Semi-trucks have undoubtedly left their mark on the road. Whether hauling cargo or taking a break, these trucks can traverse rough terrain and huge obstacles. We all know trucks are big. But some trucks are bigger than others, have you ever wondered how much a semi-truck weighs? This article will help you understand the weight of a semi-truck.
Why Are There So Many Semi-trucks
The roughly 2 million trailers on our roads are a necessary and vital part of the economy. Most goods in the United States are shipped by truck. Truckers drive more than a billion miles a year to pick up goods where they need to go. Most truck drivers are law-abiding, safe, and attentive drivers. But if they don’t, or if the trucking company puts too much pressure on them, or if other drivers get in their way, then catastrophic accidents can happen. Due to the enormous size and weight of these semi-trucks, serious injuries and tragic deaths often occur. Unfortunately, commercial truck accidents in Texas cause the most casualties in the nation.
How Much Do Semi-Trucks Weigh?
Let’s start with a semi-trailer tractor, or a truck without a trailer. These large rigs can handle anywhere from 10,000 to 35,000 pounds without a trailer, depending on the size of the engine. Add in an empty trailer that weighs about 10,000 pounds, and an empty semi-trailer with a trailer weighs between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds.
Under U.S. law, the load limit for semi trucks is 80,000 pounds. While some heavy-duty trucks may have a higher gross vehicle weight rating, the trailer and cargo weight must be adjusted to no more than 80,000 pounds.
- How much does a semi-trailer tractor weigh without a trailer?
Semi-tractors, which are the truck or towing part of big rigs, typically weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds. How much one weighs depends upon things such as the size of the engine and fuel tanks, how many gears the vehicle has and how large the driving and sleeping compartment is.
- How much does an 18-wheeler weigh when towing cargo?
An 18-wheeler consists of a tractor and trailer. In other words, it’s a semi-truck with a trailer attached to it. In total, there are 18 wheels. Therefore, the empty weight of an 18-wheeler is 35,000 pounds, and the loaded weight cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
How Much Do Semi-TrucksTire Weigh
Semi-trailer tires play a vital role in the safety and performance of the vehicle. The tires on the semi-truck weigh 110 pounds. However, this weight depends on factors such as usage.
For example, trucks that handle mining tasks tend to be stronger. As a result, they can handle rough terrain and support their weight with heavier, stronger tires.
Semi Truck Stopping Distance
Needless to say, even an empty semi-truck can take longer to stop than a standard car due to its massive weight.
At highway speeds of 65 miles per hour, the average car can come to a complete stop in about 300 feet. A fully loaded semi-trailer, on the other hand, can travel 600 feet before coming to a complete stop, or even farther if conditions like rain, ice, or snow are factored in.
Therefore, it is very important to never cut off the semi-trailer in traffic and avoid abruptly stopping in front of the semi-trailer as much as possible. Doing so could create a dangerous situation that puts your life and that of others at risk.
Common Causes Of Semi-trucks Accidents
Accidents happen for many reasons. Truck drivers often work long hours, so sometimes driver fatigue is the culprit. Other drivers inadvertently slowing down in front of the truck could lead to a crash. Load movement in the trailer can cause large rigs to become unbalanced and can gouge or even roll over. If there are other vehicles near the truck, they may be hit. Improperly loaded cargo can also fall onto the road, causing crashes as other drivers try to avoid hitting spilled items.
Dangerous accidents happen when truck drivers ignore maximum weight and overload their trucks. Excessive weight can result in longer stopping distances and higher downhill speeds, and can even affect vehicle components. Tires could burst, brakes could fail, and other serious problems could result.
Summary
In the United States, the maximum legal weight for a fully loaded semi-trailer is 80,000 pounds. The minimum empty weight is about 25,000 pounds, but it’s usually closer to 35,000 pounds. While there will be various exceptions, we hope this generalization will provide some insight into these large, powerful vehicles.