How Many Gallons Does a Semi-Truck Hold?

You’re not alone if you’re curious about how many gallons a semi-truck can hold. This is a question that many people have, especially those new to the trucking industry.

Here is the simple answer.

Most semi-trucks have a fuel capacity of around 120 -150 gallons per fuel tank. However, some trucks can hold up to 300 gallons of fuel.

This article will further explain the topic, including factors affecting a truck’s fuel capacity.

So relax while we educate you further.

What Is A Semi Truck?

A semi-truck is a vehicle designed to haul large loads. They are also known as big rigs, 18-wheelers, or tractor-trailers.

Some industries make use of semi-trucks for different purposes. For example, some industries use semi-trucks to transport livestock, while others haul construction materials.

No matter what they’re hauling, all semi-trucks have one thing in common – they require a lot of fuel.

How Many Gallon A Semi-Truck Hold?

The amount of fuel a semi-truck can hold depends on the size of the fuel tanks. Most semi-trucks have two tanks, and you can find them on either truck side.

The industry standard for fuel tank capacity is 120 – 150 gallons per tank. Most semi-trucks can hold between 240 and 300 gallons of fuel.

However, some trucks have larger fuel tanks. These trucks can hold up to 300 gallons of fuel per tank, which means they can hold 600 gallons of fuel.

While these trucks are less common, they do exist and are used by trucking companies that need their trucks to have a more extended range.

What Factors Affect Fuel Capacity?

There are a few different factors that can affect fuel capacity. The most common factor is the size of the fuel tanks.

Size Of The Fuel Tank

As we mentioned before, most semi-trucks have two fuel tanks. The industry standard for tank size is 120 – 150 gallons per tank. However, some trucks have larger tanks.

Type Of Truck

Semi-trucks come in many different shapes and sizes. The type of truck can affect how much fuel it consumes.

For example, a box truck will consume more fuel than a tanker truck. The box truck has to haul more weight, which takes more power from the engine.

A truck with a more aerodynamic design will have better fuel economy than a truck that is not as aerodynamic.

Aerodynamics

As we just mentioned, aerodynamics plays a role in fuel economy. The more aerodynamic a truck is, the less fuel it will consume.

This is because a more aerodynamic truck has less wind resistance. This means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the truck, which saves fuel.

The shape of the truck is also essential. A box truck will have more wind resistance than a tanker truck because it is taller and narrower.

How Many Axles Does A Typical Semi-Truck Have?

Most semi-trucks have five axles.

The number of axles on a truck affects the amount of fuel to move the truck. A truck with more axles requires more fuel because it carries more weight.

Number Of Axles

The number of axles on a semi-truck can also affect fuel capacity.

Trucks with more axles generally have larger fuel tanks because they need more fuel to move the extra weight.

So, if you see a semi-truck with six axles, it’s likely that the fuel tanks are more extensive than average.

How Much Fuel Do Semi-Trucks Use?

The amount of fuel depends on a few different factors.

We shall be considering the factors one after the other.

Size Of Truck

The size of the truck is one factor that can affect fuel consumption. Generally, the larger the truck, the more fuel it will consume.

This is because larger trucks have more significant engines that require more fuel to operate.

Additionally, larger trucks tend to haul heavier loads that require more fuel.

Type Of Truck

Another factor that can affect fuel consumption is the type of truck. For example, a tanker truck will use more fuel than a flatbed truck.

This is because tanker trucks have to haul a lot of weight (the liquid they’re carrying) and often travel long distances.

On the other hand, flatbed trucks don’t usually carry as much weight, and they don’t have to travel as far.

How You Drive

The way you drive can also affect fuel consumption. If you’re an aggressive driver who speeds and makes a lot of sudden stops, you will use more fuel than someone who drives calmly and smoothly.

This is because aggressive driving puts more strain on the engine, requiring more fuel.

Additionally, speeding and making sudden stops wastes a lot of fuel because the truck has to use more energy to accelerate back up to speed.

