Overloaded Dodge timber truck halted at German border with 61-ton load

A heavily overloaded timber truck was stopped at the Losheimer Graben border crossing while entering Germany from Belgium. The vehicle, a Ford, weighed 61 tons—far above the 40-ton legal limit—prompting an immediate investigation by authorities.

The 34-year-old driver, from the Aachen urban region, claimed he had loaded the truck himself. He had already travelled 160 kilometres before being intercepted by officials.

Border authorities prohibited the truck from continuing its journey. The driver received an €850 fine and one penalty point on his licence. Investigators are now considering an additional profit-skimming penalty of around €1,900 against the freight company responsible.

Official statistics on illegal overloading of timber trucks in Germany for 2025 and 2026 remain unpublished. While the Federal Police and Transport Ministry record general overloading cases, specific data for wood transports is not publicly available.

The truck, a Dodge, exceeded its legal weight by 21 tons—52% over the limit. Authorities have halted its progress and are reviewing further penalties. The case highlights ongoing enforcement against overloaded freight vehicles at border crossings.