A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an articulated lorry, is a large vehicle used to transport goods and materials. In the United States, they are commonly used by freight companies to move goods over long distances. While most people are familiar with the sight of a semi-truck with its trailer attached, it may not be as well known how heavy these vehicles are when they are not hauling a trailer.
The weight of a semi-truck without a trailer can vary greatly depending on the model, but generally speaking, most models weigh between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds. This is primarily due to the size and weight of the cab and engine components. The cab itself can weigh up to 8,000 pounds alone.
The engine can range from 500 pounds for smaller models to more than 4,000 pounds for larger engines.
Other factors that can affect the weight of a semi-truck include additional equipment such as air brakes or exhaust systems, auxiliary power units (APUs), fuel tanks and other items that may be added for specific tasks or purposes. All of these items add up quickly and can increase the weight of an empty semi-truck significantly.
In addition to its own weight, an unloaded semi-truck will also need to account for cargo weight when calculating total vehicle weights. Depending on what type of cargo is being carried in the truck’s cargo area, this number could be quite large. For example, if the truck is carrying large pieces of heavy machinery or hazardous materials such as drums of oil or chemicals, then it could add several thousand pounds to the overall vehicle weight.
Conclusion:
A semi-truck without a trailer typically weighs between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds depending on its model and additional equipment that may be installed on it. When calculating total weights for cargo hauling purposes it’s important to consider both the empty weight of the truck itself as well as any cargo being carried in its cargo area.
