Dray Insight
Quote an overweight 20 ft
A heavy 20 ft is the easiest load to underprice. Check the weight before you send a number.
Jonathan Sinton · Checked November 14, 2026
You need
- Cargo weight from the bill of lading
- Container size and type
- Your tractor and chassis weights
- The states on the route
Steps
- Add up the gross weightCargo, empty container, chassis and tractor with fuel and driver.
- Check it against 80,000 lbThat is the federal limit without a permit. Each tandem may carry 34,000 lb.
- Pick the chassisA tri-axle spreads a heavy 20 ft over three axles. Check the pool has one at that terminal.
- Check for a permitMany port states sell an overweight permit for sealed ocean containers. Limits and routes differ by state.
- Price the extrasTri-axle rental, the permit, an overweight charge, and extra time if the permit fixes the route.
- Write the weight on the quoteState the weight you quoted for and what happens if the scale ticket shows more.
The numbers
| Cargo | 48,000 lb |
| 20 ft container, empty | 4,850 lb |
| 20 ft chassis | 5,800 lb |
| Tractor with fuel and driver | 18,000 lb |
| Gross weight | 76,650 lb |
Under the 80,000 lb federal limit. But a 20 ft box puts the weight on a short chassis, and a tandem may carry only 34,000 lb. Scale it or use a tri-axle.
Watch out
Gross can pass while an axle fails. The ticket goes to the truck.
A state permit does not cover city streets or the next state.
A broken seal can void a sealed-container permit.