“Semi-trucks” is the second name of big rig trucks. These are usually the monster trucks that are dominating the renders and roads, making all the vehicles insignificant which are surrounding it. However, these oversized vehicles have been formed with the combination of a tractor unit which is linked with the sheer size of a semi-trailer. The immense size of this vehicle is making it impossible to ignore.
Every day, hundreds of big rig trucks are making their way down to the highways of almost every country. Although these sheer trucks look intimidating but these are actually a key to delivering products and transporting materials all across the United States. Therefore, the combination of ubiquitous tractor-trailer plying on the roads of America is quite a common sight.
Although, big rig trucks are one of the most common commercial truck types but still there are plenty of facts about the giant vehicle which people don’t know. Even big rig trucks have a long history. Even at the present time, these trucks have become our existence life force because these big rig trucks are a major source of bringing products to the shelves of our supermarkets. Even more, it is also bringing gas which is fueling our cars, and of course, Amazon deliveries are also major option to consider. For all of these reasons, it is certainly worth knowing some significant facts about these big rig trucks.
Most surprising and interesting facts about big rig trucks which you must know
Big rig trucks are everywhere on the highway, and you can never miss them. Well, most of the people understand what big rig trucks look like. But there are plenty of people who don’t know the fact what big rig trucks can do. What is making them stronger and what are their capabilities? So, isn’t it essential to know everything about these sheer trucks? If yes, then here we have 20 most interesting and inspiring facts about big rig trucks that everyone must know.
Fact 1. Why Big rig trucks also called semi-trucks?
Most of the people are aware of the second name of big rig trucks but they don’t know why these are called semi-trucks. As a big rig truck is a combination of semi-trailers and a tractor unit to carry freight, so this combination is making it semi.
Fact 2. Big rig trucks started in the 19th century
It is being said that the very first of the big rig truck was built in the 19th century. Because the big rig truck was invented in 1898. However, it was manufactured in the following year. Alexander Winton who was a horseless carriage manufacturer in Cleveland, Ohio, started manufacturing and selling cars. His car company developed 22 cars in the first year and sold these to the customers all across the country.
However, the only delivery option Winton had at that time was driving each vehicle to his customer. While this delivery method caused wear and tear on the cars even before reaching to their new owners. Therefore, he worked to bring a more efficient and effective delivery method for their customers. And then, he created an automobile hauler to deliver his automobiles. While shortly, he started to sell these to the other car manufacturers there.
3. Building and agricultural goods are most transported goods
Contrary to what most of the people believe amazon products are not leading the list of shipped goods via big rig trucks. It is because Amazon products delivery system is using small vehicles. While construction material and agricultural goods are having the greatest volume of this overall supply.
In layman’s words, we know the buildings are big and it is impossible to transport bricks to the construction site in a car or any smaller vehicle. Therefore, big rig trucks are a necessity for construction facilitation. Similarly, the amount of agricultural goods reaped every year will take multiple trips if you will deliver those in a family station wagon. So, it makes sense that by sheer weight building and agricultural material are the leading things transported by big rig trucks.
4. Big rig trucks contain anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock braking system is used in multiple vehicles types. It is because this braking system is designed to stop the wheels locking up while braking. Ultimately, it will also help in maintaining traction with the surface of road. However, since 1st September, 2000, it is necessary for all the new cars use anti-lock braking system in the United States, under Federal law. Although, heavy trucks are using different braking system than cars and various other vehicles but Anti-lock braking system is required by law.
Well, Big rig trucks usually use air brakes than hydraulic brakes because of their higher reliability. As the supply of air is unlimited, therefore, in case of any leak, braking system will never run out of its operating fluid, as it could happen in hydraulic braking system. While, Federal law required big rig trucks to work with Anti-lock braking system after 1st march 1997. This rule clearly made sense because of many disasters that have occurred in the past. Therefore, this rule was welcomed by one and all in the big rig industry.
