How Much Does a Semi-Truck Weigh?
It’s not uncommon for people with no trucking experience to wonder how much semi-trucks weigh.
Simply looking at a truck, it’s easy to imagine how many thousands of pounds it weighs and the extensive damage it could cause. Indeed, a semi-truck’s weight can be one of the main contributing factors in a truck accident.
The Weight of a Semi-Truck Depends on Certain Factors
Semi-trucks can weigh thousands of pounds. However, the exact weight of a truck depends on the type and amount of cargo it’s hauling and whether it’s got a trailer attached.
Loaded vs. Unloaded Truck
While an unloaded truck weighs less than a loaded truck, it can still weigh several thousand pounds.
Typically, a semi-truck without a trailer weighs up to 25,000 pounds. Attaching a trailer, even an unloaded one, can add multiple thousands of pounds to the vehicle’s total weight.
For example, a semi-truck with an empty trailer can weigh upwards of 35,000 pounds. When the trailer is fully loaded, the weight can increase to up to 80,000 pounds.
The Type of Cargo
Semi-trucks carry a wide variety of cargo, and the type and amount of the cargo contribute to the truck’s overall weight.
Some of the common types of cargo semi-trucks transport include:
- Hazardous liquids and gasses
- Vehicles and boats
- Household goods
- Food
- Construction equipment
- Refrigerated goods
- Building materials
Furthermore, the type of cargo dictates the kind of semi-truck required. For example, hauling building materials may require a flatbed semi-truck, while tanker trucks are typically used to carry fuels, chemicals, and gasses.
There Are Weight Limits for Semi-Trucks
If you’ve ever driven on the interstate, you’ve likely noticed signs for weigh stations and wondered what the purpose of these places is.
Semi-trucks must be weighed periodically to ensure they’re not legally overweight. There are both federal and state laws limiting the weight of semi-trucks. These limits are in place for everyone’s safety.
The more a truck weighs, the harder it is to maneuver and the longer it takes to slow and stop, meaning it’s more dangerous for others on the road.
Generally, trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds unless they have a special permit. Some states have higher weight limits for their trucks, but even so, these trucks cannot leave the state if they weigh more than the federal weight limit.
A Semi-Truck’s Weight Can Be Devastating in an Accident
Semi-truck accidents are some of the most dangerous and destructive that take place on America’s roads. Because of the size, weight, and velocity of these trucks, they can cause extensive property damage and leave victims facing significant injuries.
No matter the type of accident, be it a rear-end collision, head-on collision, or side impact accident, the weight of a semi-truck can cause significant harm for all motorists involved.
What Are Some Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents?
Like other vehicles, semi-trucks can be involved in roadway accidents for a variety of reasons. However, accidents involving semis are often far more destructive than those that occur between smaller vehicles.
Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Sleepless or fatigued driving
- Insufficient driver training
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Lack of truck maintenance or repair
- Mechanical failure
The truck driver may not be the only party responsible for a truck accident; sometimes, they’re not responsible at all. Accidents can occur for many different reasons, and multiple parties often share liability, including trucking companies and cargo-loading companies.
Contact the Jacksonville Truck Accident Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra truck accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167