Q We operate a six-wheeled truck and are thinking of changing
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it later this year for a 32-ton tractor with a semi-low-loading trailer and a 40 ft flat, or an eight-wheeler with a drawbar trailer.
What is the maximum gross train weight for an eight-wheeler and trailer and what is the difference in the road tax from a 32-ton artic?
A The rate of duty payable on a drawbar trailer outfit will depend on the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle and is calculated according to Table A of Schedule 4 of the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971 plus the rate of duty shown in Table B for goods vehicle drawing trailers. For artics Table A alone is used.
An articulated 32-tonner weighing 12 tons unladen with semitrailer, for example, pays £567 tax, while a 32-ton drawbar outfit weighing 12 tons pays £459 if the eight-wheeler is around 9 tons unladen.
The maximum gross train weight of a drawbar outfit is 32 tons, the same as for an artic.