As the cost of gas continues to rise, the trucking industry struggles to find ways to combat growing fuel prices. Lightweight trucks are proving to be the way. Lightweight commercial trucks deliver a greater payload capacity and fewer trucks on the road to minimize overhead costs. Thanks to the advancement in materials, lightweight trucks offer safety, savings, and much more to those who utilize them.
What Is a Lightweight Truck?
With the constant need for efficient transportation, manufacturers are looking at different ways to make trucks more productive. One way is to lighten the load they carry by taking away weight on the truck itself. Typically, standard semi trucks are heavy duty trucks weighing around 35,000 pounds (with an empty trailer). When they work to take away weight from trucks, they are referred to as lightweight trucks. Although with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) these trucks fall into the Medium-Duty truck class category.
Many of the best lightweight trucks will weigh 17,000 – 18,000 pounds before fuel and DEF are added in. There are other lightweight truck options closer to 23,000 pounds. Medium-Duty Truck weight includes Classes 4-6:
- Class 4: GVWR of 14,001 to 16,000 pounds
- Class 5: GVWR of 16,001 to 19,500 pounds
- Class 6: GVWR of 19,501 to 26,000 pounds
Trucks that fall in the Light-Duty Class are generally not considered commercial vehicles.
When Are Lightweight Trucks Used?
Because lightweight trucks weigh less, they can typically carry a greater load. They are optimal for transporting the maximum amount of product. Generally, they are more fuel efficient than your standard heavy duty truck. This means that for long hauls, the fuel efficiency could make a lightweight truck more cost-effective.
Gross Vehicle Weight
The USDOT GVWR Classes are:
- Light-Duty Trucks: Vehicle with GVWR under 10,000 pounds, Classes 1-3
- Medium-Duty Trucks: Vehicle with a GVWR between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, Classes 4-6
- Heavy-Duty Trucks: Vehicle with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds, Classes 7-8
Although called “Lightweight Trucks”, they actually fall into the Medium-Duty Trucks category according to their GVWRs. Commercial vehicles fall under either Medium or Heavy-Duty Trucks and into classes 4-8.
Payload Capacity
To figure out the payload capacity for semi trucks, you simply subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. The payload capacity for both lightweight and heavy duty trucks will vary depending on the specific truck and load.
Generally, for heavy duty trucks, the payload capacity will be between 42,000 – 48,000 pounds.
Gasoline Efficiency Standards
Newer fuel efficiency requirements were passed in 2016 for truck models from years 2014-2018. Heavy duty trucks are required to reduce their fuel consumption by 20 percent and medium duty trucks, or lightweight trucks, are required to reduce theirs by 10 percent.
These requirements are due by the year 2027. Standard semi trucks were required to get at least 7.2 mpg starting in 2014, but it can range from 3 mph to 23 mph depending on hills, terrain, weight, and other factors. Trucks lighter in weight can often see a greater gasoline efficiency with an average of 10 mpg.
How Many Passengers Can Fit in a Lightweight Truck?
Lightweight trucks are designed to weigh less and haul more, they have less cab space than your standard semi. This means they’re designed to carry fewer people. Generally, one or two people can comfortably sit in the cab. Some lightweight options may be equipped with a single sleeper bed.
Examples of Lightweight Trucks
Fraley & Schilling, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Freightliner are all trusted manufacturers that now offer great lightweight truck options including:
- Fraley & Schilling UltraLight Van
- Kenworth T680
- Peterbilt Model 389
- Freightliner Cascadia
Benefits of Lightweight Trucks
Lightweight trucks can be ideal when you’re looking to boost your bottom line. Several benefits that continue to draw drivers and fleets to lighter trucks are:
- Improved gas mileage and energy efficiency
- Improved safety with stronger materials
- Greater payload capacity
- Longer vehicle life
- Less vehicle maintenance
- Less drivers needed as payload capacity is greater per truck
Energy Efficiency
Trucks made with lightweight materials can help to improve the fuel efficiency of the truck as a lighter truck consumes less fuel. Certain manufacturers are working with iron-based alloys to increase cylinder pressure which in turn increases the vehicle’s energy efficiency. Materials can be made lighter and stronger improving the overall safety of the truck.
Enhanced Safety
Lightweight trucks made with advanced lightweight materials that can offer increased strength vs older materials. Advancements with carbon fiber and steel produce strong, lightweight vehicles that can offer increased passenger protection.
Performance Improvement
It takes less energy for a lighter vehicle to move than a heavy one, improving overall performance. With less drag on the vehicle, there is often less vehicle maintenance required over the years as well. Brakes, tires, and the body of the truck can have a longer lifespan when on a lightweight truck.
Earn More With Lightweight Advantages
Lightweight trucks have many advantages to offer beyond the trucking industry. These lighter trucks reduce the impact on the planet from a fuel and energy perspective. Without sacrificing the higher payload capacity and safety of any driver on the road. Lightweight trucks are becoming more popular and for good reason!
Sign up for a FreightWaves e-newsletter to stay informed of all news and trends impacting supply chain careers and operations.
