What does the net payload of a vehicle include?

The net payload of a vehicle is a measure that reflects the maximum weight the vehicle can carry beyond its own weight. To understand this concept, it is essential to define how payload is calculated. The net payload is typically calculated by taking the total weight that the vehicle can safely carry, which is often referred to as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and subtracting the weight of the vehicle itself.

In this context, the net payload thus incorporates any additional weight that can be carried by the vehicle, which is specifically the cargo weight. This calculation shows how much weight in the form of cargo can be loaded onto the vehicle without exceeding its safe operating limits. Therefore, understanding that net payload excludes the weight of the vehicle itself while considering the cargo weight indicates that the given answer aligns well with the correct definition.

The other choices either focus solely on vehicle weight, disregard the notion of total capacity, or misinterpret the definition of payload, emphasizing the importance of correctly understanding the distinction between vehicle weight and the payload it can carry.