May sound daft for someone of my venerable years but, as I have been out of direct interest for the last almost 22 years, I have a couple of questions for you.
I am a regular on an American drivers’ site and we exchange comparative info from time to time. There is a thread which mainly points out the all too regular failings of drivers in the way of load securement and, as I posted 2 pictures from my trip down to Toulouse on Saturday I have been asked to clarify EU/UK laws on lengths and weights. As I then realised I was well out of date and only guessing a couple of answers here would help.
What is the current overall length restriction of artics and drawbars?
What is the current semi-trailer length as a result?
Is there a difference between tandems and tri-axle trailers?
And what is the current gross vehicle weight of such combinations?
Sounds basic I know, but I haven’t needed to know for almost 22 years now.
Very quick and dirty, and there are ongoing changes around longer trailers with steering rear axles, but ignoring those for the moment.
EU international transport
Width 2.55m or 2.60m for fridges. Ht 4.0m. Gross 40T on 5 or more axles.
Rigid 12m. Semi trl 13.6m and overall 16.5m. Road train 18.75m.
In the UK up to 44t on 6 axles, and “unlimited ht” but m-way bridges are 16’6".
Artic 2+2 36T max
Edit. The UK allowed longer semi trailers from 2023 and are up to 15.65m, overall 18.55m
Two fixed axles, and a third steering axle. Same weights.
I asked ChatGPT and got this reply, it does appear to be correct though
In the UK, the regulations governing the dimensions and weight of articulated vehicles (artics) and drawbar combinations are primarily set by the Department for Transport (DfT) and are in line with European standards.
1. Overall Length Restriction:
Articulated vehicles (Artics): The maximum overall length for an articulated vehicle (which includes both the tractor unit and semi-trailer) is 16.5 metres.
Drawbar combinations: The maximum length for drawbar combinations (a rigid vehicle with a trailer attached by a drawbar) is 18.75 metres.
2. Semi-Trailer Length:
The maximum permissible length for a semi-trailer (the trailer part of an articulated lorry) is 13.6 metres. This is standard for most operations in the UK.
3. Tandem vs Tri-Axle Trailers:
The key difference between tandem-axle and tri-axle trailers lies in load distribution and weight limits:
Tandem-axle trailers: These have two axles. They are generally more suitable for lighter loads as they have lower axle weight capacities.
Tri-axle trailers: These have three axles, allowing for better weight distribution and a higher maximum weight capacity, which is why they are preferred for heavier loads.
4. Gross Vehicle Weight:
Articulated vehicles: The maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for an articulated vehicle (tractor and trailer combined) is 44 tonnes on UK roads, provided that the vehicle has six axles (typically, a 3-axle tractor unit and a tri-axle trailer).
Drawbar combinations: Similarly, for drawbar combinations, the maximum allowable weight is also 44 tonnes if the vehicle has sufficient axles (usually six in total).
Summary of Key Points:
Maximum length for artics: 16.5 metres.
Maximum length for drawbar combinations: 18.75 metres.
Maximum semi-trailer length: 13.6 metres.
Tandem trailers are lighter, while tri-axle trailers can carry more weight.
Maximum gross vehicle weight: 44 tonnes for both combinations, assuming six axles.
Generally you’ll find all you might need to know (and more) on gov .uk
The only problem with that site is the search function to search within the site doesn’t give you targeted results - if you can remember the internet as it was around 1995, just recall how it was doing a search using Lycos on your Netscape 3.0 browser and you’re pretty much there
If I want info from gov .uk I add that tag to the search string in whatever search engine I’m using and that usually takes you straight to what you want to see.
I’m sure you’ve seen the bigger French trucks on round timber. 57T on 6 axles.
Some wagon and drags but often twin drive units with semi trailer having two fixed axles twin wheels and third axle steering on super singles.
Does Finland have the biggest domestic trucks in EU land? 76T and 34.5m ?
Not sure about that, wherever they are they seem to have the job weighed up pretty well. The US transporters have a slight advantage with most tractor units being ‘normal’ control over there and the overhang car extends further to the front bumper on the truck.
But I’ll pay more attention during my, now comparatively limited, local wanderings and take note of how the French do it.
