Source of Definition: Manufacturer

Source of Data: MVA

A maximum weight of passengers and cargo, a vehicle is rated to safely carry. It is calculated by subtracting the vehicle's empty weight (curb weight) from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

For cars, trucks, and RVs the cargo carrying capacity (CCC) is reported by vehicle manufacturers. It is typically found on a sticker in the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual.

For larger shipments, like shipping containers, the carrier (shipping line) and the shipper are responsible for providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM), with final responsibility for legal weights resting with the carrier.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

Source of Definition: 49 CFR 571.3; 49 CFR 567.4

Source of Data: MVA

Synonyms: GAWR

A weight specified by the manufacturer as the load carrying capacity of a single axle system, as measured at the ground-tire interface. The GWAR includes the weight of the vehicle (be it a car truck or trailer), passengers, cargo and even trailer tongue weight (if applicable). It is not uncommon for front and rear axles to have different GAWRs. 49 CFR 567.4 requires manufacturers to post the GAWR in the Vehicle ID plate. The rule specifies where the plate is to be located, for cars and trucks the preferred location is inside the vehicle's door frame on the B-pillar.

• Safety is the primary reason for manufacturers to place a limit on how much weight each axle can carry, so each individual axle of a vehicle should never be loaded beyond the manufacturers listed GAWR.
• Another important reason for this field, is to manage the weigh of loads, because overloaded axles can cause damage to bridges.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

Source of Definition: 49 CFR 571; 49 CFR 567; D20/79; e-Title;

Source of Data: Vehicle Manufacturer

Synonyms: GVWR; Laden Weight, Loaded Weight.

A vehicle has only one vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is assigned at the point of manufacture. It represents the greatest allowable load for that vehicle, including trailers.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Usage Note: Safety is the primary reason for the GVWR of a vehicle, so a vehicle should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer's listed GVWR.

There are a number of factors that determine the GVWR such as spacing of axles, number of tires, size of tires, capacity of the suspension and take into account the base curb weight of the vehicle plus the weight of any optional accessories, cargo, passengers and the tongue weight of a trailer. U.S. law 49 CFR 571.3 requires the manufacturers to set the appropriate GVWR and requires NHTSA to test vehicles operate safely within the specified GVWR.  26 CFR 145.4051 specifies taxes due on heavy trucks and trailers sold at retail, its rules provide direction on how the GVWR is calculated. When the manufacturer sets a GVWR value lower than the taxable GVWR, the manufacturer must maintain adequate records of the calculations that support their rationale.

49 CFR 567.4 requires manufacturers to post the GVWR in the Vehicle ID Plate. This rule specifies where the plate is to be located, for trucks and cars the preferred location is on inside the vehicle's door frame on the B-pillar.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

Source of Definition: 49 CFR 383; 49 CFR 390

Source of Data: Vehicle Manufacturer

Synonyms: GCWR

A value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination vehicle. That is the sum of the GVWR values specified by the manufacturer for a loaded truck tractor and any loaded trailers it will tow.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

49 CFR 383.5 and 49 CFR 390.5 specify: Gross combination weight rating (GCWR), is the greater of:

1. A value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit, if such value is displayed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or
2. The sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) or the gross vehicle weights (GVWs) of the power unit and the towed unit(s), or any combination thereof, that produces the highest value. Exception: The GCWR of the power unit will not be used to define a commercial motor vehicle when the power unit is not towing another vehicle.

   Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

A federal regulation covering Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. For details see 49 CFR 390 on eCFR.

A federal regulation covering Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements And Penalties. For details see 49 CFR 383 on eCFR.

Source of Definition: 49 CFR 571.3; 40 CFR 1803 ; MVAs

Source of Data: MVA

A weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment; maximum capacity of engine fuel, oil, and coolant; and, if so equipped, air conditioning and additional weight optional engine. Incomplete light-duty trucks shall have the curb weight specified by the manufacturer.

Passengers, cargo and other items are not included in this weight. In an RV, equipment fluids such as tanks of water and propane are counted in this weight.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

Source of Definition: D20/79. D16/89-2.2.20 (gross weight).

Source of Data: Registrant; weigh station scales.

Synonyms: Operating Weight.

The unladen weight of the vehicle (e.g., single-unit truck, truck combination) plus the weight of the load being carried at a specific point in time.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Usage Note: For maximum weights allowed on Federal routes, regulation 23 CFR 658 documents the allowable operating weights.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): AN/9

Source of Definition: Manufacturer

Source of Data: Manufacturer

An approximate maximum load weight intended for the vehicle to transport, commonly applied to vans, pickups and single-unit trucks. e.g. "half ton".

Usage Note: When domestic light-duty trucks were first produced, they were rated by their payload capacity in tons (e.g., a 1-ton truck could carry 2,000 lb.). Since the 1960s, the payload capacities for most domestic pickup trucks have increased while the nominal ton title has stayed the same.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/6

Source of Definition: MCO

Source of Data: Manufacturer

The unladen weight of a vehicle when it is shipped from the manufacturer to the purchaser. It includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and a small quantity of fuel, as vehicles have traditionally been driven off the assembly line and these fluids were necessary to do so.

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9

Federal regulations for the Excise Tax on Use of Certain Highway Motor Vehicles. For details see 26 CFR 41 on eCFR.

Source of Definition: 49 CFR 571; D20/79

Source of Data: Manufacturer, Registrant, Weight scales

Synonyms: Scale weight; Net weight; Unloaded vehicle weight; Empty weight.

The weight of a vehicle with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary for operation of the vehicle, but without cargo, occupants, or accessories that are ordinarily removed from the vehicle when they are not in use. [49 CFR 571.3]

This element holds the numeric quantity, using the default units of measure of the jurisdiction. Given a source document showing "14,500 LB/6,577 KG", this element would hold a value of 14500 in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Usage Note: In an RV, camping fluids such as tanks of water and propane are not counted in this weight.

Logical Format (Type/Max Length): N/9