Semi Trailers Size Guide For Your Trucking Business

Semi trailers are used for a wide variety of purposes and more often than not, these trucks are preferred over the use of full trailers because of their flexibility since they can be coupled and uncoupled effortlessly. This makes it easy for the operator to shunt the trucks for loading. In case a certain power unit fails, another unit or tractor can simply replace it.

Because of the advantages that operators and truck drivers garner from semi trailers, it is most likely that they expand their fleet with these big machines. You will be able to find numerous semi trailers for sale through various online listings where you can also check their specifications when it comes to their engine and loading capacity. However, aside from these specifications, you also need to have a good idea about the size of the semi trailer that will suit your needs. In line with this, below is a semi trailer size guide for your trucking business.

Semi Trailer Dimensions

The regulations governing the size of semi trailers are encompassed in the Surface Transportation Act (STAA) of 1982. The regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of the driver of the semi trailer, as well as the other motorists on the road. The act also takes into consideration the capacity of the road in accommodating the size and the weight of the trailers, especially when these are loaded with cargo. Nevertheless, even with standard dimensions in place, there may still be slight variations depending on the state.

• Standard Semi Trailer

The standard length for a semi trailer according to the federal law is within 48 to 53 feet. The commercial motor vehicles allowed on highways should also bear a maximum width of 102.36 inches. Alongside this, the standard height is set between 13 to 14 feet.

While you can expect some variations in length and height, the width of the trailers is somehow more common, except when the truck needs a special rear-view mirror that can extend its width a bit more.

To sum it up, the standard dimensions of a semi trailer are:

Length: 48 feet

Width: 102 inches

Height: 13 feet and 6 inches

In the case of a double trailer, each trailer can only have a maximum length of 28 feet. Nevertheless, some states even allow a trailer length exceeding 57 feet.

• 53′ Trailer

As its name implies, the overall length of a 53′ trailer is 53 feet. It adapts the width and height of a standard semi trailer which is 102 inches and 13 feet, 6 inches respectively. On the inside of the trailer, its length only measures up to 47 feet and 6 inches, while its width and height measurements are also reduced by a couple of feet. Overall the load capacity of 53′ semi trailers is 3489 cubic feet with a weight of 13500 pounds.

• 48′ Semi Trailer

For a 48′ semi trailer, the length is 48 feet. It still follows the standard dimension of a trailer which is 102 inches in width and 13.5 feet in height. The dimensions of its interior are quite similar to the interior measurements of a 53′ trailer with a width of 98.5 inches. Its rear door has a width of 98 inches with a height of 100.6 inches. Its load capacity is also a bit less compared to the load capacity of a 53′ trailer but it can still accommodate a weight of 13500 pounds.

• 45′ Semi Trailer

With a 45′ semi trailer, the overall length measures 45 feet. Its width only spans 96 inches but its height is the same as that of a standard trailer. Its interior dimensions, however, are noticeably even smaller, with a length measurement that only spans to 44 feet. Its interior width is only 93 inches and its interior height is only 100 inches. Because a 45′ semi trailer is significantly smaller compared to a standard trailer, its overall capacity is also less, accommodating only 3086 cubic feet with a weight of 11900 pounds.

• 43′ Semi Trailer

The 43′ semi trailer is one of the smallest semi trailers with a length of only 43 feet. Its overall height and width measures 13 inches and 96 inches respectively. With these dimensions, expect that it can only accommodate a capacity of 2711 cubic feet but with the same weight as the 45′ semi trailer.

Semi Trailer Length

Sometimes, semi trailers are also referred to as a tractor trailer, a semi, or a trailer. In some instances, it is also called a big rig or an 18-wheeler. While these terms are used interchangeably, it only refers to the cargo-carrying part of the vehicle attached to the towing engine.

Without the truck tractor, the common trailer length is 53 feet. Conversely, with the presence of a truck tractor, its length can span up to 80 feet. Different states allow varying lengths but for a straight truck to tow a semi trailer, or even a trailer, the overall length of the whole vehicle should not exceed 65 feet.

Semi Trailer Width

While the length of semi trailers can greatly vary, their width tends to be standard because a maximum width of 102 inches is imposed for commercial motor vehicles. This is also the international limit that it is currently in use but this is in reference to the body or the chassis of the big rig.

Nevertheless, there may be instances wherein there is a need for special equipment such as rearview mirrors for the driver to have a clear view of the highway, strap winches, or lights. It is in these instances wherein the width may span up to 110 inches.

Final Word

Semi trailers serve a variety of purposes when it comes to the trucking business. However, it is important for you to carefully scrutinize the specifications of the truck that you are looking into adding into your fleet, and this includes its dimensions. This will ensure that you get the perfect vehicle that will suit the needs of your business.

Joie Mojica

Joie is the passionate writer and blogger of UsedVending.com. She enjoys writing and works at an amazing pace. Blessed with two adorable boys, she dreams of creating a successful career online. She also loves to write about parenting, home and family life, technology and gaming, as well as beauty and health.