DA Form 7598: Vehicle Load Card Guide (2026)

DA Form 7598: Vehicle Load Card Guide (2026) – The DA Form 7598, officially titled Vehicle Load Card, is a critical document used by the U.S. Army for documenting and planning vehicle cargo loads. It ensures safe, balanced, and efficient transportation of equipment and supplies during training, deployments, and routine operations.

Military units rely on this form as a standardized tool for load planning, weight distribution, and compliance with transportation regulations. It complements other key documents like the DD Form 1750 (Packing List).

What Is DA Form 7598 Used For?

DA Form 7598 serves as a detailed diagram and record for each vehicle’s load configuration. Key purposes include:

  • Recording vehicle identification, dimensions, and empty weight.
  • Documenting cargo items with locations, quantities, dimensions, and weights.
  • Calculating total load weight and center of balance (CB/CG).
  • Providing a visual cargo compartment view for proper loading and unloading.
  • Supporting unit movement operations, deployments, and commercial transportation requests.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety, highway, and air/sea transport standards.

It is particularly important for Unit Movement Officers (UMOs), logistics personnel (such as MOS 92F), and drivers to maintain accurate load plans.

Key Sections of the DA Form 7598

The form (5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, double-sided) includes these main areas:

Header Information:

  • Unit/UIC
  • Veh LIN No.
  • Nomen/Mod No.
  • Sec/Plt Asgd
  • Shipment Date
  • Unit No.
  • Compiled By/Date

Vehicle Dimensions (Operational and Reduced):

  • Length, Width, Height of Vehicle
  • Cargo Area dimensions and Cubic Feet

Weights:

  • Vehicle Empty Weight
  • Load + Vehicle Total Weight
  • Individual item Piece Weight (PC WT) and Total Weight

Cargo Compartment View:

  • A diagram showing the front of the vehicle with numbered cargo locations.
  • Columns for: Cargo Loc No., Description & Type Pack, No. of Items, PC Cubic Ft, Total Cubic Ft, PC WT, Total WT.

Additional Details:

  • TDA/MTOE Para and LIN No. of Driver
  • Center of Balance (CB/CG) in inches from a reference point
  • Remarks (including BBPCT materials – Blocking, Bracing, Packing, Crating, and Tie-down – with weights)
  • Numbers of DD Form 1750 associated with the load
  • Totals for weight and cube.

How to Fill Out DA Form 7598? (Step-by-Step)

  1. Gather Information — Collect vehicle specs, cargo inventory, weights, and dimensions.
  2. Complete Header — Enter unit and vehicle details.
  3. Enter Vehicle Dimensions — Provide both operational and reduced configurations where applicable.
  4. Record Empty Weight — Note the vehicle’s curb weight.
  5. Diagram the Load — Use the cargo compartment view. Number each item’s location and describe it clearly.
  6. Detail Cargo — List each item’s quantity, cubic feet, individual and total weights.
  7. Calculate Totals — Sum weights and verify center of balance.
  8. Add Remarks — Include BBPCT requirements and any special instructions.
  9. Verify and Sign — Have the load verified by a supervisor or qualified personnel.

Pro Tip: For complex loads, sketch shapes in the diagram and use a legend in the remarks section for clarity.

Why Accurate Load Cards Matter?

Proper use of DA Form 7598 helps prevent:

  • Vehicle overloads or instability
  • Damage to equipment during transit
  • Delays in deployments or movements
  • Safety violations during highway, rail, or air transport

It is a key requirement in many unit movement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and deployment handbooks.

Download Official DA Form 7598

Official PDF Download (U.S. Army Publications):
DA Form 7598 – Vehicle Load Card (PDF)

Always use the latest version from Army Publishing Directorate (APD) for official use. The current edition is dated JUN 2006.

  • DD Form 1750 — Packing List (often used together with DA 7598)
  • DA Form 2404 / 5988-E — Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
  • STP 10-92F15-SM-TG — References the form for petroleum and logistics training

For comprehensive guidance, consult your unit’s UMO, installation transportation office, or the latest Army deployment regulations.

Stay Compliant and Prepared

Whether you’re preparing for a field exercise, deployment, or routine convoy, the DA Form 7598 Vehicle Load Card remains an essential tool for Army logistics success. Accurate documentation saves time, enhances safety, and ensures mission readiness.