Semi trucks serve a serious role in the United States. It is estimated that wagons are responsible for the transport of over two thirds of goods in the United States, outperforming other modes of heavy goods transportation such as ships, aircraft, or rail freighters. Truck trailers continue to be the most popular mode of goods transportation particularly because of well-funded government projects that ensure highways are maintained.
The typical semi truck is an 18 wheel vehicle consisting of three primary components. These are the engine, cab, and the trailer. The size of the truck requires three axles to be installed for smooth handling. The front axle steers the front wheels and controls direction, while the axles in the rear are used to propel the vehicle forward. The use of dual wheels, also commonly referred to as 'dualies' ensure that a semi-truck holds a traction and stability as it embarks on cross country journeys.
History of the Semi Truck
It is estimated that there are approximately 1.9 million semi trucks operating within the United States, carrying goods totaling over $ 255 billion. However, truck trailers only gained prominence as an effective mode of goods transport with the construction of paved road and interstate highways. A century ago, the number of wagons on the road was only in triple figures. Over the next two decades though, this number rose to a six digit figure, formally christening the truck trailer as America's favored mode of goods transportation.
In the past, eighteen-wheelers were not intended for long journeys hauling large quantities of goods. They were only capable of traveling short distances at extremely low speeds. Truck trailers before the year 1925 had a number of limitations. Trucks were usually constructed with open cabs and without doors, offering little protection for drivers from the environment, and harsh weather. The mechanical brake systems that afforded the wagon, only poor stopping power, thereby making it a liability on the highway.
However, as time progressed, technological innovations in the automobile industry saw truck trailers being equipped with hydraulic brake systems and pneumatic tires that allowed semi trucks to be operated for long periods of time, without complications arising.
The Most Popular Semi Truck - The Peterbilt
The most commonly used truck trailer in the United States today is known as the Peterbilt. The truck was developed in response to the needs of the lumber and logging industry. There was a need to develop a vehicle capable of traveling long distances with large quantities of heavy lumber to be used in construction. TA Peterman is credited with designing the truck in the year 1938. It is often claimed that the modern wagon we see today, was modeled on the original Peterbilt.
Semi Trucks Today
Eighteen-wheelers are, nowdays, far more reliable and safe than their predecessor models. Most truck trailers are equipped with sleeper cabs so that drivers can take naps and avoid suffering from fatigue while making long journeys. Also, a number of road-related federal laws that came into effect during the 1970s, have contributed to a sharp reduction in the number of accidents involving wagons. Truck trailers are also equipped with GPS technology and satellite communication systems so that drivers can stay in touch with their headquarters.
If the nature of your business is such that you need to transport heavy goods across long distances, we offer brand new and used eighteen-wheelers for sale. We have a range of models including the Kenworth and the Peterbilt. Visit us to learn more about our vehicles.