Commercial tires have specific ratings designed to keep your drivers safe and your freight moving, even in a worst-case scenario. Here is exactly how to decode the tire load index and ensure your fleet is running on the right rubber.
Where to Find the Load Index
You can find the load index printed directly on the sidewall of the tire. It is typically located right after the tire size and just before the speed rating letter.
For example, on a standard commercial tire labelled 295/75R22.5 144/141L, the numbers 144/141 represent the tire load index. The letter "L" indicates the speed rating.
Why Commercial Tires Have Two Numbers?
Light truck and commercial tires often display two ratings separated by a slash (e.g., 144/141). This distinction exists because these tires are frequently used in dual rear-wheel setups, and they perform differently depending on how they are mounted.
The First Number (144): This indicates the load capacity when the tire is mounted as a single tire.
The Second Number (141): This represents the load capacity when the tire is mounted in a dual configuration.
The Safety Physics Behind the Dual Rating
You might logically expect that putting two tires side-by-side simply doubles the load capacity, but the dual rating is deliberately lower.
Roads are naturally crowned (curved for water runoff), which means the inner tire often bears more of the vehicle's weight than the outer tire. Additionally, the capacity for dual tires is mathematically reduced to build in a safety margin. If one tire in the dual setup fails or loses pressure, the remaining active tire must be able to temporarily carry the load without immediately suffering a catastrophic blowout.
Key insight: The lower rating accounts for an essential safety buffer, protecting your driver, the rig, and the payload in the event of partial tire failure.
Comprehensive Commercial Tire Load Index Chart
While standard passenger vehicles usually have load indices between 70 and 110, commercial trucks require heavy-duty tires that can handle significantly more weight. Commercial tire load indices typically range from 130 up to 170+.
Below is a complete reference chart for commercial fleet managers and technicians.
How to use this chart:
Locate your tire's dual rating: Remember that commercial tires usually have a dual rating (e.g., 149/146).
Single vs. Dual: Use the first number for tires mounted singly (like steer axles). Use the second, lower number for tires mounted in a dual configuration (like drive or trailer axles).
Multiply by wheel ends: Multiply the weight capacity by the number of tires on the axle to ensure it meets or exceeds your Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Commercial Tire Load Index (130 - 170)
Load Index | Maximum Load (Lbs) | Maximum Load (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
130 | 4,189 lbs | 1,900 kg |
131 | 4,299 lbs | 1,950 kg |
132 | 4,409 lbs | 2,000 kg |
133 | 4,541 lbs | 2,060 kg |
134 | 4,674 lbs | 2,120 kg |
135 | 4,806 lbs | 2,180 kg |
136 | 4,938 lbs | 2,240 kg |
137 | 5,071 lbs | 2,300 kg |
138 | 5,203 lbs | 2,360 kg |
139 | 5,357 lbs | 2,430 kg |
140 | 5,512 lbs | 2,500 kg |
141 | 5,677 lbs | 2,575 kg |
142 | 5,842 lbs | 2,650 kg |
143 | 6,008 lbs | 2,725 kg |
144 | 6,173 lbs | 2,800 kg |
145 | 6,393 lbs | 2,900 kg |
146 | 6,614 lbs | 3,000 kg |
147 | 6,779 lbs | 3,075 kg |
148 | 6,944 lbs | 3,150 kg |
149 | 7,165 lbs | 3,250 kg |
150 | 7,385 lbs | 3,350 kg |
151 | 7,606 lbs | 3,450 kg |
152 | 7,826 lbs | 3,550 kg |
153 | 8,047 lbs | 3,650 kg |
154 | 8,267 lbs | 3,750 kg |
155 | 8,543 lbs | 3,875 kg |
156 | 8,818 lbs | 4,000 kg |
157 | 9,094 lbs | 4,125 kg |
158 | 9,370 lbs | 4,250 kg |
159 | 9,645 lbs | 4,375 kg |
160 | 9,921 lbs | 4,500 kg |
161 | 10,196 lbs | 4,625 kg |
162 | 10,472 lbs | 4,750 kg |
163 | 10,747 lbs | 4,875 kg |
164 | 11,023 lbs | 5,000 kg |
165 | 11,354 lbs | 5,150 kg |
166 | 11,684 lbs | 5,300 kg |
167 | 12,015 lbs | 5,450 kg |
168 | 12,346 lbs | 5,600 kg |
169 | 12,787 lbs | 5,800 kg |
170 | 13,228 lbs | 6,000 kg |
Note: Load capacities are rated at the tire's maximum cold inflation pressure. Always verify the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
Don't Guess with Your Fleet's Safety
Equipping your fleet with the exact tires you need shouldn't be a guessing game. Our team is here to help you match the perfect load capacity to your freight. Contact our wholesale specialists today to secure the right commercial tires for your fleet at the best volume pricing.
