Long Semi Trucks: Dimensions, Performance, and Engine Options

Long semi trucks are massive machines, with lengths ranging from 53 to 75 feet, depending on the type and configuration. These enormous vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

The typical length of a semi truck is 53 feet, including the trailer, but some models can stretch up to 75 feet. This extra length allows for more cargo space, but it also requires special permits and considerations.

Semi trucks are equipped with powerful engines that can produce up to 500 horsepower. These engines are often paired with 10- or 13-speed transmissions to handle the heavy loads and demanding terrain.

In terms of performance, semi trucks can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour on the highway, but their top speed is often limited to 65 miles per hour due to regulations.

For another approach, see: Speed Limit for Semi Trucks

Volvo is leading the charge in electric long-haul semi trucks, with a new model set to hit the market in 2025. This electric flagship will have a range of about 373 miles.

On a similar theme: Electric 18 Wheelers

The company's goal is to have its entire fleet of new rigs "green" by 2040, running on electrons, fuel cells, biogas, or hydrogenated vegetable oil. This means a significant shift towards electric and alternative fuel sources in the trucking industry.

The new electric FH truck features an "e-axle" design, which combines the electric motors and transmission in a single compact unit, making it more efficient and freeing up space for more batteries.

Consider reading: Electric Apu for Semi Trucks

Volvo has rolled out a new electric long-haul semi truck, the FH, which will hit the market in 2025. This truck will have a range of 373 miles on a single charge.

The FH will be a great complement to Volvo's existing range of electric trucks, enabling zero-exhaust emission transport for longer distances. It's a game-changer for transport companies with high annual mileage on their trucks and a strong commitment to reducing CO2.

The new electric FH truck boasts a range that's double what Volvo's previous electric trucks had, thanks to the "e-axle" design that combines the electric motors and transmission in a single compact unit. This design makes the truck more efficient and frees up valuable space for more batteries.

Volvo will still be producing internal combustion engine (ICE) units for a while, but their goal is to have their entire fleet of new rigs "green" by 2040, running on electrons, fuel cells, biogas, or hydrogenated vegetable oil.

The Volvo VNL 660 is a top-of-the-line sleeper with impressive features. It's the flagship model that showcases Volvo's commitment to innovation.

Volvo Connect is a game-changer for truck owners and fleet managers. It provides a single login and a holistic view of all critical truck aspects.

With Volvo Connect, you can access a range of features, including Volvo ASIST, Volvo Action Service, Remote Diagnostics, Remote Programming, Safety reports, and Fuel economy reports.

Here are some of the key features you can access through Volvo Connect:

The all-new Volvo VNL is completely reimagined to be the safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient truck yet.

One of the key advantages of electric and connected trucks is their improved stability, especially when handling heavy or oversized cargo.

This stability allows for better control at higher speeds, making long hauls safer and more efficient.

A smoother ride is also a significant benefit, as it absorbs road irregularities and vibrations, reducing the jolt and shock inside the cabin.

This results in greater driver comfort, which is especially important during extended periods on the road.

With better axle weight distribution, electric and connected trucks can carry larger and heavier cargo, making them perfect for industries that require bulk movement, such as construction and heavy machinery.

Worth a look: Semi Trucks on the Highway

The all-new Volvo VNL is a game-changer in the trucking industry, boasting the safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient design yet.

The Volvo VNX is a powerhouse built specifically for heavy-haul trucking operations, providing the power and performance demanded for heavy-haul applications.

A smooth and comfortable ride is just what you get with the Volvo VAH Series, designed to enhance driver productivity with features like a clean top-of-frame behind the cab that expedites body mounting and eases trailer hookup.

The Volvo VNL is a leader in the industry, redefining what a truck can be with its innovative design.

The Volvo VNX provides the reliability and performance that heavy-haul trucking operations require, making it a top choice for the job.

The Volvo VAH Series is all about comfort and productivity, giving drivers a premium ride and features that make their job easier.

Additional reading: Power Only Trucking Companies

The VNL Series is designed with flexibility and safety in mind. The VNL 840 features a luxurious midroof sleeper for varied and weight-sensitive loads.

The all-new Volvo VNL 300 boasts aerodynamic innovations that reduce unplanned downtime and improve uptime with preventative maintenance. This results in reduced emissions and operating costs.

The VNL Series is a game-changer in the industry, reimagined to be the safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient truck yet.

The VNL 840 is a max flexibility midroof option designed for long routes with varied loads. It's a luxurious midroof sleeper that can handle weight-sensitive loads with ease.

