When needing to haul cargo, the most important thing is to understand the semi-trailer dimensions that allow you to choose the right trailer type for your freight. And there are two main reasons why.
The first reason is that understanding trailer dimensions allows you to choose the trailer type that fits the size of your cargo.
The second reason is that understanding trailer dimensions allows you to choose the type of trailer that can be legally moved on the US highways and interstates roads.
While the standard width of the semi-trailer can vary slightly but, sometimes, the length of some type of trailer varies significantly having a dramatic impact on what can be hauled with that trailer.
Check out below the dimensions of different types of semi-trailers.
The standard semi-trailer dimensions
The U.S. Department of Transportation has set the standard dimensions for semi-trailers that can legally use the highways across the country. Being aware about these semi-trailer standard dimensions helps in distributing the weight inside a trailer correctly.
These general standards are:
- Length: 48 - 53 feet (576 - 636 inches)
- Width: 8.5 feet (102 inches)
- Height: 13.5 feet (162 inches)
- Max Overall length of combined vehicle: 80′
- Max Total Weight: 80,000 lbs.
Dimension variations for different types of semi-trailers
There are several types of semi-trailers. Each of them has the purpose of hauling a specific type of freight.
To fit the characteristics of the freight, some semi-trailers differ from the standard dimensions for semi-trailers.
Let's begin with the most common among semi-trailers driving the US highways and interstates. The dry van trailers.
1. 48 ft and 53 ft dry van semi-trailers
Due to the enclosed nature of the trailer, dry van semi-trailers are designed to transport the most versatile of dry products.
This characteristic of the dry van semi-trailer protects the freight from external elements.
Also, the palletized products are loaded or unloaded with a forklift or a pallet jack from a dock.
Dry Van semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length | 48'-53' |
Width | 102" |
Door height | 110" |
Total height | 13'6" |
Door types | Swing /Roller doors |
Dry Van semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 98"-101" |
Cargo height | 108"-110" |
Cargo weight | 45,000 lbs |
Pallet count | 24-26 |
2. Flatbed semi-trailers
Flatbed semi-trailers are designed to transport long or heavy products that are difficult to load or unload into an enclosed trailer.
The open nature of the flatbed trailer allows to load or unload it from the rear, from the sides, or the top.
Flatbeds are best suited when they are loaded or unloaded from the ground, rather than from a dock.
Flatbed semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length | 48'-53' |
Width | 102" |
Height | 60" |
Flatbed semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 102" |
Cargo height | 102" - 108" |
Cargo weight | 48,000 lbs |
Pallet count | 24 |
3. Reefer semi-trailers
Reefer semi-trailers are designed to transport products that require to be kept at a specific temperature or temperature range through the entire transit time.
Reefers can keep the freight cold or they can keep it warm to protect the cargo from freezing.
Reefer semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length | 48'- 53' |
Width | 102" |
Door height | 110" |
Height | 13'6" |
Reefer semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 96" - 98" |
Cargo height | 102" |
Cargo weight | 44,000 lbs |
Pallet count | 24 |
4. Step-deck semi-trailer
Step-deck semi-trailers transport products that are too tall for a standard flatbed.
The trailer consists of two decks - the upper and the lower.
The use of the lower deck, or well, allows for freight up to 10’ high to be legally transported while still providing the same loading/unloading capabilities of a standard flatbed.
Step-deck semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length: Total | 48'- 53' |
Length: Lower deck | 37' - 43' |
Length: Upper deck | 10' - 11' |
Width | 102" |
Height: Lower deck | 42" |
Height: Upper deck | 60" |
Step-deck semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 102" |
Cargo height | 120" - 126" |
Cargo weight | 45,000 lbs |
Pallet count | 24 |
5. Double drop semi-trailer (Lowboy)
Double drop semi-trailers transport oversize freight, both legally and through the use of permits/escorts.
The low profile nature of the well allows to legally transport up to 12' tall freight.
Lowboy semi-trailer capacity | |
Length: Total | 48" |
Length: Main well | 26' - 30' |
Length: Front/Rear decks | 8' - 10' |
Width | 102" |
Height | 18" - 24" |
Lowboy semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 102" |
Cargo height | 144" - 150" |
Cargo weight | 40,000 lbs |
6. Conestoga semi-trailers
Conestoga semi-trailers offer the enclosed nature of a dry van while providing the same loading/unloading capabilities as a flatbed.
A sliding curtain, when open, allows for freight to be loaded/unloaded from the side, rear, or top. When closed, the curtain offers the weather protection of a dry van without the risk of tarps rubbing against the freight.
Conestoga semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length | 48' - 53' |
Width | 102" |
Door height | 98" - 102" |
Total height | 13'6" |
Conestoga semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 102" |
Cargo height | 98" - 102" |
Cargo weight | 45,000 - 48,000 lbs |
Pallet count | 24-26 |
7. RGN semi-trailers
RGN (removable gooseneck, also called low boy or double drop) semi trailers are designed to transport oversize freight, both legally and through the use of permits / escorts. RGNs are specifically useful for products which can be driven onto the trailer, such as tractors, specialty vehicles, and heavy machinery. With the ability to detach from the cab, and with drop down ramps, freight can easily be driven on and off.
RGN semi-trailer dimensions | |
Length: Total | 48' |
Length: Main well | 26'-30' |
Length: Rear deck | 8' - 10' |
Width | 102" |
Height | 18" - 24" |
RGN semi-trailer capacity | |
Cargo width | 102" |
Cargo height | 144" - 150" |
Cargo weight | 40,000 |
