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Facts You Should Know About Semi Trucks
Semi-trucks are the backbone of America’s economy, hauling tons of consumer goods and resources across the country every day. Understanding their parts and capabilities is crucial for truck drivers and other motorists who share the road with these big rigs. Here are some important facts you should know about semi trucks to better appreciate their role and functionality.
How Semi-Truck Engines are Different from Car Engines
Size and Power
Semi-truck engines are way more powerful than car engines:
Size: Up to 6 times bigger and heavier than car engines
Horsepower: 400-600 HP (compared to 100-200 HP in compact cars)
Torque: 1,000-2,000 ft-lbs (compared to 100-200 ft-lbs in compact cars)
Continuous Operation
Unlike car engines, semi-truck engines are designed to run continuously. They should only be stopped for:
Oil changes
Engine maintenance
Anti-idle laws
What Are the Weight Limits on Semi Trucks?
Legal Weight Limits
The maximum legal weight for a semi-truck is 80,000 pounds (40 tons), including the trailer and load. This is to protect the highway infrastructure and bridges.
Weight Distribution by Axle
Steer axle: ~12,000 lbs
Drive axle: ~34,000 lbs
Trailer axle: ~34,000 lbs
Physical Dimensions and Performance
Standard Measurements
Length: 70-80 feet (measured from center of rear wheel to center of steer axle)
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase: 245-265 inches
Driving Performance
Stopping distance: 40% longer than compact cars
Turning radius: 55 feet
Road width needed: 24 feet
Special Features
Fifth wheel: A round plate above the drive tires that connects the trailer to the truck.* Bobtailing: When a truck drives without a trailer, it changes everything.
Safety Considerations
The differences between trucks and cars go way beyond appearance. Key factors that affect road safety are:
Longer stopping distances
Wider turning radius requirements
Different handling when bobtailing
More severe injuries in accidents
Even smaller commercial vehicles like delivery vans can cause serious injuries in accidents because of their size and weight advantage over passenger cars.
When Truck Accidents Happen: Legal Help
How Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Truck accident lawyers specialize in holding negligent parties accountable by:
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.
Request FREE consultation - 1866-758-4529 
