A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pair of spaced-apart and longitudinally-extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members. Each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members for suspending an axle/suspension system from the frame. A force distribution assembly is attached to the main members and the hangers and includes a component that deforms or shears in an extreme event. The force distribution assembly extends perpendicularly between the main members and interrupts the transmission of forces encountered by the axle/suspension system that move through each one of the hangers to its respective main member, and redirects at least a portion of such forces across said force distribution assembly and into the other one of the main members.