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Trucks being the backbone of any town or city, the demand for powerful trucks with quality workmanship that can endure everyday abuse continues to be sustained. Since these heavy vehicles are depended on for various purposes they must also be crafted for specific jobs. The trucking industry in the United States was worth over $540 billion in 2009. And though railways are tasked with transporting goods over long distances, those goods still have to be transported further to warehouses and stores. Trucks take care of this and it can be said that over 90 percent of what we own and consume are because of these engineering marvels and their competent drivers. Supply jobs aside, trucks are also used for tasks like trash collection and hauling/towing. Since the jobs are varied, the trucks too must differ from one another. Check out this short list of the types of trucks most used today and the unique characteristics they have. Flatbed trucks: Flatbed trucks are among the most common as their build allows for transporting bulky and weighty cargo. The cab in the front is the only housed section as the rear comprises just a flat bed with no sides and a roof. Since flatbeds are minus a shelter, they’re suitable for ferrying large equipment and hardy cargo that’s not prone to weather damage. In fact, these trucks can be configured to have such high load-bearing capacities that they can even transport a tunnel boring machine weighing several thousand tons. Tankers: Tanker trucks are another efficient vehicle capable of transporting thousands of gallons of fluids, typically oil and gas. These huge machines have a tank at the rear with a capacity ranging from over 5,000 gallons to close to 12,000 gallons. Owing to the nature of the contents they transport, the tanks must be built to very high standards with excellent safety. The tanks may be compartmented too if multiple products have to be ferried. Dumper trucks: Dumper trucks (also sometimes called garbage trucks if trash is collected) ferry material away from sites. This material is typically earth and gravel although garbage may also be transported. The configuration differs depending on what the truck is used for. Standard dumper trucks, articulated dumper trucks and super dumper trucks are some of the frequently used vehicles. The first (double axel) is used to transfer around 10 short tons of material though a triple axel can push it up to around 15 tons. Articulated models have a greater capacity of about 20 tons while super dumper trucks, which are a lot larger and far more powerful, can haul material weighing around 25 short tons. Others such as side dumpers and semi trailer end dumpers have varying capacities. Semi-trucks: Semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are large trucks that carry freight. These big rigs are responsible for ferrying most of the cargo we require every day including other vehicles like cars. Back in 2008, Spain witnessed a truckers’ strike that saw trucks being taken off the road, including 18-wheelers, which led to a virtual standstill of plant operations and a stoppage in supply of essential materials. Such actions which occur from time to time are eye-openers and force us to realize just how much we depend on trucks and truckers to help us lead stress-free lives. Truck parts come in various forms and suiting various purposes, however, whilst buying such accessories, you must make sure they meet safety standards and are high on quality. For an insight into the benefits of commercial trucks and their importance in the industry, click here.
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