Semi trucks, or tractor-trailers, are the largest and heaviest types of trucks on the roads. These behemoths are capable of carrying up to 80,000 pounds of cargo, but how much can a semi truck weigh itself?
The maximum weight of an individual semi truck is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Federal law dictates that a single axle cannot exceed 20,000 pounds, while the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for all axles combined cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
That being said, the maximum weight for a semi truck is actually determined by its configuration. Depending on the number of axles present and their weight capacity, a semi truck could weigh anywhere from 35,000 to 80,000 pounds.
The type and number of axles present on a semi truck also determine what type of cargo it can carry. A single trailer with two axles can only carry up to 44,000 pounds of cargo. Semi trucks with three or more axles have higher GVWRs and can transport significantly more cargo – up to 80,000 pounds.
In addition to its GVWR rating, another factor that affects a semi truck’s overall weight is its cargo load. Depending on what type and how much cargo is being carried by the semi truck at any given time, its total weight will vary accordingly.
Conclusion:
Semi trucks have impressive capabilities when it comes to carrying large amounts of cargo over long distances. The maximum weight for an individual semi truck is based on its configuration as well as its current cargo load – typically ranging from 35,000 to 80,000 pounds.
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