Trailer Dimensions Guide — North America

53ft Dry Van Trailer — Dimensions & Cargo Specifications

Interior dimensions, volume, max payload, pallet capacity, and FMCSA weight limits for the standard 53ft North American dry van semi-trailer

Interior length

16.15m

Interior width

2.59m

Interior height

2.74m

Max payload

~20,000 kg

Volume

~115 m³

Floor length

16.15 LDM

GMA pallets

30 positions

Loading access

Rear only

53ft Dry Van vs 53ft Reefer — Comparison

53ft Dry Van

Interior (L × W × H)

16.15m × 2.59m × 2.74m

Volume

115 m³

Max payload

~20,000 kg

Tare

~6,350 kg

GMA pallets

30

53ft Reefer

Interior (L × W × H)

15.85m × 2.46m × 2.59m

Volume

101 m³

Max payload

~18,500 kg

Tare

~8,165 kg

GMA pallets

26

Note: The 53ft dry van is the most common trailer type in North American truckload freight. Interior dimensions are larger than a reefer because there is no insulation — the full 53ft overall length translates to a longer, wider, taller cargo space. Always verify dimensions and payload with your carrier, as tractor tare weight affects net payload.

Explore the 53ft Dry Van in 3D

Interactive 3D model of the 53ft dry van articulated trailer — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom

Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom
Loading Specifications

Pallet capacity, floor load, and weight limits

Pallet capacity

Standard GMA pallets (48 × 40 in) in 16,154 × 2,591 mm floor

GMA pallets (1,219 × 1,016 mm) 30 floor positions
GMA pallets — turned 90° up to 34 positions
Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) 32 positions
Floor load limit 4,800 kg/m²

Typical for standard dry van hardwood or composite floors. Verify with your carrier's spec sheet for specialised floor types.

Weight limits

Bridge law limits for 5-axle combinations

Max GVW 36,287 kg
Steer axle limit 5,443 kg
Tandem drive axle limit 15,422 kg
Tandem rear axle limit 15,422 kg
Typical net payload ~20,000 kg

Bridge formula: The bridge formula limits axle group loads based on spacing. For a standard 5-axle semi, the practical payload is roughly 20,000–21,800 kg. Net payload depends on tractor tare — a heavier tractor leaves less freight weight.

Common freight types

The 53ft dry van is the workhorse of UK truckload freight: consumer goods, packaged food, electronics, household items, and non-perishable industrial cargo. It is not temperature-controlled — for cold chain use a refrigerated trailer instead.

Interior length 16.15m
Interior width 2.59m
Interior height 2.74m
Max GVW 36,287 kg
Steer axle limit 5,443 kg
Tandem drive limit 15,422 kg
Typical payload ~20,000 kg

53ft Dry Van Trailer — Поширені запитання

Ваше наступне завантаження, ідеально сплановане.

Почніть безкоштовно. Без кредитної картки. Без встановлення.

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