Lastkapacitet

Lastkapasitet, or payload capacity, is the maximum weight or volume of cargo a system can safely carry and legally operate with. It is a central parameter in the design, operation, and regulation of vehicles, ships, cranes, and other load-bearing equipment. The term is commonly used in Norwegian and related languages, but the concept is universal: it defines how much load a machine can handle beyond its own empty weight.

In road transport, payload capacity is typically calculated as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) minus the vehicle’s curb or unladen weight. For example, if a truck has a GVWR of 20,000 kg and weighs 12,000 kg empty, its payload capacity is 8,000 kg. This capacity is affected by load distribution, center of gravity, and the strength of the chassis and tires, as well as legal axle and gross weight limits.

In marine and air transport, payload is described using different metrics. For ships, deadweight tonnage (DWT) represents the total weight of cargo, fuel, crew, and stores that a vessel can carry beyond its empty displacement. For aircraft, payload capacity is the difference between maximum takeoff weight and the basic empty weight, constrained by fuel needs and balance.

Cranes and other lifting devices specify a working load limit or rated load, indicating the maximum safe load at a given reach and configuration. Across contexts, payload capacity is not only a physical limit but also a safety and regulatory constraint, influencing loading procedures, maintenance, and operational planning.

Measurement and regulatory standards vary by domain but generally involve certification, testing, and labeling to ensure loads stay within safe limits.