Define Dual Tandem Axle Weight

A dual tandem axle truck

Whether you need to assess the specifications of a truck or the durability of a scale that weighs it, knowing about dual tandem axle weights is essential.

Definition

Dual tandem axle weight, or DTA, is the load that each dual tandem axle of a truck is carrying. A dual tandem axle is a double axle connected to four or eight wheels. DTA is a capacity rating that measures the maximum load of a group of two axles spaced 4 feet apart with an axle width of 8 feet. DTA is also known as concentrated load capacity, or CLC, or dual tandem axle capacity, or DTAC.

Use

Truck manufacturers include DTA on the specification sheets for their truck models. DTA also can indicate the weighing capacity of truck-weighing scales and is used as a rating of maximum stress levels for roads.

Significance

Road and highway authorities verify truck weights to assess taxes or tolls and to ensure trucks remain within road safety guidelines. Although the DTAs of many trucks fall below 34,000 lbs., several trucks models have a DTA exceeding 80,000 lbs. Weigh stations must make sure they have a scale that can withstand the stress of these trucks and that they know which trucks would overload their devices.

References

• Premier Scales & Systems: Taking the Guesswork out of Truck Scale Design
• Pit & Quarry: Glossary of Terms -- Concentrated Load Capacity
• Fairbanks Scales: in the Market for a Truck Scale?