by Semi-trailer trucks have become an essential part of modern transportation networks. Used to transport all kinds of goods over long distances, semi-trailers help keep our economy moving. However, many people don’t fully understand how these vehicles work or their role in our transportation systems. Let’s take a deeper look at semi-trailers and their impact.
What is a Semi-Trailer?
A semi-trailer is a trailer that has no front axle. Its weight is supported at the fifth wheel, located at the rear of a towing tractor or truck. Semi-trailers are specifically designed to be pulled by a tractor or towing vehicle. Unlike full trailers which have front and rear axles, a semi-trailer relies solely on the tractor’s engine and brakes.
The semi-trailer is essentially a large freight container on wheels. It provides a large amount of usable cargo space without the extra weight and complexity of being self-propelled. This makes semi-trailers very efficient for transporting goods over long distances on highways. Common semi-trailer configurations range from 28-53 feet long with widths of 8 to 8.5 feet.
Components of Semi-Trailers
There are several key components that make up a modern semi-trailer:
– Undercarriage: This includes the chassis, suspension system, wheels, brakes, landing gear, coupling devices, etc. that support the cargo container and connect it to the tractor.
– Front Wall: Provides structural integrity to the cargo box. Also has any necessary doors, hatches, handles, etc.
– Side Walls: Enclose the cargo area and provide strength. Made from durable materials like sheet metal.
– Roof: Completes cargo box enclosure and helps prevent weather damage. May include ventilation hatches.
– Electrical System: Lights, wiring, connectors for turn signals, brakes that synchronize with tractor.
– Suspension: Air or mechanical systems that absorb road impacts and impacts to cargo.
Properly maintained, a semi-trailer’s components can last 15-20 years of continuous use. Advanced materials and technologies help improve performance, fuel efficiency and durability.
Commodities Transported by Semi-Trailers
Virtually every consumer good we use has likely traveled inside a semi-trailer at some point. Some of the most common commodities transported by semi-trailers in the US include:
– Automobiles and Parts: Over 1.5 million new cars and trucks each year.
– Appliances: Ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers from factories to warehouse and store shipping docks.
– Food and Beverages: Produce, meat, dairy, canned/packaged goods, bottled drinks from producers nationwide.
– Building Materials: Lumber, drywall, hardware, glass, concrete, roofing, insulation for construction sites.
– Retail Goods: Clothing, electronics, furniture, books, toys from distribution centers to big box stores.
– Chemicals: Fertilizers, cleaning products, plastics/resins to manufacturing plants.
– Fuel: Gasoline, diesel, ethanol via pipeline terminals to gas stations across the country.
As you can see, semi-trailers play a vital role in delivering the wide variety of goods that stock our stores, fuel our economy and enable modern lifestyles. Without them, shelves would be empty.
Semi-Trailer By the Numbers
The semi-trailer industry in the US is massive, consisting of the following key figures:
– Over 3 million semi-trailers registered for commercial use in the US.
– Around 210,000 new trailers built annually by domestic manufacturers.
– Approx. value of US semi-trailer manufacturing is $15 billion per year.
– Top 5 trailer manufacturers control over 60% of North American market share.
– Majority of trailers on US roads are between 5-10 years old.
– Average loaded tractor-trailer weighs 80,000 lbs, maximum is 80,000 lbs.
– Over 65% of all US freight tonnage is carried by semi-trailers on highways annually.
– Semis transport over $735 billion of domestic freight worth of goods per year.
As our population and economy grows, demand for new trailers and professional drivers also increases steadily each year. The semi-trailer sector is a major employer as well, with thousands working in manufacturing and transportation services.
The Road Ahead for Semi-Trailers
Looking ahead, new trailer technologies are being developed to enhance efficiency, driver comfort and freight handling capabilities:
– Aerodynamic designs that improve fuel economy up to 10% over current models.
– Advanced suspension designs provide a smoother ride for drivers and better cargo protection.
– Trailer tracking systems monitor location, cargo environment (temp, shocks) in real time.
– Automation options like collision avoidance, self-parking could raise driver productivity.
– All-electric trailers for short-haul, last mile delivery aims to eliminate emissions in cities.
– Increased use of composite materials to reduce weight without sacrificing durability.
As the trucking industry adopts cleaner fuels and updated safety regulations, trailer manufacturers will play a key role innovating new solutions. Their products remain essential for seamless supply chains in the future economy.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