Age Of The Semi Truck

The age of the truck can affect fuel consumption. Older trucks usually have less efficient engines that use more fuel than newer trucks.

This is because engine technology has come a long way in recent years and newer engines are much more fuel-efficient.

Temperature

One more factor that can affect fuel consumption is temperature. The truck’s engine has to work harder to maintain the operating temperature in cold weather.

This means that it will use more fuel than in warm weather.

On the other hand, in hot weather, the truck’s engine will run more relaxed, leading to higher fuel consumption.

So those are some of the factors that can affect fuel consumption. As you can see, various things can impact how much fuel a truck uses.

Tire Pressure

One final factor that can affect fuel consumption is tire pressure. If the tires is properly inflated, the truck will use less fuel.

This is because properly inflated tires have less rolling resistance, which means the truck doesn’t have to work as hard to move.

Improperly inflated tires can lead to higher fuel consumption because the truck has to work harder to move the same distance.

How Often Do Semi-Trucks Get Fueled?

The frequency of fuel stops depends on a few different factors. We’ll discuss those now.

Distance Traveled

The first factor is the distance traveled. The further you travel, the more often you’ll need to stop for fuel.

This is because the truck will use more fuel the longer it’s on the road.

Weight Of Load

The second factor is the weight of the load. Heavier loads require more fuel to move, so trucks hauling heavy loads will need to refuel more often.

Type Of Cargo

The third factor is the type of cargo. Certain types of cargo, like liquids, can be weighty, requiring more fuel to move.

As a result, trucks carrying these types of cargo will need to refuel more often than trucks carrying lighter loads.

Driver’s Schedule

The fourth factor is the driver’s schedule. If the driver is on a tight schedule, they may need to make more frequent stops for fuel to stay on schedule.

On the other hand, if the driver has a more relaxed schedule, they may be able to make fewer stops for fuel.

So those are some factors that can affect how often a truck needs to be fuel. As you can see, various things can impact how often a truck stops for fuel.

Parting Words

We believe you have learned a lot about how many gallons a semi-truck holds and the factors which affect fuel consumption from this blog post.

We hope you have found this information to be helpful. Drive safe!

FAQs

How Much Is The Fuel Weight?

The weight of the fuel can vary depending on the type of fuel. For example, diesel is a heavier fuel than gasoline.

This means that a truck’s fuel tank will weigh more when filled with diesel than when it’s filled with gasoline.

The weight of the fuel can also vary depending on how much is in the tank. A full tank of fuel will weigh more than an empty tank.

What Is The Average Fuel Tank Size?

The average fuel tank size for a semi-truck is 300 gallons. However, the size of the fuel tank can vary depending on the truck.

Some trucks have larger tanks that can hold more fuel, while others have smaller ones that can only hold a little bit of fuel.

So the size of the fuel tank can vary depending on the truck.

Do All Semi-Trucks Use Diesel?

No, not all semi-trucks use diesel. Some trucks use gasoline or other types of fuel.

However, most semi-trucks use diesel because it’s a heavier fuel that can travel further than other fuel types.

So while not all semi-trucks use diesel, most of them do.

Do Semi-Trucks Get Better Fuel Mileage Than Cars?

No, semi-trucks do not necessarily get better fuel mileage than cars.

The fuel mileage of a truck depends on various factors, including the weight of the load, the type of cargo, and the driver’s schedule.

On the other hand, the fuel mileage of a car depends on factors like the model of the car and how it’s driven.

So while the fuel mileage of a truck can vary depending on various factors, the fuel mileage of a car is also affected by a variety of factors. As a result, it’s difficult to say which one gets better fuel mileage.

Do Semi-Trucks Use More Fuel Than Cars?

Yes, semi-trucks use more fuel than cars.

This is because a truck has to work harder to move the same distance as a car. A truck uses more fuel to overcome the additional weight it carries.

As a result, trucks use more fuel than cars when traveling the same distance.