What is the payload capacity of a HOWO 3-axle truck today? Understanding the payload capacity helps businesses choose the right vehicle for their operations.
A 3-axle truck is a vehicle with three axles, commonly referred to by “axle count” when viewed from the side. According to regulations, the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for a 3-axle truck is 24 tons, including both the vehicle’s curb weight and cargo.
Therefore, the actual payload capacity equals the permitted GVW minus the truck’s curb weight. The curb weight varies depending on the manufacturer’s design.

In practice, the payload capacity of HOWO 3-axle trucks typically ranges from 14 to 16 tons. Below are payload specifications of some HOWO 3-axle models:
According to Articles 21 and 32 of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (effective from January 1, 2025), overloading violations start from exceeding 10% of the permitted load (20% for tanker trucks carrying liquids). Fines increase progressively depending on the overload percentage and apply separately to drivers, individual vehicle owners, and organizations, along with license point deductions and mandatory corrective measures.
Fines (VND) by Overload Percentage:
| Overload Rate | Driver | Individual Owner | Organization Owner | Additional Penalties |
| 10%–30% (20%–30% for tankers) | 800.000-1.000.000 | 4.000.000-6.000.000 | 8.000.000-12.000.000 | – |
| 30%-50% | 3.000.000-5.000.000 | 10.000.000-12.000.000 | 20.000.000-24.000.000 | – |
| 50%-100% | 5.000.000-7.000.000 | 20.000.000-26.000.000 | 40.000.000-52.000.000 | – |
| 100%-150% | 7.000.000-8.000.000 | 30.000.000-40.000.000 | 60.000.000-80.000.000 | -4 license points |
| Over 150% | 8.000.000-12.000.000 | 65.000.000-75.000.000 | 130.000.000-150.000.000 | -4 license points |
With medium-to-high payload capacity and stable performance on highways and long-distance routes, HOWO 3-axle trucks are widely used in cargo transport.
HOWO 3-axle dump trucks are ideal for transporting large-volume but not overly dense materials such as steel bars, steel coils, bagged cement, bricks, bagged sand, and medium-sized construction stones. These goods make full use of the truck’s payload while being easy to load/unload and distribute evenly across axles.
Palletized industrial goods are also well-suited, including:
Advantages:
HOWO 3-axle cargo trucks are commonly used to transport:
These goods are bulky but not overly dense, making them ideal for 3-axle payload capacity, especially on interprovincial routes.

3-axle box trucks are suitable for transporting supermarket goods, FMCG, beverages, beer, and dairy products. When carrying these items, it is important not to stack cargo too high and to distribute weight evenly along the cargo bed to avoid rear axle overloading.
One key advantage of 3-axle flatbed trucks is their long cargo bed, making them ideal for transporting furniture, advertising materials, large household goods, and project cargo with moderate weight. These items occupy space but do not exceed payload limits, helping optimize cargo volume.
The payload capacity of a HOWO 3-axle truck is a crucial factor affecting operational efficiency and legal compliance. Understanding load limits, complying with regulations, and distributing cargo properly help ensure safety, optimize costs, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Before every trip, always check the load – because operating within legal limits is always more beneficial in the long run.