Anyone who has ever passed a semi-truck knows they are huge. Oftentimes, you can feel or hear one approaching from yards away. Without a doubt, these are some of the biggest vehicles you might encounter – which makes them especially dangerous in a collision.

So just how big are these trucks? How much do they weigh? And what happens if you are hit by one? This post will answer these questions and more. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to semi-trucks and truck accidents, you’ve found it. 

How Much Does a Semi-truck Weigh Without a Trailer?

So how much does a semi-truck weigh? This is a more complicated question than one might think. The term “semi-tractor” refers to the part of the vehicle that contains the engine. This piece alone weighs around 25,000 pounds. 

In contrast, the typical car weighs between four and five thousand pounds.

With the trailer attached and a full haul, a semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds before it reaches the federal weight limit for interstate highways. States, counties, and cities have their own regulatory guidelines that may allow for even more weight. But 80,000 is the accepted standard. 

How Much Does a Semi Truck Weigh in Tons?

Semi-trucks don’t all weigh the same. Their weight can vary based on whether a trailer is attached and how much cargo they’re hauling. 

Without a Trailer

A standard semi-truck on its own (just the tractor unit) typically weighs around 25,000 pounds, equivalent to 12.5 tons. This is already significantly heavier than a typical car, which weighs about 4,000 pounds.

With a Trailer (Empty)

A semi-truck with an empty trailer attached can weigh around 35,000 pounds or 17.5 tons. Even empty trailers add a fair amount of weight; as strong vehicles that can carry extremely heavy cargo, they are made with solid materials like steel or aluminum. Even empty, the tractor-trailer can be hard to maneuver and stop. This is one of the reasons truckers drive with an unloaded rig, to keep themselves alert on the road.

With a Fully Loaded Trailer

When it comes to loaded trailers, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) limits semi-trucks to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds, which equals 40 tons. This weight includes the tractor, trailer, cargo, and any passengers.

For trucks operating in Florida, the weight limits are practiced. Per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), overweight vehicles can cause up to $0.05 in damage per pound over the legal weight limit to roads and infrastructure.

How Is Semi-Truck Weight Monitored?

Semi-truck weights are monitored carefully for several reasons. Of course, the primary motive is to allow for safe travel. However, states also like to know the weight of semi-trucks because they collect taxes based on the weight of goods that are transported. 

When you’re traveling along the interstate, odds are you will pass a weigh station or two. In Florida alone, there are currently 41 truck scales and weigh stations littered throughout the state. 

These scales calculate the weight of a semi-truck in two ways:

  1. Gross weight – The combined weight of every axle
  2. Axle weight – The amount of weight being carried by each axle

Because these stations take a lot of pressure, they’re typically made of concrete, steel, or a combination of the two. 

What Kinds of Cargo Do Semi-Trucks Carry?

Now you know that semi-trucks are heavy, that was probably a given. So what exactly are these vehicles carrying that amounts to so much weight? Typically, a semi-truck is carrying goods such as:

  • Building materials
  • Dry goods
  • Vehicles
  • Boats
  • Construction equipment
  • Furniture
  • Hazardous gasses or liquids

Of course, the extreme weight of the cargo comes down to how much, rather than what is carried. 

How Does Weight Affect the Maneuverability of the Truck?

Slower Stopping Distances 

Due to their sheer weight, heavy trucks can require far more distance than smaller vehicles to come to a full stop. For instance, a fully loaded semi-truck at a speed of 65 mph can require as much as 525 feet to come to a complete stop, while a passenger vehicle traveling at the same speed might need just 316 feet of stopping distance. “Large trucks and buses take longer to stop because of the weight of the vehicle,” the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states. That braking distance becomes significantly more dangerous when drivers of smaller cars don’t realize how much time and space heavy trucks require to come to a stop safely — and, as a result, cause rear-end crashes or other types of wrecks.

Difficulty with Turns  

The heavier the truck, the harder it is to make sharp or sudden turns. Because they have more wheels, they need extra space and wider lanes to make turns safely, requiring careful planning by drivers. Tight turns are a challenge, and a poorly judged turn can lead to dangerous situations like a rollover or a jackknife, where the trailer folds in half against the cab.

Increased Risk in Adverse Conditions 

Rain, ice, or snow leads to a significantly increased risk for heavy trucks. The weight of a semi-truck makes it more difficult to keep traction when roads are wet. This can result in longer stopping distances, trouble with maneuverability, or complete loss of control. Trucks are also at a greater risk of hydroplaning or skidding, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Wear and Tear on Brakes  

Stopping enormous loads takes a serious toll on a truck’s braking system. The heavier the truck, the more strain is placed on the brakes, causing them to wear down faster. Without regular maintenance and inspections, worn brakes increase the risk of brake failure, which can have catastrophic consequences for both the driver and others on the road.

How Dangerous Are Semi-Trucks?

As you can see, semi-trucks are large, heavy, and prone to carrying hazardous materials. This means that they can be especially deadly in a collision. In fact, about 5,000 people die in the United States each year because of truck accidents. 

Because traditional cars are dwarfed by the standard semi-truck, car occupants are very vulnerable in these collisions. Plus, large trucks take longer to slow down. An otherwise minor mistake can become catastrophic when a semi-truck is involved.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks

Crashes are often the result of the confluence of multiple factors. Long hours behind the wheel exhaust truck drivers raise the chances of making mistakes. Sudden movements by other drivers who cut in front of big rigs can also lead to dangerous situations. An unsecured or shifting load can destabilize a semi and prompt serious incidents like jackknifing and rollovers. The nearby cars are inadvertently drawn into this grip. Additionally, unsecured cargo may fall onto the road and create dangerous scenarios as other drivers try to avoid them. Here are a few common causes of these collisions:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours due to tight delivery deadlines. Fatigue can impair judgment, reduce reaction time, and increase the likelihood of mistakes.

Poor Maintenance

Mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions or blown-out tires—are more likely if trucks aren’t maintained properly. A fully loaded truck puts enormous stress on its components, so regular upkeep is essential.

Speeding

When semi-trucks exceed speed limits, the risk of accidents increases dramatically. Heavy vehicles moving at high speeds have longer stopping distances, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted Driving

Like passenger vehicle drivers, truck operators can fall victim to distractions, such as using their phones or GPS systems. Even a momentary lapse can have catastrophic consequences.

Improper Weight Distribution

Improperly loaded cargo or violations of weight restrictions can make a truck unstable. Uneven weight distribution can cause rollovers while exceeding weight limits increases the chance of mechanical failure.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

Few accidents are as dangerous—or as legally complex—as accidents involving semi-trucks. In the crowded streets of Tampa, where such misadventures can cause mayhem, the emotional and financial impact can be deep. Victims may be forced to contend with exploding medical bills, lost earnings from being unable to work, and costly repair bills on their cars, which may, in some instances, leave them at the breaking point of a financial crisis.

If you or someone close to you is affected by such a disaster, especially if it resulted from the negligent actions of a truck driver or a failure of safety procedures by a trucking company, you may be able to pursue your case in court. A skilled truck accident attorney can greatly ease the burden by explaining your rights and beginning the process involved in these cases, such as investigating weight violations, examining maintenance records, and negotiating with insurance companies.

Our trusted team at Catania and Catania in Tampa, FL has decades of combined experience successfully handling truck accident claims; our attorneys are committed to protecting your interests.

In a collision so serious as to cause injury, it is imperative to consult an injury attorney to keep your rights not just acknowledged, but actively protected. Allow us to walk you through every stage of the process to help you get the fair compensation you have earned so that you can skip the details and concentrate on getting better.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa truck accident lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656

We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.