DPWH extends gross vehicle weight rule for trucks

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has granted the request of haulers and truckers to extend the implementation of the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) for trucks and trailers until July 31, 2016.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said yesterday the decision to extend the maximum allowable GVW was in response to the request of the haulers and truckers to give them more time to acquire additional transport equipment to conform with the regulation on overloading.

Under the amended provision of the Implementing Rules and Regulations on overloading under Republic Act No. 8794, trucks and trailers under Codes 12-2 and 12-3 with load exceeding prescribed GVW of 41,500 and 42,000 kilograms, respectively, and load per axle of more than 13,500 kilograms are prohibited to travel because it is considered overloading.

Codes 12-2 and 12-3 refer to the maximum GVW for truck with three axles motor vehicle and two axles trailer, and truck with three axles motor vehicle and three axles trailer, respectively.

According to the DPWH, overloading causes severe damage to roads and premature deterioration of pavements. Repair of roads requires huge amount of public funds that could have been invested by the government in other projects.