The Freightliner Cascadia is one of the most popular semi-trucks on the market for its fuel efficiency and aerodynamic design. Despite these design features, it’s still able to hold a fairly wide load due to its size and durability.
Freightliner Cascadias are usually about 60 to 72 inches wide, which is the standard width of the semi-truck models. The width depends on a few features, such as how many roof configurations it has.
The following article is a more in-depth explanation of a few features that Freightliner Cascadias have, along with how much weight they can hold based on their width.
Features of Freightliner Cascadia Trucks for Wide Loads
A few features of the Freightliner Cascadia trucks are an aerodynamic design and multiple safety specifications. These are meant to make it easier for the driver and the truck to transport a wider load safely.
Measuring 60 to 72 inches wide, Freightliner Cascadia trucks are designed to handle wider loads, but not just for cargo.
Aerodynamic for Fuel-Efficiency Despite Large Loads
Because of how wide the truck is, it includes a significant number of features to make the experience of the driver and the cargo much more pleasant. The truck is designed aerodynamically, meaning it can drive at high speeds without being so wind-resistant. It helps make the truck more speed and fuel-efficient despite its wide load.
Safety Features to Keep Cargo Secure
The truck also has a wide array of safety features to keep both the cargo and the driver safe while hauling a wide load. For example, cameras attached to the rearview mirrors are designed to pick up on unintentional lane shifting. So, if your load shifts into a different lane, this camera will let you know so you can shift the load back into place.
Front Camera for Brakes
Furthermore, the truck comes with a front camera designed to assess if the brakes need to be applied to not hit an object in front of the truck. This helps prevent the driver from making any sudden stops that could cause the load to lurch forward, possibly damaging the cargo inside.
While Freightliner Cascadia trucks are very wide, their built-in features are meant to handle wide loads and make the journey easier for the driver and the cargo.
How Much Weight Can a Freightliner Cascadia Hold?
Now that you know how much the Cascadia weighs, you may be wondering how much it can hold.
A Freightliner Cascadia can hold between 21,000 and 23,000 pounds. It’s important to make sure the semi-truck isn’t overloaded, as this can result in the driver getting fined or the truck getting damaged.
What Happens If You Overload Freightliner Cascadia?
If a Freightliner Cascadia is overloaded, it could result in multiple negative consequences.
Some include:
- The driver having to pay fines or the truck being damaged. The fine amounts vary depending on the state. The average fine is about $150 if you are 3,000 pounds over the weight limit and increases by $150 for every 500 pounds over that.
- Damage the truck or other drivers. Heavier loads are harder for the driver to control, resulting in the driver or those around them getting injured if the load decides to swerve into another lane.
- Damage the truck if the load lurches forward and hits the driver’s cabin. The weight of the load could cause the cabin to get crushed and the driver to be seriously injured.
Fortunately, there is a way to calculate a truck’s weight to ensure it isn’t overloaded.
How To Calculate How Much Weight a Freightliner Cascadia is Holding
To calculate how much weight the Freightliner Cascadia is holding, there are a few steps.
They are:
- Know the curb weight
- Know the gross vehicle weight rate, or GVWR
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR
- Your answer will tell you how much weight the truck is holding
The curb weight refers to the vehicle’s full weight, including a full tank of gas and all of the necessary equipment. Gross vehicle weight, or GVWR, refers to the maximum total weight your vehicle can take, including the curb weight.
A general good rule of thumb is to always load up on the lighter side if you can. Trucks can always carry lighter loads, but they can’t carry heavier loads.
Final Thoughts
Freightliner Cascadia trucks are among the most popular semi-trucks available because of how many features they have and how much weight they can carry. As long as they aren’t overloaded and taken care of properly, they are some of the best trucks to transport things with.
