Axle Load
Axle load is the share of vehicle and cargo weight carried by one axle. Under Law 22/2009, the heaviest permitted axle load (MST) is 10 tonnes on class I roads and 8 tonnes on class II and III roads. A truck can break the axle limit while its total weight is under the JBB, for example when heavy cargo is piled at the front of the deck. An empirical rule says road damage rises roughly with the fourth power of axle load, so even weight distribution matters.
Related terms
- Road Class
A road class sets the maximum vehicle dimensions and axle load allowed on a road.
- Permitted Gross Weight (JBI)
JBI, the permitted gross weight, is the maximum weight of a vehicle plus load allowed on the class of road it travels.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (JBB)
JBB, the Indonesian gross vehicle weight rating, is the maximum weight of a vehicle plus its load as designed by the manufacturer and type-approved, as set out in PP No.
- Centre of Gravity (CoG)
The centre of gravity is the point where the whole weight of a load can be considered to act.
- ODOL (Over Dimension Over Load)
ODOL is the Indonesian term for goods vehicles whose dimensions exceed their type approval (over dimension) or whose weight exceeds JBI or JBB (over load).
Covered in these guides
LCT Loading Guide: Bow Ramp, Heavy Equipment Order, Axle Loads and Beaching Trim
How to load a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) in Indonesia, from ramp limits, vehicle and heavy equipment order and deck axle loads to trim when beaching and lashing.
6 min read Maritime professionalsCentre of Gravity and Weight Distribution in Containers and Trucks
How to calculate a cargo centre of gravity from moments, keep weight balanced lengthwise and across, and apply the ±5% guideline to 20ft and 40ft containers.
5 min read Maritime professionalsCargo Lashing and Securing: CTU Code Principles, MSL and a Worked Example
How to secure cargo in containers and trucks with blocking, bracing, lashing and friction under CTU Code principles, with an acceleration table and a worked example.
6 min read Trucks & road freightTruck Axle Load and GVW: How to Calculate Weight per Axle and Place the Load
How to calculate front and rear truck axle loads with moments, the difference between JBB, JBI and payload, MST by road class, and load placement tips.
6 min read