In the logistics industry, load capacity (İstiap Haddi) — the maximum allowable weight a vehicle can carry — is a crucial concept for both transport safety and regulatory compliance. In road transportation, understanding and adhering to these limits is mandatory.

What Is Load Capacity (İstiap Haddi)?

Load capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry. This limit is determined based on the vehicle’s technical specifications, number of axles, and legal regulations.

Why Load Capacity Matters

Transportation Safety: Exceeding load capacity can damage braking, suspension, and steering systems, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

Vehicle Lifespan & Efficiency: Overloading accelerates wear on mechanical components, raising maintenance and repair costs.

Infrastructure Protection: Excessive loads damage roads, bridges, and viaducts, leading to higher public infrastructure costs.

Legal Compliance: Violating load limits can result in fines, vehicle detention, and license suspension.

Load Capacity Limits in Road Transportation

In Türkiye, load capacity limits in road transport vary according to vehicle type and axle count.

Light Trucks (Kamyonet): Maximum loaded weight is generally 3.5 tons.

Trucks and Trailers: Varies between 18 and 40 tons depending on axle configuration.

Special Transport Vehicles: Tankers, container carriers, and other special vehicles require specific permits under related regulations.

The maximum loaded weight stated on a vehicle’s registration certificate must comply with the limits defined in the Highway Regulations.

Legal Framework Governing Load Capacity

In Türkiye, the load capacity regulations in road transport are governed by several official frameworks, including:

• Highway Traffic Regulation (Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği)

• Heavy Transport Regulation (Ağır Nakliyat Yönetmeliği)

• Road Transport Regulation (Karayolu Taşıma Yönetmeliği)

These regulations are enforced to ensure vehicle safety and protection of road infrastructure.

Key legal points include:

• Load capacity is checked during periodic vehicle inspections.

• Overloaded vehicles are subject to administrative penalties.

• Special permits are required for transporting beyond permitted weight limits.

Load Capacity Control and Penalties

Strict sanctions apply to vehicles that violate load capacity limits in road transport. These include:

• Administrative fines

• Vehicle suspension from traffic

• Temporary suspension of the company’s transport license

To prevent such penalties, companies and drivers must ensure accurate weight control prior to loading and use scales or digital weighing systems regularly.

Conclusion

Load capacity is a critical factor in road transportation in terms of safety, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Proper implementation of these limits ensures:

• Enhanced traffic safety

• Extended vehicle lifespan

• Prevention of infrastructure damage

Transportation companies and drivers must consistently monitor load limits and strictly comply with legal regulations to maintain operational integrity and safety on the roads.