5. Long haul luxury
Truck operators are quite common in the United States than the entire Europe. Well, these drivers own these trucks and are spending a lot of their time on road. Even in some cases they have to live in their vehicles for months. Therefore, for driver and other passenger’s convenience most of the big rig trucks contain a built-in sleeping area. While, semi-trucks with conventional cabs feature a long wheelbase. This can create plenty of room inside. Even more, owner can customize the space behind the cabin of driver to meet the requirements of driver. However, the luxury varies from trucks to trucks. Even the most basic sleeper cabs are incorporating bed, tables, closets, sound systems, TVs, and refrigerators.
6. Engines of big rig can run continuously
Engines of big rig trucks are designed to run for a longer period of time. However, the mandatory shutdown of a semi-truck is only for periodic maintenance. But truck drivers practice of leaving the engine idling can lead to enormous wasted fuel cost along with senseless environment damage. Although these can run for extended time but it never means that they should.
As per American Trucking Association, most of the diesel trucks are idling at the truck stops all across the United States are producing significant emission problems. More than 1.3 million long-haul trucks on the highways of the United States are spending billions of hours idling. That’s why some of the judiciaries across states have passed anti-idling laws. These laws are making it illegal to keep engine running when a truck is not moving down the road.
7. Semi engines are extremely powerful
With entire weight being hauled and continuous traveling hours, its no wonder that these big rig trucks need to be extremely powerful at the end of the day. Therefore, engines of these trucks are far more complex as compared to the motors which you can find in other automobiles. Even, they look pretty impressive and can get load of the things.
8. Big rig trucks are diesel operated
As diesel is a better fuel option for the vehicles which need a lot of energy and power. The more powerful an engine is the better it will work with diesel as fuel. Even, more energy is required for the big rig trucks to operate properly therefore, nothing can be a better fuel option for these bad boys than diesel. Also, engines running on diesel can have longer life expectancy as compared to ones running on gasoline.
9. A big rig truck can have up to 18 gears
Although the standard big trucks usually come up with 10 gears but for big rig trucks it is not unusual to contain 13, 15 or 18 gears. However, these gears are extremely necessary to control these heavy-duty trucks. Therefore, when hauling weight on different terrains and inclines these gears can help the driver to speed up or slow down the truck with ease.
10. U-turn with a big rig truck can be dangerous
Average big rig trucks are 70 to 75 feet long. So, according to their size they need almost 55 feet to have a safe U-turn. But the width of the United States highways is not enough to let the big rig trucks complete a safer U-turn.
Even more, when the driver’s part of truck contacts trailer while coming around then this can cause a jack knife accident. This accident usually occurs when a trailer exceeds 45 degrees angle to the tractor. There could be various reason behind this accident. But the common one is lesser space to move around. Even more, it can also happen when wheels of trailer start skidding and end up moving faster than the tractor. Usually, this happen on wet or icy roads. But a truck operator can also experience this with an empty trailer and very hard braking. So, it is always a hasty decision for the driver to take a U-turn especially in traffic.
11. Much of big rig truck weight is of its fuel
Yes, it is true that a lot of big rig truck weight is made up of its fuel. It is because most of the big rig trucks are capable to hold 95 to 400 gallons of fuel at once. While, larger fuel tanks are ideal for cross-country tours and trucks carrying heavy loads. Also, the fuel tanks can also be customized as per requirements of the truck user. For example, a person can buy the previously owned truck 2011 Kenworth T660 with dual fuel tanks of 120-gallon. This can make a total of 240 gallons which is actually a lot of fuel.
12. Big rig trucks are expensive
This fact about the big rig trucks hasn’t changed. Even after so much improvements and technology, this is still a definite fact that big rig trucks are pretty pricy vehicles type. Semi-trucks are varying in price widely. While, a brand-new big rig truck can cost anywhere between $120,000 and $200,000. Even more, the price factor of these trucks is based on multiple factors. More common factors are size of truck, horsepower, cargo capacity, cab configuration, fuel efficiency, etc.
