The longest legal semi-trailer in the U.S. is 53 feet, standard on highways, carrying 26 pallets. In Canada, trailers reach 53 feet, while long combination vehicles extend to 131 feet for cross-country hauls. Permits allow specialized trailers over 100 feet for wind turbine blades or logging operations.

United States

In the United States, the maximum legal length for a semi-trailer is 53 feet, a typical 53-foot trailer can carry up to 26 standard pallets of goods.

Double trailers are also widely used, with a combined length of up to 65 feet. FedEx frequently uses double trailers for regional deliveries to optimize efficiency.

In certain states like California, strict regulations apply, limiting the total length of the truck and trailer combination to 65 feet on specific routes. Drivers operating in states like Texas may find more flexibility, as oversized permits can allow lengths exceeding 53 feet for specialized cargo, such as wind turbine blades that may reach over 100 feet.

Canada

Canada’s standard maximum length for a single semi-trailer is also 53 feet, aligning closely with U.S. standards. However, the total legal length for a tractor-trailer combination is capped at 23 meters (75.5 feet) in most provinces. This includes both the tractor unit and the trailer.

In regions such as Ontario and Alberta, long combination vehicles (LCVs) are allowed under specific regulations. These vehicles can reach lengths of up to 40 meters (131 feet) when consisting of two trailers. For instance, an LCV might transport 48 pallets in one trip compared to 26 pallets in a standard 53-foot trailer.

Specialized industries like logging in British Columbia utilize trailers designed for carrying long timber. These trailers may be equipped with extendable beds, sometimes exceeding 60 feet to accommodate logs.

European Union

In the European Union, the maximum length of a semi-trailer is 13.6 meters (44.6 feet). When paired with a tractor unit, the total length can reach 16.5 meters (54.1 feet).

Countries such as Sweden and Finland permit longer vehicles under the European Modular System (EMS). These combinations can extend up to 25.25 meters (82.8 feet) and are used for transporting goods between major logistics hubs.

Shorter urban trailers are common in cities like Paris or Amsterdam, where streets are narrower. These trailers, typically under 10 meters (32.8 feet), are used for last-mile delivery of goods such as groceries or consumer electronics.

In industries like agriculture, Specialized low-loader trailers can exceed the typical limits, reaching up to 20 meters (65.6 feet) with special permits.