Zuladung

Zuladung is a term used in logistics and transport to denote the load carried by a vehicle beyond its own empty weight. It applies to road vehicles such as cars and trucks, as well as to trains, ships, aircraft and other modes of transport. The concept describes the mass that can be added to the vehicle for transport, including cargo, passengers and equipment.

In practice, Zuladung is often discussed in two related senses. It can refer to the payload capacity—the maximum mass that may be loaded onto the vehicle without exceeding legal and safety limits. It can also refer to the actual load currently on the vehicle. The actual Zuladung at any moment equals the vehicle’s gross weight when loaded minus its own light (empty) weight, and is constrained by limits such as maximum gross vehicle weight or axle load regulations.

Calculation and units are straightforward but context-dependent. The general formula is Zuladung = allowable gross weight minus empty weight, with the allowable gross weight defined by manufacturer specifications and regulatory limits. Commonly, Zuladung is expressed in kilograms or tonnes. Distribution and balance are important, as payload placement affects center of gravity, stability, braking, and handling.

Related terms include Nutzlast, which is often used synonymously as payload capacity in technical literature, and gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in regulatory contexts. The term is widely used in vehicle documentation, transport planning, and safety guidelines.

See also: Nutzlast, GVWR, GVW, payload.