Tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks, are the backbone of transportation nationwide. Whether they're chained triple trailers or the famous 53-foot trailer dry van, they’re responsible for keeping the flow of goods moving, ensuring that shelves are stocked and companies continue to operate.
According to the St. Onge Company, there are 2.9 million semi-trucks registered nationwide. Additionally, the American Trucking Associations find there are more than 577,000 active motor carriers in operation.
But what makes a tractor-trailer, and how do they differ from other types of rigs? In this guide, we discuss everything there is to know about these vehicles, how safe they are, and what to do if you’re the victim of a semi-truck crash. If you've been involved in a collision, an experienced Austin truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex aftermath and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- The average semi-truck length is 72 feet, with the average width being 102 inches.
- Operating a semi-truck requires a special license, which can only be obtained through completing a written knowledge test and a skills exam. Different endorsements are required for special categories of trucks and cargo, including hazardous materials.
- Truck drivers are required to obey industry-specific regulations, including driving limits, mandatory rest periods, and regular alcohol and drug testing.
- Semi-trucks are involved in accidents no more frequently than any other type of vehicle. Still, when accidents do happen, they tend to cause more serious injuries and result in more fatalities.
- The most common causes of truck accidents include speeding, driver fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and distracted driving.
- If you’re involved in a truck accident, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately for more information on your next steps.
What is the Standard Length of a Tractor-Trailer?
There is no standard overall length for a tractor-trailer. Instead, the average length of both the tractor and trailer of a semi-truck is 72 feet.
The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for determining and enforcing size regulations for all commercial motor vehicles in accordance with the law. The rules were initially established by Congress in a 1982 bill, which states semi-trailers must be at least 48 feet long.
States may also have some variations in standard lengths. So, how long is a semi in Texas? Texas law allows semi-trailers to have a maximum length of 59 feet. If a twin trailer is being used, each trailer is limited to 28.5 feet.
How Wide are 18-Wheelers on Average?
Tractor-trailer truck sizes have differed over time, as the federal government has updated its laws. Initially, the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 allowed commercial motor vehicles to be a maximum of 96 inches wide when operating on interstate highways.
The 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) increased the allowance to 102 inches. Simultaneously, the bill expanded the law to cover not just interstate highways but also the entire national highway network.
Over time, the allowed dimensions have increased to accommodate larger roads and greater loads.
What’s the Typical Height of a Semi-Truck?
Semi-truck height isn’t something the federal government has chosen to regulate. Instead, the states are allowed to set these limits themselves. Generally, most states follow similar rules to accommodate overpass and bridge heights.
In Texas, the maximum allowed height for all vehicles is 14 feet. Lawmakers have settled on this number because it allows commercial trucks to fit under most bridges and overpasses, other than low overpasses.
If a semi-truck is too tall to get under these installations, they must find an alternate route. Truck manufacturers design their rigs according to these rules, ensuring their clients can negotiate the nation’s primary transport routes with minimal deviation.
How Much Do Fully Loaded Tractor-Trailers Weigh?
The definition of fully loaded depends on what the tractor-trailer happens to be carrying. Typically, these vehicles are weighed based on whether they’re laden or unladen. According to Onsite Truck Equipment & Repair, an unloaded semi-truck weighs 35,000 pounds, whereas oversized loads will have a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 80,000 pounds.
To put these numbers into context, a tractor trailer combined can be up to 30 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Note that overloaded tractor-trailers are dangerous, so states tend to have laws on the maximum weight. In Texas, the 80,000-pound laden weight is enshrined in law.
How Many Axles Support an 18-Wheeler?
Axles are responsible for connecting the wheels and allowing them to rotate simultaneously. The average 18-wheeler consists of five axles, with four connected to the trailer and one for just the tractor.
The trailer’s axles will have four wheels each, for a total of 16 wheels, whereas the axle on the tractor has just two wheels. Why this number? It’s all due to establishing proper balance and support.
The Texas Transportation Code 621.101 sets the legal maximum weight of 20,000 pounds per axle. If the truck has a tandem axle, the maximum permitted weight goes up to 34,000 pounds. In practice, this means the steering axle on the tractor can support 12,000 pounds and the two tandem axles on the trailer each support 34,000 pounds, thus giving the truck the maximum allowed weight limit of 80,000 pounds.
What’s the Gear Count in a Commercial Truck?
Commercial trucks in the U.S. can have varying levels of gears within their transmissions. The most common gear counts are 10, 13, and 18 gears, including the reverse gear. Note that although these are the most common, a truck may have as few as nine gears. It all depends on the vehicle's make, model, and size.
