Semi Truck Dimensions (Length, Width & Height)

Have you ever wondered what the dimensions of the semi-truck you find on the roads in the US are? Most of the semi-trucks commercially used in the US are around 72 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet high, and finally weigh about 80,000 lbs.

Now, if you do not know that, don’t blame yourself. Folks involved in the transportation industry, too, are not aware of the answer to the question, how long is a semi truck?

And in all seriousness, the above-given answer does not give a clear picture to anyone. The correct answer is a lot more complicated than that.

The Dimensions of Semi-Trucks and Understanding Why They are Essential to Know?

Multiple factors come into consideration regarding semi truck dimensions. And it is evident that the answer to the questions varies significantly, mainly due to the various state regulations.

Hence, an urgent question that needs answering, we must look into each of the dimensions separately. And that is what we are going to cover here.

1. The Length of a Semi-Truck

Undoubtedly the first place that one needs to start is with the length of the semi-truck as it is the first thing that anyone notices about them.

Now there are many different ways to calculate the length of a semi-truck; however, in the US, the widely used technique is BBC.

BBC stands for Bumper to Back of the Cab. It is the standard way to measure the length of the semi-truck in the US, so our data will be presented in accordance with the same.

Now, onto the answer to this question. As mentioned earlier, the usual length of a semi-truck is considered at 72 feet.

And that number is sourced from the most popular models of semi-trucks that transportation companies utilize. However, you can add to that by including other features in a semi-truck.

It is possible for an operator to opt for long hoods, sleepers, and add-on boxes in the mix. It influences the length of the semi-truck trailer and easily adds around two and a half to six and a half feet to the total length.

You should also note that the trailer’s dimensions also determine the length of the semi-truck.

There is a GVWR when it comes to the load capacity of the semi-truck trailer, but there is no such restriction in place regarding the semi-truck trailer’s length in the case of 18-wheelers or big rigs.

2. The Impact of the Semi-Truck Trailer on the Length of Semi-Trucks

Before looking at the other dimension aspects of the semi-truck, we have to look at the impact the semi-truck trailer has on the overall length of the semi-truck.

And they certainly play a massive role in the load capacity of the semi-truck and other regulations.

We have already mentioned that no regulation restricts the length of the semi-truck trailer and what can be attached to a semi-truck in cases of 18-wheelers or big rigs.

The majority of the regulations regarding semi-trucks trailer are concerned with the loading capacity.

However, there are regulations regarding all other types of semi-trucks and semi-truck trailers. And more importantly, they differ from state to state.

So, that is another challenge that transportation companies have to tackle. And it is also why one must be aware of this topic.

Here are some regulations regarding semi-truck and semi-truck trailer length that one needs to be aware of

• There is federal regulation regarding the minimum length of semi-truck trailers. It specifies that no state can restrict the truck (with the trailer) to be under 48 feet.
• If the semi-truck has two cargo units, the total length of the semi-truck mustn’t exceed 65 feet.
• In the State of Nevada, there is a regulation regarding the grandfather semi-trailer, restricting the maximum trailer length to 53 feet.

As one can understand, different states have different regulations, something a semi-truck operator must be cognizant of if they do not want to get into trouble with the law.

3. The Width of a Semi-Truck

The width of a semi-truck is the second dimension criterion that we will discuss. The standard answer we have already stated for this question is 8.5 feet.

And that is what one will find when looking at most on-road semi-trucks. However, there is more than what meets the eye concerning the width of semi-trucks.

First, the answer of 8.5 feet does not include any additional accessories present on semi-trucks. These accessories include rear-view mirrors, load-induced tire bulges, and cab handholds. It is one thing that you need to keep in mind.

Here are some requisites that any device must meet to be considered an extended device.

• Only the loading and unloading features are taken into account, which do not exceed 24 inches from the back of the cab.
• Resilient bumpers assemblies have to stay underneath 6 inches from the front or the rear end.
• Aerodynamics devices are required to be under 5 feet beyond the back of the cabin.
• None of the extended features should be over 3 inches wide. It is precisely why the tarping system is among the excluded devices.
• Mirrors are allowed to extend up to 10 inches, and that is for both sides of the semi-truck cabin.

4. The Height of a Semi-truck

The height of a semi-truck is not a matter that needs much exploring. The answer to this is actually dependent on the state regulations regarding the same.

One would find that the different states in the US have a set height limit for the semi-truck that a transportation company must adhere to.

Luckily for most states, that limit is between 13 to 14 feet, so this can be considered the standard even with the lack of federal commercial truck height regulation.

It should also be noted that there are certain exceptions that exist with lower clearance roads. If this is where your semi-truck would be operating in, then further research on the local guideline for commercial semi-trucks is advised from our side.

5. Dimension of a Semi-Truck Trailer

In the case of a semi-truck trailer, their dimensions are actually defined in regards to the load they can safely and, more importantly, legally on the US roads.

However, that is not to say that knowing the other dimensions of the semi-truck trailers is not essential. That is certainly not the case.

The length, width, and even the height, in addition to the loading capacity of the semi-truck trailer, are vital for the haulage.

So, if you want to have a smooth transport of goods from one place to another, you need to place some importance on the dimensions of the semi-truck trailer.

Different Types of Semi-Truck Trailers And Their Dimensions

1. Flatbed

A flatbed is the most common semi-truck trailer that one can find in use on American soil.

The semi-truck trailer is entirely flat and allows one to load quickly and even unload the cargo from both sides of the trailer.

The payload on the top is stacked together and then carefully tied to the trailer.

A flatbed semi-truck trailer is usually around 48 to 53 feet in length. A flatbed semi-truck trailer can carry up to 50,000 lbs., but not more.

2. Lowboy

Lowboy trailers are considered the most durable semi-truck trailer of the lot for a good reason.

Their construction includes thick steel frames, axle hangers, and more, which only adds to the strength and durability of the trailer. They are designed to hold up for many years.

The length of the lowboy trailer is around 24 to 30 feet, and they have a load capacity in the range of 45,000 to 85,000 pounds.

3. Step-Deck

It is a square-shaped trailer with a partition separating the cab from the bed.

The square-shaped design of the trailer makes it easier for one to navigate through without needing to make a 90-degree turn. It is also easy to load cargo on the step deck.

These trailers are usually two or four-wheelers.

These trailers are 48 to 53 feet long, with a height of 10 and a half feet. They are also 8.5 feet wide and carry a weight between 48,000 to 63,000 lbs.

4. Dry Van

These are among the most common trailers found on the roads. These trailers have a distinct shape with an enclosed top covering the cargo.

These trailers are used to haul furniture, appliances, machinery, and more from one place to another.

The dry vans are 53 feet long, with a width of 8.2 feet and a height of 8 feet. These trailers can carry a load of up to 45,000 lbs.

Another thing to note about these trailers is that they can be customized in many different ways, which only adds to their value and usefulness in the commercial market.

Conclusion

While the answer to the question regarding the length of a semi-truck is not so straightforward, the importance of knowing the dimensions of semi-truck and semi-truck trailers is obvious.

Knowing the dimension of your commercial semi-truck will be a lifesaver for anyone in the logistics industry.