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
