Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does GVW (gross vehicle weight) mean in logistics?

Short answer

The total permissible weight of a vehicle including its own weight, fuel, driver and cargo, as certified for that vehicle. Payload equals GVW minus unladen weight.

The registered laden weight is recorded on the vehicle’s registration certificate and in VAHAN. Checkposts and weighbridges compare actual weight with it, and excess weight is penalised as overloading. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
GVW, GVWR, RLW
Category
Road
Related terms
Payload, Axle load, VAHAN, Weighbridge

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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