Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers | September 18, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Most small cars can weigh more than a ton. Given the fact that an 18-wheeler dwarfs cars, vans, and SUVs, you might wonder: How much does a truck weigh?
Truck weight can vary considerably, and it’s regulated more tightly than many people realize. Take a closer look at how much trucks can weigh and why vehicle weight is an important consideration for everyone.
Federal Truck Classifications by Weight
Too-heavy trucks can strain bridges and highways and create hazards on the road. The federal government regulates truck weight and determines when a driver needs a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate the vehicle safely.
There are eight separate truck classes by weight. However, a truck’s class isn’t determined by the weight of the truck itself (the vehicle’s “curb weight”). It’s determined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
What Is Included in GVWR?
The GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of a given vehicle, and it includes all of the following:
- The curb weight of the vehicle
- Cargo
- Fuel
- Driver and passengers
- Trailer tongue weight
Trailer tongue weight is the total pressure a loaded trailer exerts on a vehicle’s hitch. The trailer itself is not included in a vehicle’s GVWR; each trailer has its own separate GVWR.
Categories of Truck Classes
Although there are eight truck classes, they are divided into three main categories:
- Light trucks (GVWR up to 14,000 pounds–class 1 and 2): Most light trucks are pickup trucks that aren’t used commercially, and you don’t need a CDL to drive one.
- Medium trucks (GVWR 14,001-26,000 pounds–class 3, 4, 5, and 6): Most medium trucks are used in commercial settings, but you typically do not need a CDL to drive one.
- Heavy trucks (GVWR over 26,000 pounds–class 7 and 8): Heavy trucks are what most people envision when they imagine commercial trucks. This group includes cement trucks and 18-wheelers, and you must have a CDL to drive a heavy truck.
While light and medium trucks often fall outside CDL requirements, heavy trucks demand specialized training and licensing due to their size and potential risks on the road.
How Much Does an 18-Wheeler Weigh?
If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of a truck accident between a standard car and an 18-wheeler, you likely noticed that the smaller vehicle sustained much greater damage. That’s largely due to the significant weight difference between the two.
Federal law limits the gross weight of an 18-wheeler to 80,000 pounds (or 40 tons). This limit includes the weight of the truck, the trailer, and all cargo.
However, there are limited circumstances where a commercial truck may exceed the 80,000-pound limit. In some states, a trucking company may obtain a permit to transport heavier loads, but these permits are not absolute. Most restrict overweight trucks to certain routes.
Potential Dangers of Heavier Vehicles
Truck drivers undergo extensive training before taking 40-ton vehicles out on the road. However, heavy trucks still pose unique risks, including:
- They have a greater stopping distance than lighter trucks and cars
- They have a higher risk of brake failure
- They are more prone to tipping over
- They cause more significant damage in accidents
- They are harder to control on wet or icy roads
These dangers highlight the importance of the 80,000-pound federal weight limit. A vehicle’s stopping distance increases with weight, so having a much heavier truck on the highway would dramatically increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
Why Does Truck Weight Matter?
Once you know how much trucks weigh, it becomes easier to understand just how devastating a truck accident can be. There’s no way to guarantee safety on the road, but when you drive defensively and remain mindful of the risks posed by heavier vehicles, you’re taking an important step to protect yourself and others.
Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
If you’ve been in a large truck accident in Texas, don’t hesitate to call Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Houston truck accident attorney.
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About the Author
Attorney Brian White is the founding partner of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston, TX. A graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law, he is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law — a distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys, with years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, maritime injuries, wrongful death, and more.
He is dedicated to thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.
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