Truck overloading is a factor that can paralyze business operations both at the border and on the road. Today’s weight control system is a real enforcement tool that leads to hefty fines, vehicle stoppages, and blocked routes. The automated Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) complexes installed across Ukraine are strict: they detect violations in just a few seconds and immediately transfer the data to regulatory authorities. Lost time, financial penalties, and damaged client trust – all of this can quickly become reality if companies fail to take weight control seriously in advance.

Real Cases of Fines

• Lviv region, August 2025 – a dump truck carrying timber exceeded the permitted weight almost twofold: 40.9 tons against the allowed 26 tons. The carrier received two fines: UAH 51,000 for overloading and UAH 17,000 for failing to submit the required documents. The vehicle was blocked until the violations were resolved. (Varta 1)
• Cherkasy region, May 2025 – during roadside inspections, officials found two MAN trucks overloaded by more than 30% and one DAF exceeding the limit by over 10%. The total fines amounted to UAH 119,000. (provce.ck.ua)
• Kirovohrad region, August 2025 – a driver who tried to bypass the WIM system was fined for three violations: UAH 51,000 for evading control, UAH 850–2,550 for ignoring lawful demands, and UAH 17,000 for missing documents. The vehicle was detained until the issues were fixed. (Suspilne | News)
• WIM statistics. In the first five months of 2025, 2,441 violations were recorded, totalling UAH 29.55 million in fines – nearly half as many as the previous year. The average overload decreased from 20% to 10%, and the average fine fell to UAH 12,000 (down from UAH 22,000 earlier). (Glavcom)

Weight Control Standards in Ukraine

Ukrainian legislation sets clear rules that define the maximum permissible vehicle weight and axle load. These parameters are regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 879 of June 27, 2007.

Key standards:

• Maximum weight of a road train – no more than 40 tons.
• For container trucks – up to 44 tons.
• Load on a single axle – no more than 11 tons.
• On a double axle – up to 16 tons.
• On a triple axle – up to 22 tons.

Example: a grain truck loaded with 42 tons might seem “normal” to the elevator operator, but on the road, it is already a violation. If the cargo is distributed unevenly, some axles may show an overload of 20–30%, even when the total weight is close to the legal limit.

How Weight Control (WIM) Works

Today, Ukraine is actively installing Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) complexes. These systems are embedded directly into the road surface and measure axle load, speed, and the vehicle’s total weight without requiring it to stop. The data is automatically transmitted to a processing center and becomes the basis for issuing a fine. According to official data from Ukravtodor, more than 50 such complexes were already in operation by 2023, and their number is expected to double by 2025. This means that “slipping through” with an overloaded truck is becoming increasingly complex.

Fine Amounts for Carriers

Fines are regulated by Article 132-1 of the Ukrainian Code of Administrative Offenses. They are pretty substantial and increase in proportion to the percentage of overload:

The Ministry of Infrastructure notes that these sanctions are aimed at preserving roads, the repair of which costs the state billions of hryvnias each year.

Additional Risks Beyond Fines

Financial penalties are just the tip of the iceberg. The consequences of truck overloading go much further:

• Delivery delays. If a vehicle is stopped on the road, the cargo sits idle, leading to missed deadlines and lost clients.
• Reputation damage. Customers don’t like excuses and may easily switch to another carrier after the first incident.
• Extra costs. Driver downtime, fuel expenses, and the need to transfer cargo to other vehicles.
• Vehicle wear and tear. Overloaded trucks break down faster, driving up repair and maintenance costs.
• Safety risks. Overloaded vehicles have a longer braking distance and are harder to control at high speeds.

In other words, the risks of transportation far exceed the value of the fine itself. A single trip can turn into a loss-making project, not only because of the financial penalties, but also due to the chain reaction of related consequences.

How to Reduce Transportation Risks

To avoid problems, businesses should apply a set of practical solutions:

• Pre-weighing. Installing scales at warehouses or grain elevators allows you to check the cargo before departure. This is much cheaper than paying fines.
• Proper load distribution. It is vital to consider axle load, not just total weight. This is especially critical for bulk cargo.
• Use of e-waybills (e-TTN). Electronic transport documents ensure data transparency and allow weight monitoring during loading.
• Route planning. A logistics manager should be aware of the location of WIM complexes and consider them when planning the route.
• Choosing the right vehicle. Sometimes it is more cost-effective to use a container truck or several vehicles instead of risking one overloaded truck.

Example: during harvest season, many agricultural enterprises in central Ukraine install their own weighing complexes. This helps them avoid mass fines, which were once a common occurrence for grain trucks.

The Role of a Logistics Partner

Not every company is ready to invest in its own weighing equipment or keep regulatory experts on staff. This is where a logistics partner comes into play. Their role is not just to deliver cargo from point A to point B, but to minimize transportation risks. Professional freight forwarders monitor compliance with weight regulations at the loading stage, select the most suitable vehicles, and keep track of legislative changes. For the client, this means predictable logistics costs and no unexpected expenses.

Companies specializing in container and multimodal transportation have another advantage: they can combine different modes of transport, avoiding overload on specific parts of the route. This is especially important for international shipments, where regulations may vary significantly from one country to another.

Conclusion

Fines for truck overloading in Ukraine are not a formality but a real threat to a carrier’s financial stability. They impact not only the budget but also reputation, delivery schedules, and client relationships. However, these risks can be mitigated through pre-weighing, selecting the right vehicles, utilizing electronic documentation systems, and collaborating with reliable partners, which significantly reduces the likelihood of violations.

For Ukraine’s logistics market, this is no longer a matter of choice but a condition for competitiveness. Companies that comply with weight control regulations not only gain cost savings but also earn customer trust and operational stability. This is the approach every player in the transportation industry should adopt.