Due to high prices, big rig trucks are more often purchased by leasing or financing. However, the initial price is only starting of cost acquired while operating a truck. Because additional costs are including maintenance, fuel, insurance and regular oil changes. Therefore, you can make the best purchase by choosing a truck model which is designed to maximize fuel efficiency while keeping the operating costs lower.
13. Semi-trucks drive 140-bllion miles per year
As per Federal Highway Administration, 42% of the miles driven by the commercial vehicles are by big rig trucks only. Individual truck drivers travel approx. 45,000 miles in a year. While, long-distance trucks have traveled about 100,000 miles a year.
14. How much power is required to move a loaded big rig truck?
As average car produces approx. 200 horsepower which is enough to carry passenger, driver and luggage through streets or mountains at a safe speed. While, a big rig truck produces 3 times of this horsepower. Perhaps, torque produced by big rig trucks is a more significant difference. An average car produces about torque of 100 to 200 foot-pounds. While, a big rig truck produces torque of 1,000 to 2,000 foot-pounds. Even some of the semi-tractors can also carry heavier weight at exceptional speed. Because all of their power allows them to carry weight even at high speeds.
15. Who can drive big rig trucks?
In the United States, there are more than 3.2 million long-haul truck drivers who are holding class A license. This license is permitting drivers to pilot vehicles having above 26,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight rating. However, when it comes to know who can drive these semi-trucks then men, women, everyone can drive these trucks. Although these require hard work but you can be paid handsomely for this too.
16. Aerodynamic mud flaps are multi-purpose
Although, the basic purpose of installing mud flaps behind semi-truck wheels is to prevent, mud, dirt and other road debris. This is essential to avoid any safety road hazard for the vehicles traveling behind. But this can also decrease drag effectively. Even more, it offers wind resistance which can improve fuel efficiency of trucks by one third. However, traditional mud flaps are effective to improve fuel efficiency. While, the vented flaps have designed to give you more benefits. These can offer reduced water spray, improved airflow, and can also make the big rig trucks more aerodynamic effectively.
17. More than 70% of US goods are being delivered by big rig trucks
It is a vital fact that we are much relying on these giant trucks. In 2016, the big rig trucks drove approximately 175 billion miles. Even more, almost 70% of the entire goods in the United States have delivered by these big rig trucks. However, with the passage of time, big rig trucks are becoming one of the most significant means of transporting stuff all across the country. Even more, the largest commodities by weight are building materials and agricultural goods.
18. Big rig truck engines have designed for easier rebuilding.
Although, maintenance costs of diesel engine are cheaper than the gasoline engine because these encounter fewer problems. However, big rig truck’s engine parts have designed to ensure easier rebuilding. So, in case of any failure swapping out its parts including piston, bearings, and connecting rods is easier.
19. Are fully electric big rig trucks possible?
Various companies have announced that they are working to produce complete electric semi-trucks. While, The Tesla Semi contains some unusual features. The driver’s seat has positioned in cab center. While the jump seat behind driver will provide space for passengers. However, the utilitarian vehicle is boasting exceptional performance characteristics. The truck can accelerate up to 60 mph within 20 seconds while hauling 80,000 pounds load. Meanwhile, Volvo is also planning to bring its semi to California as a demonstration project part.
20. Safety first, last and always
Big rig trucks of the present day are safer than ever before. These must be safer because the trucks have to operate in every condition. As these sheer trucks are representing a major investment, therefore, the truck owners do not only want to preserve their drivers but also their vehicles. Therefore, multiple safety features have added to these vehicles to ensure high-level safety. Roll stability control, Collision-avoidance systems, lane departure warning systems, cameras, and various other similar features are available now in these trucks. All of these safety features are helping semi-trucks work efficiently and safely in every condition.
These are some of the most interesting facts about big rigs which can help you to know a lot about these sheer trucks
