1. Introduction to 28-Foot Semi-Trailers

The 28-foot semi-trailer configuration is typical in the transport business, for urban deliveries and regional routings. Such trailers possess excellent maneuverability and provide good economy with their loads. Thus, being a means of logistical transportation, these are also capable of fitting within a tandem configuration for larger capacity. A single 28-foot trailer is about 102 inches wide and 13.5 feet high, with a floor space of about 1,920 cubic feet, hence ideal for mid-sized cargo loads. The weight of these trailers is a vital factor that determines fuel efficiency and limits on payload.

2. Tare Weight of a 28-Foot Semi-Trailer

The empty weight of a 28-foot semi-trailer, normally a dry van, falls in the range of 5,000 to 8,000 pounds (2,268 to 3,629 kilograms). For example, a dry van with a lightweight aluminum body weighs closer to 5,000 pounds, whereas steel-bodied trailers weigh as much as 8,000 pounds. Trailers built for specialized applications, such as refrigerated trailers (reefers), are heavier due to insulation and refrigeration systems and average 6,000 to 10,000 pounds (2,722 to 4,536 kilograms). Accurate weight measurement is important to ensure compliance with axle load limits and fuel consumption optimization.

3. Variations in Weight by Trailer Type

The type of semi-trailer significantly affects its weight. For example, a flatbed trailer weighs approximately 5,500 to 7,500 pounds (2,495 to 3,402 kilograms) when empty, making it lighter than a reefer but heavier than some dry vans. Refrigerated trailers, due to their insulation and cooling units, add an additional 1,000 to 2,000 pounds compared to dry vans. Trailers can be that much heavier if equipped with special features for special loads such as lift gates and heavy-duty flooring. One will need to know just the kind of trailer one will deal with and for what purposes before attempting load planning or calculating a trailer's weight in legal issues.

4. Fully Loaded Weight and Legal Considerations

The gross weight for a 28-foot-long semitrailer fully loaded varies based on cargo. Under U.S. federal law, the maximum gross weight for a truck, trailer, and cargo is 80,000 pounds (36,287 kilograms). This includes the empty, or tare, weight of the truck and trailer, which can be between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds (13,608 to 15,876 kilograms). So, if the tare weight is 32,000 pounds, the maximum cargo weight that would be legal would be 48,000 pounds (21,772 kilograms). In an instance of improper distribution, any axle must not exceed the given limits: usually 12,000 pounds on the front axle and 34,000 pounds on tandem axles. Improper axle weight distribution may attract fines or possibly delay operations.