GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Semi-trailer truck
Unlike a rigid lorry, a semi-trailer truck consists of two separate units – a tractor unit and a semi-trailer – coupled via a fifth-wheel that transfers part of the trailer's weight onto the tractor's rear axle.
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Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sattelzug
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike a rigid lorry, a semi-trailer truck consists of two separate units – a tractor unit and a semi-trailer – coupled via a fifth-wheel that transfers part of the trailer's weight onto the tractor's rear axle. In the EU, the standard maximum gross vehicle weight for a semi-trailer combination is 40 tonnes, permitting payloads of around 24 tonnes. The principal operational advantage is asset flexibility: a trailer can sit at a loading dock while the tractor is already running its next assignment, significantly improving fleet utilisation. Standard configurations include curtainsider trailers for palletised cargo, refrigerated (reefer) trailers, and skeletal or flatbed chassis designed for ISO containers and swap bodies.
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