This truck is perfect for haulers who need to adapt to changing cargo requirements on the fly. The VNL 840 is built to handle a variety of loads, making it a versatile choice for fleets.

One of the key benefits of the VNL 840 is its ability to provide a comfortable living space for drivers, even on long routes. A luxurious midroof sleeper ensures that drivers have a restful place to sleep, which is essential for safe driving.

The VNL 840 is designed to be efficient and reliable, with features that help reduce unplanned downtime. By using preventative maintenance and optimizing fuel efficiency, drivers can stay on the road and reduce operating costs.

Here's an interesting read: Department of Transportation Regulations for Truck Drivers

The Volvo VNX Series is designed for heavy-haul trucking operations, providing the power and performance demanded for these applications.

While the VNL Series is ideal for long-haul trucking, the VNX Series is built to handle the unique demands of heavy-haul operations, often involving oversized or overweight loads.

The VNX Series is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy-haul work, with a focus on durability and reliability.

In contrast to the VNL Series, which excels on long highways, the VNX Series is designed for the more rugged terrain and challenging routes often encountered in heavy-haul operations.

Readers also liked: Long Beach Main Post Office

The VAH Series – Auto Hauler is a top-notch option for those who value a smooth ride. A smooth comfortable ride is one of the premium features designed to enhance driver productivity.

The VAH Series offers superior noise suppression, making it an ideal choice for long hauls. This feature helps reduce driver fatigue, allowing them to focus on the road.

A clean top-of-frame behind the cab expedites body mounting and eases trailer hookup. This convenience saves time and effort, making the loading and unloading process more efficient.

A semi-truck's weight can be a bit tricky to figure out, but it's essential to know. The weight of a semi-truck depends on whether we're talking about its unladen or laden weight.

The maximum weight a semi-truck can carry is 80,000 pounds, which includes the weight of the vehicle and the cargo it's carrying.

The weight of a semi-truck can vary greatly, but here are some general weight ranges to keep in mind: Unladen weight: 10,000-35,000 poundsLaden weight: up to 80,000 pounds

See what others are reading: Legal Weight Limit for Semi Trucks

The length of a semi-truck is a crucial factor to consider, especially when it comes to navigating tight spaces or parking. A semi-truck can measure up to 70 feet long.

The federal government has a minimum length requirement of 53 feet for a semi-truck trailer. However, if you're operating a truck that was on the road before December 1, 1982, you're grandfathered in and can continue to operate at a minimum length of 48 feet.

In Washington, fleet drivers are allowed to operate semi-trucks that are a minimum of 48 feet in length. This is an important consideration if you're planning to operate in this state.

To calculate the overall length of a semi-truck, you should measure from the middle of the rear wheel to the center of the steer. This will give you an accurate measurement.

Here are some average length measurements to keep in mind:

A semi-truck is a massive vehicle, and its height is one of its most notable features. It clocks in at a whopping 13.5 feet tall.

This height can make it difficult to see other drivers on the road, so be sure to give yourself plenty of distance between you and the truck.

Semi-trucks vary in length, with some measuring up to 72 feet long, and others as short as 48 feet long if they were built on or before 1982.

Broaden your view: Semi Truck Height

The weight dimensions of a semi-truck are a crucial aspect to consider, and it's essential to understand the different terms used to describe its weight.

The unladen weight of a semi-truck is the weight of just the tractor and trailer when the trailer is empty, which can range from 10,000 to 35,000 pounds.

A semi-truck's laden weight, on the other hand, is the weight of the tractor and trailer when the trailer is fully loaded, and it's influenced by the weight of the load the truck is carrying.

The maximum weight a semi-truck can carry is 80,000 pounds, which includes the weight of the vehicle and the cargo it's carrying.

Here are the different weight terms and their corresponding weight ranges:

The type of trailer a semi-truck uses can also affect its weight, with a 53-foot trailer weighing around 10,000 pounds when empty.

State and industry regulations play a crucial role in determining the length of semi-trucks that can operate on the roads.

Each state has its own laws regarding semi-truck dimensions, so it's essential to note these regulations before hitting the road.

In Washington state, a tractor and semitrailer can't be driven on the road if the semitrailer length exceeds 53 feet or if the combined length of two trailers and the tractor exceeds 61 feet.

Some states have stricter regulations than others, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your area.

The trailer and tractor must be under 53 feet and/or not exceed 61 feet if combined with two trailers in Washington state.

For your interest: You Are Coupling a Tractor to a Semi Trailer

The all-new VNL's powertrain solution is a game-changer, with the D13 engine and I-Shift automated manual transmission delivering a generation of Volvo Power that's more functional and efficient than ever.

