{"id":35973,"date":"2023-01-01T01:43:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-01T01:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/?p=35973"},"modified":"2023-08-17T17:10:12","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T17:10:12","slug":"semi-trailer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/semi-trailer\/","title":{"rendered":"Semi Trailer"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"35973\" class=\"elementor elementor-35973\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5125f14e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5125f14e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ac65058\" data-id=\"ac65058\" 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.elementor-toc__list-item-text{white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.elementor-toc__list-items--collapsible>.elementor-toc__list-wrapper>.elementor-toc__list-item>.elementor-toc__list-wrapper{display:none}.elementor-toc__heading-anchor{position:absolute}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text{color:var(--item-text-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-decoration)}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text:hover{color:var(--item-text-hover-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-hover-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-hover-decoration)}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text.elementor-item-active{color:var(--item-text-active-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-active-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-active-decoration)}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper{counter-reset:item}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper .elementor-toc__list-item{counter-increment:item}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper .elementor-toc__list-item-text-wrapper:before{content:counters(item,\".\") \". \"}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__body\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-395fe2b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"395fe2b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.2 - 11-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Introduction to Semi Trailer<\/strong><\/h3><p>Semi-trailers, known for their ubiquitous presence on highways and industrial zones, play a crucial role in the global supply chain. These powerful transportation tools allow goods to be moved in large quantities over long distances, effectively supporting economies around the world. But what exactly is a semi-trailer?<\/p><h3><strong>What is a Semi-Trailer?<\/strong><\/h3><p>A semi-trailer is a type of freight transport trailer designed to be pulled by a tractor unit, commonly known as a semi-truck or &#8220;big rig&#8221;. The name &#8220;semi-trailer&#8221; comes from the fact that the trailer&#8217;s weight is supported by its own wheels at the back and by the semi-truck at the front. This design makes semi-trailers distinct from full trailers, where axles are located at both the front and back.<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/taxonomy\/term\/5066\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FMCSA article on trailers.<\/a><\/p><h3><strong>Design and Functionality<\/strong><\/h3><p>The semi-trailer connects to the tractor unit via a hitch known as a fifth wheel coupling, allowing for a degree of movement between the truck and the trailer. This flexibility makes large semi-trucks easier to control than a rigid truck of equivalent length.<\/p><h3>Size of a Semi Trailer<\/h3><p>Let&#8217;s talk about how wide, how long and how tall is a semi trailer.<\/p><p>The dimensions of semi-trailers are regulated to ensure they can safely navigate roads and highways. Here are the typical dimensions:<\/p><h4><strong>How Long is a Semi Trailer<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>Length:<\/strong> The most common length for semi-trailers is 53 feet, although trailers used for less-than-truckload shipments (often called &#8220;pup&#8221; trailers) can be as short as 28 feet. Some states do allow longer trailers, usually up to 57 feet, but these require special permits and are less common.<\/p><h4><strong>How Wide is a Semi Trailer<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>Width:<\/strong> The standard maximum width for a semi-trailer is 8.5 feet. This is a federal limit and is consistent across all states. This does not include certain safety devices which may extend the width slightly.<\/p><h4><strong>How Tall is a Semi Trailer<\/strong><\/h4><p><strong>Height of a Semi Trailer:<\/strong> The maximum height for a semi-trailer is typically 13.5 feet. This is to ensure the trailer can clear bridges, overpasses, and other overhead structures. Some states may have lower maximum height limits, so it&#8217;s important for drivers to be aware of the regulations in the states where they&#8217;ll be driving.<\/p><h3>Weight of a Semi Trailer<\/h3><p>The weight of a semi-trailer can vary significantly depending on its size, construction, and specific model.<\/p><h4>Dry Van Empty Weight<\/h4><p>An empty, standard 53-foot-long dry van semi-trailer typically weighs approximately 13,500 to 14,000 pounds (around 6,100 to 6,350 kilograms).<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/dry-van-trailer\/\">Learn more about the Dry Van semi-trailer here.<\/a><\/p><h4>Reefer Empty Weight<\/h4><p>A refrigerated trailer, also known as a reefer, usually weighs more due to the additional refrigeration equipment. An empty reefer trailer might weigh around 15,000 to 16,000 pounds.<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/refrigerated-trailer\/\">Learn more about Reefer semi-trailer here.<\/a><\/p><p>Keep in mind that the total weight of a loaded semi-trailer must not exceed the federal maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 80,000 pounds in the United States. This weight includes the tractor unit, the trailer, and the cargo.<\/p><h3>Trailer Types<\/h3><p>We have a dedicated article about different types of semi-trailers <a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/types-of-trailers\/\">here.\u00a0<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/power-only-trucking\/\">Learn about Power-Only Trucking here.<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd4abb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dd4abb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.2 - 11-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Listen to The Article Here<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f70fee elementor-widget elementor-widget-mdp-audier-elementor\" data-id=\"1f70fee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"mdp-audier-elementor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<!-- Start Audier for Elementor WordPress Plugin -->\n                    <div \n                        class=\"mdp-audier-elementor-box mdp-audier-elementor-not-playlist\"\n                        data-controls=\"[&quot;playpause&quot;,&quot;current&quot;,&quot;progress&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;,&quot;volume&quot;]\"\n                        data-player-bool-settings=\"{&quot;loop&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;pauseOtherPlayers&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;enableKeyboard&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;hideVolumeOnTouchDevices&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\"\n                        data-player-settings=\"{&quot;audioVolume&quot;:&quot;horizontal&quot;,&quot;startVolume&quot;:0.8}\"\n                        data-source=\"self-hosted\"\n                    ><div class=\"mdp-audier-elementor-audio-wrapper\">\n                        <audio id=\"mdp-audier-elementor-player-1f70fee\" width=\"100%\" >\n                            <source src=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Semi-Trailer-everything-you-need-to-know-truckers-wiki-audio-article.mp3\" type=\"audio\/mp3\">\n                        <\/audio>\n                    <\/div><\/div>\n                   <!-- End Audier for Elementor WordPress Plugin -->\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tmnf_excerpt\"><p>Table of Contents Introduction to Semi Trailer Semi-trailers, known for their ubiquitous presence on highways and industrial zones, play a crucial role in the global supply chain. These powerful transportation tools allow goods to be moved in large quantities over long distances, effectively supporting economies around the world. But what exactly is a semi-trailer? What &hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102,120,167],"tags":[121,279,227],"class_list":["post-35973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trucks-and-trailers","category-audio-articles","category-basics","tag-audio-article","tag-semi-trailer","tag-what-is-a"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35973"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40095,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35973\/revisions\/40095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}