Although trucks may have differing gear counts, it’s standard for semi-truck trailers to include two reverse gears. The purpose of having so many gears is to provide tractor-trailers with a broader range of torque and engine speeds, which is vital for negotiating different inclines and terrains.
In short, without these immense gear counts, it would become near impossible for commercial trucks to deal with the more treacherous areas of the country’s road network.
Who is Legally Allowed to Operate a Big Rig?
Semi-trucks are a special class of vehicle, meaning an ordinary driving license is insufficient. In Texas, you must possess a valid and unexpired Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive these vehicles anywhere in the Lone Star State.
Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety and come in three classes:
- Class A – This license covers combination vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class B – A Class B license is designed for single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class C – This license is aimed at drivers who wish to pilot vehicles capable of transporting 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.
How to Get a Commercial Driver’s License in Texas
Getting a CDL is simple enough and follows much the same process as obtaining a standard driving license.
Firstly, all applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 years old for driving on the interstate. Next, you must pass a written knowledge test, focusing on Texas road laws and signage. The final step is to complete a skills test.
The skills test typically includes skills like basic control, vehicle safety inspections, and road testing.
CDL Endorsements and Restrictions
Getting a CDL may not be enough. Additional endorsements may be required for transporting certain types of cargo or operating certain vehicle types.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common endorsements requiring both extra written knowledge and skills tests:
- H – Hazardous materials
- N – Tank vehicles
- P – Passenger vehicles
- T – Double/triple trailers
- X – Tank/hazardous materials combination
Note that some endorsements will also necessitate a background check. For example, if you plan to haul hazardous materials, you must submit to a comprehensive background check first to prove your eligibility.
In some cases, you may also receive restrictions on your CDL. For example, the E restriction only permits automatic transmission vehicles, whereas the K restriction only allows you to drive on intrastate roads.
What Safety Regulations Must Truck Drivers Follow?
Truck drivers are bound to follow all traffic laws like any other driver. However, they also have an array of safety regulations that apply specifically to drivers of large commercial vehicles, including driving limits, electronic logging devices, alcohol and drug testing, and mandatory rest periods.
Daily Driving Limits
Commercial truck drivers are bound by daily driving limits. Each driver may only drive 11 hours out of a 14-hour on-duty period. Additionally, this on-duty period begins from the moment you start any work-related tasks. After reaching the 14-hour limit, all drivers must take a minimum 10-hour break before beginning a new 14-hour on-duty period.
Moreover, total driving time cannot be more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
Mandatory Rest Periods
Mandatory rest periods are another factor drivers must consider. Each driver must take a 30-minute break per eight cumulative hours of driving. This requirement can be met by either not driving during an on-duty period or through off-duty periods.
Electronic Logging Devices
All truck drivers must have Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) installed in their vehicles. These devices track your driving time, duty status, and the vehicle’s movement and location. Note that these are only an aid and each driver is still required to verify and certify their daily logs.
ELDs must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and any supporting documents, including bills of lading and fuel receipts must be maintained for auditing purposes.
Alcohol and Drug Testing Requirements
Truck drivers must submit to a drug and alcohol test as part of their pre-employment procedures. You should also expect random tests throughout the year, with half of all drivers required to be drug tested and 10% of drivers tested for alcohol at least once.
If you’re involved in an accident involving a fatality or you’re given a citation for a moving violation, an additional test is mandatory. If you’ve already violated your employer’s substance abuse policies, extra testing will come into force.
Strict alcohol and drug rules are all part of keeping the roads safe, which is why other regulations include:
- No driver may consume alcohol within four hours of going on duty.
- Your blood alcohol level can’t be more than 0.04% while on duty.
- Controlled substances are prohibited unless prescribed by a medical professional.
- Refusing to take a test is a violation.
Are Semi-Trucks More Likely to Be Involved in Accidents?
Semi-trucks aren’t especially prone to accidents. The issue is that due to their size and weight, accidents tend to be more severe than other vehicle types.
According to the National Safety Council, there were 5,936 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks. It represents a 49% increase in the last ten years. Interestingly, 70% of these fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, with just 19% of fatalities being truck occupants.
We can see the same trend with non-fatal accidents. The National Safety Council found that 161,000 injuries resulted from truck crashes in 2022. Yet just 26% of these injuries involved truck occupants.
The conclusion is that large trucks account for a relatively small proportion of total road accidents, but when they do happen they tend to leave devastation in their wake.