1650-1950 lb-ft of peak torque is a significant improvement, making it easier to handle heavy loads and navigate long distances.

Longer wheelbases have been a key factor in the evolution of trucking, allowing for more comfortable cabs and increased stability on long-distance routes. This has enabled drivers to spend more time on the road without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.

Conventional trucks with longer wheelbases offer a smoother ride and more spacious sleeper cabins, making them ideal for long-haul transport.

American Wheelbases can vary significantly, ranging from around 140 inches to over 300 inches.

Trucks with a wheelbase of 140 inches are typically designed for agile maneuverability in tight city environments or for deliveries within urban areas.

These smaller wheelbases allow for easier navigation in congested city streets, making them ideal for city driving.

Trucks with a wheelbase of over 300 inches are usually designed for transporting unusually large loads or intermodal containers.

This longer wheelbase provides the necessary stability and space for hauling oversized cargo, making them perfect for heavy-duty applications.

Long wheelbases have revolutionized the trucking industry, enabling manufacturers to create innovative designs that prioritize driver comfort and safety.

Truck regulations in 1982 played a crucial role in this evolution, capping trailer lengths to 53 feet and allowing for longer and more comfortable cabs.

Before this shift, COE designs dominated the market, but they came with cramped cabins that weren't suitable for long hauls.

Conventional trucks with longer wheelbases became the norm, accommodating larger and heavier loads, and providing smoother rides for drivers.

Longer wheelbases also enabled the creation of spacious sleeper cabins, which greatly improved driver comfort during extended periods on the road.

The industry's need for higher carrying capacity was met, and driver comfort and safety were prioritized, especially on high-speed highways.

Long wheelbases have become a staple in the trucking industry, and their benefits are numerous, including better stability, improved driver comfort, and greater carrying capacity.

The range of American wheelbases is vast, varying between 140 inches and over 300 inches, depending on the intended use of the truck.

This range ensures that there's a wheelbase to suit every job, from tight city maneuvers to transporting oversized loads.

Selecting the optimal wheelbase for a truck is a complex process, involving consideration of various factors, such as industry, job demands, and usage.

The all-new VNL's powertrain solution is a game-changer for long semi trucks. It starts with the D13 engine and the I-Shift automated manual transmission.

This combination brings a generation of Volvo Power that is more functional and more efficient than ever. The D13 engine and I-Shift transmission are designed to work together seamlessly.

The Volvo torque packages, including I-Torque, are a key part of this solution. I-Torque is a unique feature that provides a significant boost to the truck's performance.

The peak torque of the D13 engine is an impressive 1650-1950 lb-ft. This is a critical factor in determining a truck's ability to haul heavy loads and climb steep grades.

By optimizing the powertrain solution, Volvo has created a truck that is capable of handling even the toughest jobs. The result is a more efficient and functional truck that can get the job done.

Customizing long wheelbase trucks is a key aspect of show trucks, where creativity and skill are on full display. These trucks often have unique designs and detailed paint jobs that showcase their owners' creativity.

Ultra cab trucks have longer frames that emphasize the luxury side of trucking. They don't carry heavy loads, but their eye-catching looks and innovative designs make them stand out at exhibitions.

The Volvo D13 Engine is a great option for those who want a balance of fuel efficiency and power. It's reliable and suitable for a wide range of applications.

For fleets that prioritize fuel economy, the Cummins X15 Engine is a good choice, especially in the 400–550 hp rating. This engine is well-suited for freight applications.

The Volvo D13TC Engine takes it a step further with a next-generation Turbo Compound that's up to 6% more fuel efficient than the 2020 D13 engine. This makes it a great option for fleets that want to save on fuel costs.

The Volvo D13 Engine is a reliable choice for a wide range of applications. It delivers the perfect combination of fuel efficiency and power.

This engine is designed to meet the demands of your customers, who expect nothing but the best. The D13 Engine is built to last, with a focus on reliability and performance.

Volvo's engineers have carefully crafted this engine to provide optimal fuel efficiency, making it an excellent option for applications where fuel costs are a concern.

The D13TC Engine is a game-changer for fuel efficiency. It's up to 6% more fuel efficient than the 2020 D13 engine.

The Cummins X15 Engine is well suited for fleets in freight applications that require fuel economy and the benefits of bigger block architecture. This makes it a great choice for companies that need to transport heavy loads over long distances.

Its 400-550 hp rating provides a good balance between power and efficiency, allowing it to handle demanding tasks while also saving on fuel costs.