Semi-trailers come in various lengths, spanning from 28’ to 53’. Have you ever wondered why 53’ is currently the standard-sized trailer made and used for transportation? Here are some facts about how and when they became the preferred length.
Transportation Efficiency
Prior to the 1980s, the standard semi-trailer length was 48’. As time evolved and more goods were produced, the need for more efficient transportation became a greater focus to move as many goods as possible at a time. Regulations slowly started to relax to allow for larger trailers. The laws started to gradually change by state and or region in the late 1980s, determining what size semi-trailer you could pull. The changes started in the Western United States and slowly spread across the country. By the mid-1990s, 53-foot semi-trailers became the standard length. It did, however, take some states longer to adapt than others due to the road systems and routes that the trucks took. They needed to make sure that the road infrastructure was safe enough to run the larger trailers in their areas.
Palletizing Goods
So, what caused the changes in the length of the trailers, besides efficiency? A lot of it had to do with pallets. Palletizing goods became a more efficient way to move cargo. How many pallets could be loaded onto a trailer became a focus. Making the semi-trailer longer allowed for 13 rows of pallets to fit and left room to close the door.
Truck Size
While determining the new length to expand trailers, the size of trucks had to be kept in mind. Once a truck is hooked to a trailer, you must add the additional footage of the truck to the length of the trailer for the overall transportation length. This especially comes into play when you look at how much the terrain of the land has changed over the years.
Road Space
With all the new construction of businesses and houses, there is less road space available to widen roads. While driving, you must keep in mind turning corners and the swing you must make. Is there enough room? This was also taken into consideration when deciding how much to lengthen trailers to allow them to carry more.
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