Traffic Control Truck Payload Planning Worksheet

Overloading a support truck is easy when cones, signs, and boards pile up. Use this worksheet to keep the truck under its rating and the load balanced.

A traffic control support truck accumulates weight fast: cones, barricades, sign stands, water, tools, and a message board add up. Go over the chassis rating and you have a safety and a legal problem. Work this payload plan before you load out so the truck stays legal and balanced.

Know your numbers

• Record the chassis GVWR and the curb weight from the door sticker
• Subtract curb weight from GVWR to get available payload
• Weigh or estimate crew and passengers against that payload
• Note front and rear axle ratings, not just the total GVWR

Tally the load

• Cones and drums: count times unit weight
• Sign stands and barricades: count times unit weight
• Mounted or carried message board and its power source
• Water, fuel, tools, spares, and personal gear
• Sum the load and confirm it stays under available payload with margin

Balance and secure

• Distribute weight so neither axle exceeds its rating
• Keep heavy items low and forward of the rear axle where practical
• Strap and secure everything against a hard stop
• Re-check the plan whenever the standard load changes