Semi Trailers QA
From coast to coast in the United States, and even all over the world, millions of pounds of produce, goods and necessities are being trucked to places that distribute them. Without the semi trailer and its operator, many areas would find themselves in a severe shortage of the necessities of life. Though they go by many names and are found in most countries, many people are truly in the dark when it comes to understanding the unique and rich part the semi trailer plays in history. It may have started off small but it has grown into a huge commercial business. And though you may see them on the interstates and roads every day, you may have some questions about what semi trailers truly are and what they are used for. This article can help answer some of those questions.
What are semi trailers?
Semi trailers are the term used to define a towed cargo trailer which utilizes one or more rear axles, and no front axle. In place of the front axle, they have retractable legs which can be lowered, allowing them to be "un-coupled" and detached for loading or unloading. More often than not, trailers are paired with a tractor truck by means of a detachable fifth wheel coupling. The fifth wheel allows the semi trailer to pivot around the mounting point, while using the tractor's rear axles to support the front of the trailer's weight. The ability to pivot allows a semi trailer to be more maneuverable, providing a tighter turning radius than traditional front axle trailers.
Who invented the first semi trailer?
The invention of today's semi trailer can be associated to the accomplishments of two men, August Charles Fruehauf and John C. Endebrock. Both men were instrumental in the development of modern trailers. With the availability of Mr. Ford's automobile, trailers became sought after to increase the carrying capacity. Fruehauf developed the first semi trailer in 1914 to carry lumber and later formed the Fruehauf Trailer Company. Endebrock, working for a rival trailer manufacturer, began working on a means to couple a trailer to an automobile in 1910. It was in 1919 that he was able to finalize the fifth wheel coupling and kingpin method that is in use today.
What is semi trailers used for?
Semi trailers in many forms are designed with one purpose, to move freight. Most road borne cargo transported today, whether palletized, liquid or in bulk, travels on or in a semi trailer of some form. The detachable nature allows filled containers to be taken to their destination and dropped off, allowing the tractor truck to transport another load without waiting for the container to be unloaded. This ability to run multiple trailers with a single tractor allows transportation companies to utilize a single tractor to effectively make two runs.
How big are semi trailers?
The key to effective cargo transportation is to move as much as possible at the same time. By that thought, semi trailers are typically as large as the law allows. There are common sizes found depending on the carrier's configuration. Trailers will be 96 or 102 inches wide, with lengths that vary from 28 to 53 feet long. There are no federal limits on trailer height, with states determining the maximum, usually around 13 feet tall. Taller trailers will be restricted from certain roads with lower vehicle clearances.
How much freight can semi trailers carry?
The amount of freight that can be carried by a semi trailer can depend upon several things, but the final answer is based upon weight. 80,000 pounds gross is the limit, including the tractor and the trailer weight, without requiring special restrictive permits. Most areas also limit the trailer to 20,000 pounds per load axle. Lighter weight goods can be stacked in split level "double decker" trailers, maximizing the storage capacity of palletized goods. Trains consisting of multiple trailers attached to a single tractor are also becoming more common within the states that allow their use.
What type of freight is often found in semi trailers?
Semi trailers come in a number of configurations to suit a variety of tasks. As such, there are a wide variety of trailers to match the different types of cargo transported. The most common trailer found is the enclosed box trailer, often used to carry palletized items and goods. A reefer, or refrigerated trailer, is selected when transporting perishable produce or temperature sensitive goods. A tanker trailer is utilized for liquid loads, such as oil, gasoline, water or milk. A flatbed trailer consists of a flat load bed which can haul practically anything that can be strapped down. Other trailers are available for transport specialized loads.
What is the weight and size limit of semi trailers in the United States?
The Surface Transportation Act of 1982 establishes limitations on the length and width of semi-trailers when operated upon the United States National Network of highways. Maximum width of a commercial vehicle has been set at 102 inches, or 8 ½ feet. Maximum length of the combined tractor and semi-trailer has been established at 65 feet. Weight limitations for tractor trailer combinations have been set at 80,000 pounds. For loads exceeding these regulations, each state has the ability to issue oversize or overweight permits to vehicles operating with their boundaries.
Are there separate laws that govern the pulling and transporting of semi trailers?
While commercial vehicles often seem to operate under rules of their own, they are required to follow additional laws in addition to those followed by private motorists. The United States Department of Transportation provides regulations governing drivers, vehicles and cargo transportation to insure safe operation on National highways. Vehicle and cargo documentation and weight limitations are routinely monitored by means of on highway inspection or weigh stations. Driver's logs are inspected to insure that drivers do not spend more than the allotted amount of time behind the wheel each day.
Does the operator of a semi trailer and truck need a special license?
Individual states govern the testing and issue of commercial driver's licenses, required for tractor trailer operation. Testing, both written and in the vehicle, is conducted to ensure that commercial drivers can maintain established levels of proficiency and safety. Specific areas of knowledge tested include proper air brake operation, hazardous material transportation, tanker vehicle certification and passenger certification, if required. Additionally, a current DOT physical exam is required to be kept on record. Commercial drivers also must submit to different drug and alcohol testing requirements than private drivers.
What companies are most associated with semi trailers and the trucking industry?
Semi trailers are prevalent on highways throughout the world. Global shipping companies like United Parcel Service and Federal Express depend upon them to transport packages to delivery hubs even when other transportation methods are used. In the United States, commercial cargo carriers, such as J B Hunt, Schneider and Landstar, operate national routes to move goods and materials from manufacturers to consumers across the country. Wal-Mart and other nationwide retailers operate private truck lines to maintain stock levels in stores and to fill warehouses across the country.
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