How Long is a Semi Truck?

Semi-trucks are essential to the transportation industry and are responsible for hauling goods across Ohio and beyond. Whether you’re driving on Ohio’s highways or working in logistics, understanding how long a semi-truck is and the rules surrounding its size is important. This article will provide the comprehensive answers you’re looking for, for example, how long is a semi truck.

At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we help individuals navigate the legal complexities of truck accidents and commercial vehicle regulations, offering expertise and support when needed. If you ever find yourself involved in a truck-related accident, contact our experienced legal team for guidance.

how long is a semi truck

Main Types of Trailer Trucks

When discussing long-haul trucks, it’s crucial to recognize the various types of trucks on the road. Semi-trucks often refer to tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, but there are a few different types of vehicles with varying purposes and dimensions. The kind of semi truck can impact its length and the legal regulations it must follow.

Daycab Trucks: These are short-haul trucks without sleeping compartments. They are designed for local and regional deliveries, which usually means shorter distances and more compact truck sizes.
Sleeper Cab Trucks: Designed for long-haul trips and are equipped with sleeping areas for drivers. Due to the added cabin space, they are typically longer than day cab trucks.
Reefer Trucks: These are used to transport refrigerated goods. They have specialized equipment to maintain temperature control within the trailer, but their dimensions are generally similar to those of a standard semi-truck.

Each type of truck has a specific use, and the kind of trailer it hauls may vary. Understanding these variations is essential when considering the dimensions of commercial trucks.

What’s Considered a Semi Truck?

Before discussing the specific dimensions, let’s clarify what is generally considered a semi-truck. A semi-truck, often known as a tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, consists of a tractor unit—the front part with the engine—and one or more trailers attached. It typically transports goods and materials across long distances, both within and outside Ohio.

The term “semi” refers to the trailer’s design: it does not have front wheels—it only has wheels in the back—and relies on the tractor to support its front end. According to Driving Tests, semi-trucks fall under the category of tractor-trailers, which are designed to haul heavy loads over long distances.

So, how long is a semi-truck? The length can vary depending on the type of tractor-trailer combination, but the average length is about 70 to 80 feet. The tractor unit typically measures between 20 and 25 feet, while the trailer length can vary, with the most common being 48 to 53 feet.

To give you a better perspective, the total length depends on several factors, including the type of cargo being hauled and the type of trailer used. Equipment Experts explain that while a standard semi-truck combination is around 70 to 80 feet long, specific configurations can be more extended. For example, specialized trailers for oversized loads can exceed 100 feet in length.

How Much Does a Semi Truck Weigh?

In addition to their length, semi-trucks are also extremely heavy. A fully loaded hauler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (or 40 tons), including the truck’s weight, the trailer, and the cargo it carries. The tractor unit alone can weigh between 15,000 and 25,000 pounds, depending on the engine size, the build of the truck, and whether it’s a day cab or sleeper cab.

However, not all trucks carry this much weight. Unloaded, or “deadhead,” semi trucks typically weigh between 10,000 to 25,000 pounds, depending on the tractor model and whether a trailer is attached.

For safety reasons, federal regulations cap the maximum weight of semi trucks at 80,000 pounds for most highways, but special permits can be obtained for oversized or overweight loads.

Are There Size Limitations in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio imposes specific size limitations on semi trucks to ensure safety on the roadways. In Ohio, semi trucks generally must be at most 75 feet in total length unless a special permit has been obtained. This includes the combined dimensions of both the tractor and trailer.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) regulates the maximum size and weight of commercial vehicles on state roads, including:

Overall length: The standard length limit for a semi-truck with a single trailer is 75 feet.
Height: Maximum allowable is 13 feet, 6 inches.
Width: The legal width for trucks is 8 feet, 6 inches.
Weight: As mentioned earlier, Ohio follows federal guidelines, allowing a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds.

Trucking companies are required to apply for permits for oversized loads, which may allow them to exceed these limits, depending on the nature of the cargo and the routes taken.

It’s important to note that violating these size or weight limits can result in fines, penalties, and, in some cases, the inability to continue operating the vehicle until it’s brought into compliance. For businesses operating fleets or individuals involved in an accident with an oversized vehicle, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer experienced in trucking regulations.

Examples of Transportation Use of a Semi Truck

Semi-trucks are essential for moving goods across long distances, making them a vital part of Ohio’s transportation and logistics industry. Here are some common examples of how they are used:

Retail and Consumer Goods: Transport products like electronics, furniture, and clothing from distribution centers to stores or directly to consumers, ensuring shelves are stocked and online orders are fulfilled.
Agriculture: Ohio’s farming industry relies heavily on semi trucks to move crops like corn, soybeans, and livestock to processing facilities and markets.
Construction Materials: These trucks transport essential building materials like lumber, steel, and cement to construction sites. Large projects like highway development depend on semi trucks for timely deliveries.
Industrial Equipment: Specialized flatbed semi trucks are used to move heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and cranes, between job sites and manufacturing plants.
Fuel and Chemicals: Tanker trucks, another type of semi-truck, transport gasoline, diesel, and chemicals, helping to keep gas stations supplied and industries running smoothly.
Refrigerated Goods (Reefers): Transport perishable items, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, ensuring they remain fresh throughout the journey.
Automotive Transport: Car carriers are used to move vehicles from Ohio’s auto manufacturing plants to dealerships nationwide.
Waste Management: Semi trucks also transport waste and recyclables to disposal or recycling facilities.

According to Tractor Junction, semi trucks are designed to accommodate heavy loads and long distances, making them ideal for industries that rely on transporting large quantities of materials.

Main Tips to Avoid an Accident with a Semi Truck

Driving around semi trucks can be intimidating due to their size and weight. However, there are several tips you can follow to stay safe and avoid an accident with these large vehicles:

Avoid Blind Spots: These vehicles have significant blind spots, especially on the sides and directly behind the trailer. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver probably can’t see you.
Give Plenty of Space: Always give extra space when merging, turning, or stopping. These trucks need much more time and distance to brake safely.
Be Cautious When Passing: When overtaking a large truck, ensure you pass swiftly and safely. Don’t linger alongside the truck, especially near the blind spots.
Watch for Wide Turns: Semi trucks often need extra space to make wide turns, particularly when turning right. Stay back and allow the truck to complete its maneuver.
Avoid Cutting-Off Trucks: Due to their size and weight, semi trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Cutting off a heavy-duty truck in traffic can be dangerous, as the driver may be unable to stop in time.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of an accident with an 18-wheeler and help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Get Expert Legal Help from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz

Understanding the size and scale of semi trucks is crucial for anyone who shares the road with them or works within the trucking industry. If you’re ever involved in an incident with a long-haul truck, the legal implications can be complex due to the many regulations governing them. The Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz team has extensive experience handling trucking accident cases in Ohio and can help you navigate these challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation today.

Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.