A semi-truck comprises two primary components: a semi-trailer for hauling the cargo and a semi-tractor for power. But why is it referred to as a semi-truck? Many people ponder this: what distinguishes a truck from a semi-truck, too?
The term “semi-truck” is preferred over “semi-trailer truck” or semi-tractor-trailer” mostly because it is shorter and simpler to pronounce. The phrases “semi-trailer” and “semi-tractor” denote the distinct trailer and tractor parts and emphasize that when you purchase a semi-truck, you have the option to customize with a particular tractor-trailer combination.
Learn more in this article about the origins of the term “semi-truck.”
Everything About Semi Trucks
The names of semi trucks vary widely, making the semi-landscape exceedingly perplexing. Although not all semi-trailers have 18 wheels, those that do are also called 18-wheelers. However, what distinguishes semi trucks from other vehicles, and why is it called semi trucks?
The tractor unit’s ability to separate from the trailer unit makes a semi-truck what it is. It provides semi trucks a distinct edge over rigid trucks and trailers, regardless of whether you manage a trucking business or contract various tasks.
Types Of Semi Trailers
Now that you know the origin of the term “semi,” let’s examine the trailer. To full side certain purposes, semi-trailers are available in a wide range of forms, dimensions, and features. For instance, a flatbed semi-trailer may be ideal for carrying bulky and oddly shaped items.
Alternately, a lowboy trailer, which can support loads up to 12 feet high, is an option. You can also discover a semi-trailer outfitted with the tools required for every operation. There are numerous semi-trailer sizes and types available for everything from small-goof deliveries to large construction, including:
- Conestoga trailer
- Step deck trailer
- Dry van trailer
- Lowboy trailer
- Reefer trailer
- Flatbed trailer
- Single drop deck double drop trailer
- Stretch double drop trailer
- Gooseneck trailer with removable gooseneck (RNG)
- Removable stretch gooseneck trailer
Watch this video of one of the most luxurious trucks ever:
This is the MOST luxurious truck EVER!
The Rise Of Semi-Trucks
An important development in the transportation sector was the creation of the semi-trailer. It made it more cost-effective to transport goods across long distances since it let trucks carry bigger and larger loads. As a result, businesses that needed to carry goods throughout the nation swiftly adopted semi-trucks as their primary mode of transportation.
The federal government started spending money on construction highways in the 1930s, which helped semi-trucks become even more well-liked. The new motorways made the country’s transportation of commodities simpler and quicker, which created a network of routes that could support larger, heavier vehicles.
Semi-trucks became a familiar sight on American roadways by the 1950s. Everything from food and consumer items to large machinery was transported with them. Semi-trucks are still an essential component of the transportation sector today and are still employed to move commodities across the nation.
The Evolution Of Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks were substantially upgraded to increase their effectiveness and safety as they gained popularity. Early Earlysemi-trucks used gasoline engines for tractor units, which were unreliable and inefficient.
Diesel engines, which offered more reliability and improved fuel efficiency, were created in the 1930s. Nowadays, diesel engines are used to power almost all semi-trucks. Semi-trucks have also undergone considerable design upgrades in addition to engine improvements. The first cab-over-engine (COE) semi-trucks were introduced in the 1950s.
The cab of these trucks was situated above the engine, resulting in a lower overall length and improved maneuverability. COE semi-trucks quickly gained popularity because they were simpler to drive and could maneuver through congested city streets more readily.
The federal government implemented new rules in the 1970s to enhance semi-truck safety. Air brakes were needed by these standards as they offered improved stopping force and decreased the likelihood of brake failure.
Underride guards, which stop smaller cars from slipping underneath the semi-trailer in the case of a collision, were also mandated by the legislation. The contemporary semi-truck is a very complex device made to be trustworthy, dependable, and safe.
Modern computer systems installed in semi-trucks track everything from fuel usage to engine performance. Additionally, they have safety features, including collision avoidance technology, lane departure warning systems, and anti-lock brakes.
Challenges Faced By The Semi-Truck Industry
Semi-trucks have numerous advantages, but the sector also has many difficulties. The lack of truck drivers is one of the main problems. According to the American Trucking Association, over 60,000 drivers are now needed in the sector, and this shortage is anticipated to increase over the next several years.
The aging workforce and difficulty luring individuals into the field contribute to the driver shortage. The requirement to lower emissions and increase fuel efficiency is another issue that the semi-tuck sector must deal with. Semi-trucks are a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the industry is under increasing pressure to do so.
Truck manufacturers are investigating new technologies like trucks powered by hydrogen and electricity to cut pollutants and increase fuel efficiency. These technologies are not yet generally accessible and are still in the early stages of development.
Another major issue in the semi-truck sector is safety. Semi-truck accidents still happen despite the numerous safety systems that are now standard on semi-trucks. The National Highway Safety Administration reports that in heavy truck accidents in 20178, there were over 4100 fatalities.
By creating new technology like autonomous driving systems, which could lower the likelihood of accidents brought on by driver mistakes, the industry aims to increase safety.
Conclusion
The word “semi” is an abbreviation for a semi-trailer, the portion of a truck’s back that carries the cargo. The phrase was initially used in the early 1900s when trucks were being used for the first time to move commodities throughout the nation. Semi-trucks experienced considerable alterations as they grew in popularity to increase their effectiveness.
Semi-trucks are now an essential component of the transportation sector and greatly impact the economy. Despite the many advantages of semi-trucks, the sector still faces several difficulties, such as driver scarcity, lower emissions, and improved safety measures.