When Should You Call an Austin Truck Accident Attorney?
Call an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. If you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you experienced injuries or losses, legal representation is critical to claiming the settlement you deserve.
Time is often shorter than you think, as every state has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. For example, Texas law states that you have two years from the date of your accident to file. If you don’t, you lose out on your ability to claim any financial compensation.
If any of the following circumstances apply to you, getting professional legal help is essential:
- You were injured in the accident.
- The other driver was to blame.
- You’re unsure about your legal rights.
- Multiple parties are liable.
- You have to deal with insurance adjusters.
- Your case is especially complex.
- Liability is disputed.
Lawyers are there to assert your legal rights and ensure that you don’t get taken advantage of by insurance adjusters. Experienced personal injury lawyers are there to investigate and build your case, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
What are the Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents?
18-wheeler accidents arise from any number of causes. The most common reasons for accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding.
Let’s discuss these common causes further:
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel of flatbed trailers can soon lead to drivers losing focus, and even falling asleep at the wheel. The FMCSA found that 13% of large truck crashes involved fatigue as a contributing factor.
- Distracted Driving – According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in six of all crashes involve a distracted driver. The same goes for truck drivers, where looking at your phone is akin to closing your eyes and driving blind.
- Speeding – Speed kills and is even more catastrophic when it involves a big rig. Exceeding legal limits or driving at inappropriate speeds for the conditions can dramatically increase the chance of an accident. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study from the FMCSA explicitly identified speeding as a major cause of truck accidents.
- Maintenance Issues – Mechanical failures are among the most dangerous catastrophes a truck driver might experience. Malfunctioning brakes and tire blowouts can soon lead to a tragic series of events. It underpins the need for regular inspections and adhering to maintenance schedules.
- Adverse Weather – Texas is a particular hotspot for bad weather, with heavy rain and snow blighting the Lone Star State’s highways. Truck drivers should exercise caution and slow down when heavy weather looms large.
How Do Trucking Company Violations Contribute to Crashes?
Trucking companies themselves may be held culpable for accidents involving the most common causes of tractor-trailer accidents. With these five major causes in mind, how do they link back to the actions of the trucking companies themselves?
- Poor Maintenance – Maintenance relies on the trucking company educating drivers on proper safety inspections and implementing in-depth maintenance schedules to ensure rigs are roadworthy. Companies that don’t do this risk incurring significant liability.
- Service Hours Violations – With the introduction of ELDs and other technologies, trucking companies no longer have an excuse for not knowing how long their drivers are working. Service hours violations can result in penalties not only for drivers but their employers.
- Poor Training Standards – Trucking companies are required to train their staff and ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to drive. Inadequate training can create liability if drivers have a history of driving violations.
- Record-Keeping Violations – Companies in the past have attempted to get around federal regulations by tampering with records and ELDs. These are serious offenses and could result in mandatory prison time if it’s found that driver logs have been falsified or ELDs deactivated.
- Negligent Hiring – It’s on the trucking company to hire the right people. If they hire someone with a history of driving violations or substance abuse issues, it’s down to them as much as it is the driver because they didn’t perform the proper checks or willingly ignored glaring red flags.
Addressing these violations isn’t just a business issue but also a legal one. Even though the company isn’t behind the wheel, if one of their drivers kills someone, they could be included in any future civil or criminal investigation.
Can You Sue a Trucking Company for a Driver’s Negligence?
Suing a trucking company is possible if you’re injured by one of their drivers. However, it depends on the specific situation. Not every accident is automatically the fault of the driver’s employer.
It requires showing that the trucking company’s actions somehow contributed to the accident. For example, if a trucking company was found not to have carried out regular alcohol and drug tests or turned a blind eye to failed tests and a drunk truck driver hit you, this would naturally result in the trucking company assuming some liability.
Cases where both the driver and trucking company are culpable are complicated, so hiring a lawyer to investigate these scenarios is crucial to claiming the compensation you deserve.
What are Your Legal Rights as a Truck Driver?
Truck drivers themselves are often injured in accidents, and they have as much right to seek justice as anyone else. If you were struck by a negligent driver and suffered losses, you have the legal right to seek restitution for your losses.
Examples of compensation you can claim include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
Naturally, these cases can be challenging to manage, which is why hiring a truck accident attorney makes sense. At DJC Law, we’ve recovered more than $400 million in settlement money. To learn more about filing your lawsuit, contact us for your free consultation today.
