North Carolina Axle Weight Limits

Maximum Legal Weight Allowed

Gross weight is determined by the extreme axle measurement (Federal Bridge Law)

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Annual Permit

Minimum 51-foot wheelbase, (One item) vehicle combinations can qualify for movement up to 90,000 pounds. (Travel not authorized on posted roads or posted bridges.) Over 90,000 pounds, route specific (exact origin, detailed route and destination).

Gross Weights:

5, 6 or 7 axles 90,000 lbs. (minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (annual permit – not to cross posted roads or posted bridges)
5 axles 94,500 lbs.* (*112,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (annual permit - up to 10 specific routes) (PF-2A)
6 axles 108,000 lbs.* (*120,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (annual permit - one specific route) (PF-2A)
7 axles 122,000 lbs.* (*132,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (annual permit - one specific route) (PF-2A)

Single Trip Permit

Maximum permit weight allowed is determined by the number of load supporting axles; allowable bridge structure weights.

Axle weights:

Steer axle 20,000 lbs.
Single axle 25,000 lbs.
Tandem axles 50,000 lbs.
Tridem axles 60,000 lbs.
4 or more axle grouping 68,000 lbs.

Gross Weights:

5 axles 94,500 lbs.* (*112,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (single trip permit - one specific route)
6 axles 108,000 lbs.* (*120,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (single trip permit - one specific route)
7 axles 122,000 lbs.* (*132,000 pounds with minimum 51-foot wheelbase) (single trip permit - one specific route)

Source of information: https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/trucking/Documents/Oversize%20Overweight%20Permit%20Handbook.pdf
https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/trucking/pages/overpermits.aspx