Bridge Laws - Good Tips

Tandems don't have to be set at those measurements, they are maximums.
Not all kingpins are 3' like he claims in the video. Know the equipment you're using.
Lots of people seem to forget about maximum rear overhang. Maryland will get you if it exceeds 35%. (Canada will too)

Such simple tasks keep the dot man busy. Isn't it great for those of us who know how to load a truck and scale it so it's legal in all jurisdictions for the load you're hauling?

 

Except it isn't bridge law, it is kingpin to rear axle (KPRA)... a completely different animal.

Knowing the ACTUAL law/regulation/rule one is dealing with is kinda important.

 

You are so right about Maryland.

Most people forget that the old 53 foot for volume freight like popcorn versus a 48 footer that is more useful to bridge a 80000 pound load without too much trouble. (Heck I started with 45 footers once... never mind the 20's and 40's off ships that are under a generic Md and VA 99K gross weight permit which is routinely exceeded really badly. The police would laugh at that little permit I hand them until tears come out of the eyes. That's like ... waving a crayon coupon looking for free food at walmart or something. It has no value.

Bridge Laws are particular to all the states. What California requires aint what others might not. A attentive trucker will examine first the Motor Carrier's atlas which usually has Bridge Law in color no less with large print easily readable and simple math.

I hate to be facetious. Even the 48 foot spread axles sitting on a Vicksburg Louisiana Scales, those dear neighbors down south of me. It's a 10 foot spread, thus 40,000 pounds back there. They need to see a Gator between them to understand it's wide enough to take 20K per axle. Imagine what would be possible with that 48 footer if I had a third axle in the middle for a total of 60000 back there. There is no tractor made that will legally scale THAT to 80000. 88000 maybe but not 80000.

 

Most 3' kingpin trls are clearly marked 36" as well..