The Truck Weight Calculator provides a convenient way to determine the maximum legal weight that any set of axles on a vehicle/vehicle combination may carry on MN highways. The allowable weight on a vehicle/vehicle combination may increase by either adding additional axles or by increasing the distance between axles. The formula for the calculator is a weight-to-length ratio. This formula was enacted by Congress and the State to limit the weight-to-length of a vehicle crossing a bridge.

The formula is W = 500 [LN/N-1 + 12N + 36]

    W = Maximum weight in pounds on any group of two or more axles.
    L  = Distance in feet between extremes of any group of two or more consecutive axles.
    N = Number of axles in the group under consideration.

The legal gross vehicle weight (GVW) on MN highways is 80,000 pounds unless otherwise posted or restricted. All tire and axle weights must be legal. No foremost or rearmost steering axle tire can exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width, or the manufacturers rated weight, whichever is less. All other tires cannot exceed 500 pounds per inch of tire width, or the manufacturers rated weight, whichever is less. No single axle alone or in a group can exceed 20,000 pounds on a 10-ton route. No single axle alone or in a group can exceed 18,000 pounds on a 9-ton route. Unless restricted or posted, all paved roads are considered 10-ton routes. Non paved routes are considered 9-ton routes. Loads which are divisible may be allowed over 80,000 pounds with a permit from the road authority where the transportation occurs.

External and interior measurements and the Minnesota Axle Weight Limit table shall be used to determine the gross weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles. The maximum legal weight of 80,000 pounds is possible on both 10-ton and 9-ton highways with proper axle spacing and correct tire size and rating.