Our previous blog was about “things you didn’t know about semi trailers”! Today, it’s history time. Our blog is all about semi trucks, their invention and how they were bought into existence. Technology was not so well versed thus semi trailers did a marvelous job. Check out how and what happened, which made semi trailers famous and demanding.
Introduction:
Semi Trucks are also known as Semi-Trailer Trucks rigs; providing major support in transporting 70% of goods in our nation today. Around 13 billion tons of good, valued at $255.5 billion are transported in 1.9 millions semi trucks. The usage was simple and feasible on well paved roads, after the second decade of 20th Century and later with Interstate Highway System, semi rigs were given preferences.
- The “Semi”:
Semi-Trailer Trucks rigs deal with numerous features which includes Sleeping Quarters. These are 18-wheeled articulated trucks that include the truck and trailer. They consist of three axles, front wheels to steer the vehicle, the rear-wheel drive axle and double wheels or dualies at the rear.
- Early Years:
Even before semi trailers got in touch with its own fame and name, more than 700 large Tractor-Trailer Rigs piled the roads in United States. In no time, the number shot the sky, nearly 25,000 in 1914 and then 416,569 in 1924.
- Very First Models:
These semi rigs were not built for comfort but for utility. Initial truck riding was on solid rubber wheels with mechanical brake system, covering a short distance at low speed, often over unpaved roads. With time, technology’s advancement stepped in developing pneumatic tire and hydraulic brakes helped in developing semi rigs, converting them into the most important and useful transportation vehicle.
- Highway Systems of Semi Truck:
With the improvisation of roads in 1917, the demand and usage of semi trailers gradually increased. In 1916, Federal Aid Road Act was passed and five years later, Federal Highway Act created a 3.2-million-mile national road system. After the passage of Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 and the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 paved way for more semis to come on road.
- The Early Risers- Mack
Among the companies and innovators, Mack Trucks were the early risers of heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Founded in 1900 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the company indulged in developing their own engines that featured automatic starter, giving a break to hand-crank. In no time, they had built enough brand name and reputation, building tough trucks, gelling well with company’s durability.
- The Impact- Semi Trailers on Logging Industry:
The entry of semi trailers did bring in a broader impact on Logging industry. Peterbilt, based in Tacoma, Washington, was the first person to begin with a sale for the public, in 1939. As Peterbilt was not so satisfied with the standard method of transporting logs via river and horse teams, he decided to rebuild the method, surplus the Army trucks equipped with trailers specifically designed to haul logs. With the help of semi rigs, goods were transported from forests to the lumber mills.
- Rig’s in Today’s Time:
Semi Rigs are widely famous occupies a major place on the highway. However, we cannot ignore the fact related to accident deaths. Around 4% of accidents are reasoned out as driver fatigue. With this note, Federal laws limited the number of hours behind the wheels, but major manufacturers have provided their drivers with sleeper cab over 40 years, simply to make life easy on road. Sleeper cabs are available in different sizes, enough space to accommodate a couple if they’re indulged in couple trucking.
On a final note, we like to remind you that paying taxes on time is essential as your earning does value the nation. A simple contribution will indeed make your journey a smooth one, completing DOT inspections. Drop by tax2290.com and file your return if you have not done yet. The season is going to end in few more days, do file your return on time and avoid penalties. We are here to remind you, serve you. Safe Journey Truckers!