A semi-truck has two main components: a semi-truck for transporting cargo and a semi-tractor for power. So why is it called a semi-truck? “Semi-Truck” is short for semi-trailer and is often used to describe an entire tractor-trailer unit. Learn more about what a semi-truck is made of and find the best semi-truck for your job.
What Is A Semi Truck?
What is a semi-truck compared to an 18-wheel truck? There are so many different terms for a semi-trailer, and it’s easy to get confused. 18 Wheeler is actually just another name for a semi-tractor trailer with a total of 18 wheels. Why is it called a semi-truck and how is it different from a typical truck? A semi-trailer is attached to the semi-trailer via a hitch, which means its design and performance are fundamentally different from rigid trucks and trailers. The meaning of a semi-trailer is based on the fact that you need different parts to make a tractor-trailer unit.
Why Do They Call It A Semi Truck?
Actually, calling this truck a semi-trailer is a bit of a mistake. The term originally referred to a trailer. Because trailers don’t have front wheels, they’re not technically trailers. So they are called semi-trailers. Over time, people started referring to truck-trailer combinations as semi-trailers and then just trucks.
There are many other common names. The 18-wheeler is one of the most popular models, referring to the 18-wheeler that semi-trailers usually use when towing a trailer. Towing a trailer is another term you may hear a lot. All of these names refer to the truck and trailer combination but are usually only associated with the truck part.
Types Of Semi Trucks
Now that you know why trucks are called semi-trailers, let’s look at trailers. Semi-trailers come in dozens of shapes, sizes, and functions to suit specific applications. For example, heavy and irregularly shaped cargo may be best suited for a flatbed semi-trailer. Alternatively, you can opt for a lowboy trailer to accommodate cargo up to 12 feet. You can also find semi-trailers fitted with the equipment you need for any type of job. From small cargo deliveries to commercial construction, there are dozens of sizes and types to choose from:
- flatbed trailer
- Lowboy Trailer
- refrigerated trailer
- Conestoga Trailer
- step trailer
- dry van trailer
- retractable double trailer
- Stretch double drop trailer
- Telescopic Single Deck Trailer
- Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RNG)
- Retractable Gooseneck Trailer (RNG)
- multi-vehicle trailer
Differences Between A Semi Truck And 18 Wheeler
Semi truck refers to the actual truck or tractor, which contains the engine. The semi-trailer can drive on its own without towing the semi-trailer.
An 18-wheeler refers to a combination of a semi-truck and a semi-trailer. When connected, they form a tractor-trailer unit, also known as an 18-wheeler. This is based on the total number of wheels for the entire tractor-trailer unit. See more about What Is a Reefer Truck?
How Much Does A Semi Truck Weigh?
That answer varies a lot depending on the make and model of the truck as well as the engine in the truck. Day cabs (the ones without beds) generally weigh around 15-16,000 pounds, around the same as two adult Asian elephants. Small sleepers (the flat roof ones) are about 1,000 pounds more. That’s like putting a polar bear on those elephants. Large sleepers can weigh over 18,000 pounds. See more about What Is A Straight Truck?
How Tall Are Semi Trucks?
Semi-trucks are between 6.5 and 10 feet. The height depends on whether the truck has a higher roof on the sleepers or a canopy. The roof is a curved section that covers the top of the truck to make it more aerodynamic. Many times the cab has a high roof that allows air to flow smoothly up the front of the truck and through the top of the trailer.
How Much Does A Semi Truck Cost?
Like weight, the price will vary based on truck type, engine, and other features. New semi-trucks typically start in the $100,000-plus range, but with more features on larger trucks, prices can be closer to $200,000. Used trucks are a great way to get a good truck at a lower price. These prices are usually lower, around $40,000-$70,000. But prices may be lower or higher based on mileage, condition, age, make and model, and used truck characteristics. Some can be priced as low as $10,000 for older or high-mileage trucks.
Does A Semi Truck Use A Tow Hitch?
Do not! The trailer is attached to the truck by a large pin called a kingpin, which usually sticks out 2-3 inches thick from the bottom of the trailer. Imagine a solid steel pipe the size of a water bottle. The kingpin goes through the fifth wheel, which is a large horseshoe-shaped piece of metal on the rear of the truck, and then a clip locks it in place. The tow hitch is not strong enough to pull a full trailer. The fifth wheel also carries the weight of the front half of the trailer over the rear wheels, making it easier to pull tall, heavy trailers.
What Is The Best Semi Truck
The Freightliner is the best-selling semi-truck in America today. They sell about 190,000 trucks a year! Freightliner dominates the commercial truck market with a 40 percent share. They also employ more than 3,000 workers at the Holy Hill and Cleveland plants.
Freightliner manufactures several models and styles of commercial trucks for road, medium, heavy, and natural gas vehicles. They will soon launch a new line of fully electric commercial vehicles called the Freightliner e-Mobility. There will be two models, eCascadia and eM2 106.
Conclusion
Semi-trucks are an important part of the U.S. economy and the global economy. Without the semi-trailer trucks that transport goods, produce, and goods around the clock, our economy will suffer. The 18-wheeler is iconic. From truck movies to truck songs about truck driving, they’re all part of America.