

The laden weight of semis varies greatly depending on the type of cargo being transported and will change as fuel is consumed.

This includes fuel, occupants, and cargo. The laden weight describes how heavy the vehicle is when it is fully loaded. Thus, a common tractor-trailer combo can have an unladen weight of between 20,000 and 35,000 pounds.

Tractors with sleeper cabs or more powerful engines will have a heavier unladen weight. Power also claims that a 53-foot-long trailer weighs approximately 10,000 pounds. Power, a semi-tractor’s unladen weight may be anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds. It measures just the weight of the equipment. A truck’s unladen weight refers to the weight of the vehicle without any load. Semi-truck Weight Explainedīefore describing how much a semi-truck weighs, it is helpful to know some terminology. All of this adds to the weight of these vehicles. To move such large loads at up to highway speeds, semi-trucks and tractor-trailers must have powerful engines and strong frames. They can move everything from consumer goods and wares to cars and heavy farm machinery. These monstrous moving machines are critical to transporting goods across the country. You would be forgiven if you looked at a semi or tractor-trailer and marveled at the sheer size and power of such vehicles.
