of the vehicles. During cargo transfer, accurately calculating the loads and determining the tonnage of the materials to be transported is very important for both carrier companies and customers.
What Does Tonage Mean?
Tonage refers to the amount of load a vehicle can carry, measured in tons. It varies depending on the vehicle's engine capacity and other technical features. Each vehicle's tonnage is determined based on specific criteria, which can differ according to the vehicle's structure, design, and purpose of use. Especially for commercial vehicles, tonage is very important in determining carrying capacity.
How Is Tonage Calculated?
Tonage can be calculated in several ways. First, by adding the net weight of the cargo to the vehicle's or ship's own weight, gross tonnage is obtained. Gross tonnage indicates the total weight including the load, while if only the weight of the cargo is calculated, it is called net tonnage. Different types of tonnage are used to determine the transportability and capacity of loads, with the most common being gross tonnage and net tonnage. Deadweight tonnage is also a term used to determine a ship's loading capacity.
The calculation of truck tonnage is as follows:
Normal Truck: 13.60 x 2.42 x 2.60 m / 20-24 tons / 80 m3
Maxima Truck: 13.60 x 2.44 x 2.80 m / 20-24 tons / 92 m3
Mega Truck: 13.70 x 2.46 x 3.00 m / 22-26 tons / 100 m3
Calculation of trailer or semi-trailer tonnage:
Hydraulic Semi-trailers: 13.00 + 13.00 x 3.00 - 5.00 x 3.00 - 5.00 / 60-100 tons
Truck Trailer: 7.10 + 7.68 x 2.45 x 2.80 m / 20-24 tons / 100-105 m3
Low-bed Semi-trailers: 13.60 + 6 x 2.55-3.00 x 3.00-4.00 m / 25-80 tons
Hydraulic Semi-trailers: 13.00 + 13.00 x 3.00 - 5.00 x 3.00 - 5.00 / 60-100 tons
Total Transport Capacities of Vehicles
The total transport capacities of vehicles, which have different structures and designs, vary according to the number of axles used. For example, semi-trailers and two-axle vehicles have a total capacity of 18 tons. In three-axle vehicles, this increases to 25 tons. For situations requiring more load capacity, semi-trailer vehicles with three axles offer a 28-ton capacity.
Four-axle vehicles can increase their load capacity to 32 tons. Four-axle semi-trailer vehicles with semi-trailers can further increase this capacity to 36 tons. Specially designed semi-trailer vehicles with an axle weight of 20 tons have a 38-ton capacity, while five or more axle semi-trailers or trailers can carry a total of 40 tons. Container semi-trailers offer the highest capacity in transportation, reaching a 44-ton capacity.
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Tonage Penalty
In 2024, tonnage penalties are applied when vehicles exceed the specified weight limits. It aims to increase the safety of roads and bridges. The tonnage penalty is 540 TL, which encourages drivers to comply with the rules.
How Is Tonage Penalty Calculated?
If the vehicle's load exceeds the limit by 10% to 15%, a fine of 1,839 TL is imposed. The vehicle is allowed to continue on the road, but caution is essential. Otherwise, there is a risk of facing more serious consequences. If the vehicle carries more than 25% of its tonnage capacity, the situation becomes more serious. In this case, a fine of 7,369 TL is applied, which is one of the significant consequences of not complying with transportation rules.
