Payload. It’s a word that you hear time and time again mentioned in relation to trucks. But do you really know what it means?

According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary, payload is a noun that describes “the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation.”

When discussing trucks, especially the Ford F-150, payload is a key feature. As Darren Halabisky, Product Marketing Manager at Ford of Canada, puts it, “Drivers love using their trucks. They’re not buying them just to drive around and get groceries. They’re actually putting them to work.”

My Ford Blog colleague Sean recently visited Drumheller, Alta., in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, to take a closer look at the capabilities of the F-150 and see it put in that “work.”

The F-150 boasts a best-in-class payload of 3,120 pounds. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the weight of the 2014 Focus*, which comes in at 2,935 pounds!

Check out our video above to see the F-150 carry some serious lumber and to learn about its industry-exclusive tailgate step. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

—–

*The 2014 Focus S has a base curb weight of 2,935 lbs.