What does the term "overhang" refer to in trucking?

The term "overhang" in trucking specifically refers to the portion of the load that extends beyond the front or rear of the vehicle. This concept is important for several reasons. First, understanding overhang is crucial for maintaining safe operation on the road. An excessive overhang can affect the vehicle's stability, especially during turns and while navigating uneven surfaces. It may also pose a hazard to other road users, as protruding loads can interfere with traffic.

Additionally, regulations often dictate how much overhang is permissible based on the vehicle type and the nature of the cargo. Proper knowledge of overhang helps ensure compliance with these regulations, which are designed to promote safety on the roads.

The other choices address different aspects of truck capacity and cargo management but do not capture the specific definition of overhang in the context of trucking. The total weight capacity of a truck pertains to the weight that the vehicle can safely carry, while height limitations refer to the maximum allowed height of cargo. Gaps between cargo and truck walls are related to how well the load is secured but are not indicative of load extension beyond the vehicle. Thus, the definition of overhang accurately represents its significance in the trucking industry.