Interpretation ID: aiam1920
Johnson
Hogan & Ometer
Post Office Drawer 668
Moneterey
CA 93940;
Dear Mr. Swartz: This is in response to your letter of April 11, 1975, requesting a interpretation of the meaning of 'gross vehicle weight rating.'; The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a trailer consists of th weight of the empty trailer plus its rated cargo load. The weight of the tractor is not included. The tractor and the trailer are considered as two separate vehicles, each with its own individual GVWR.; The Distributors Association interpretation you cited is correct, bu you appear to have misinterpreted it. In the case of a semi-trailer, a significant portion of the loaded trailer's GVWR may be supported by the tractor's rear axle. Therefore, the trailer's GVWR may be significantly higher than its gross axle weight rating, which is the weight an entire axle system, including tires, wheels, axle, and suspension systems, is capable of supporting.; Please let me know if you need further assistance. Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel