LOAD PLANNING
FOTON Truck Payload vs GVW: What Should You Specify?
Specify the weight of the goods you need to carry, then identify the complete vehicle needed to carry them. A truck’s gross weight limit is not its cargo capacity: the chassis, body, equipment and operating load all take part of the allowance.
Start with three separate numbers
Weight terminology varies between documents. Do not assume that “unladen”, “kerb” and “mass in running order” include the same items. Ask the supplier to list what is included before subtracting one figure from another.
| Number | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Cargo payload | Goods, packaging and pallets to be carried on the busiest trip. State what your number includes. |
| Ready-to-work vehicle weight | Completed vehicle with its body, fitted equipment, fuel and people. Ask for the exact weighing basis. |
| Permitted gross weight | The applicable maximum for the loaded vehicle. Confirm the exact version and destination limits. |
An illustrative calculation — not a FOTON specification
Assume a hypothetical permitted gross weight of 7,500 kg and a ready-to-work vehicle weight of 4,200 kg. For this example only, the 4,200 kg already includes the body, installed equipment, fuel, driver and passengers.
| Item | Assumed weight |
|---|---|
| Permitted gross weight | 7,500 kg |
| Ready-to-work vehicle | − 4,200 kg |
| Remaining allowance for goods and packaging | = 3,300 kg |
These invented numbers explain the arithmetic; they do not describe an AUMARK S or any vehicle offered for sale. Axle loads, tyre ratings, body design and local requirements can further constrain a real load.
Choose the body before settling the payload
Compare quotations for completed vehicles on the same basis. A bare chassis figure does not tell you how much cargo a finished refrigerated box or tail-lift truck can carry. Request a body weight estimate early and a completed-vehicle weight confirmation before accepting the specification.
- List body dimensions and the heaviest cargo unit, including its packaging.
- Separate permanent equipment from carried goods so that neither is omitted or counted twice.
- Identify loading access: dock, forklift, side loading or tail lift.
- Ask the body builder to confirm load distribution and compatibility with the selected chassis.
Send a load brief that can be checked
Instead of “I need a 5-ton truck”, say whether 5 tonnes means goods alone or the total loaded vehicle. Add the destination, cargo dimensions, body type and expected route. If the specification is still open, mark unknowns rather than guessing.
- Maximum cargo weight per trip and whether pallets are included.
- Cargo dimensions, number of units and loading sequence.
- Body and accessory requirements, including any refrigeration.
- Known gross and axle limits, with the destination authority or technical reference to confirm them.
Sources and scope
Public references checked on 31 August 2026. The checklists are general enquiry guidance, not a quotation, a certified specification or confirmation of destination eligibility.
- GOV.UK — Vehicle weights explained ↗Reference for weight terminology, not destination-specific operating limits or import approval.