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The Evolution of Truck Classes in North America: From Workhorses to Smart Vehicles
From its very beginning, the history of truck development in North America has shown slow but steady progress from simple utilitarian to complex machines.
As more industries emerged, trucks were developed, and truck designs and functionality improved, while some became extinct when new technologies were invented.
The various types of trucks discussed below include both extinct and in-use ones, classified according to their historical importance.
Progression of Truck Types in North America
Here are some of the North American Truck Class Types that have been in the process of evolution.
Model T Truck (Early 1900s)
Based on the stock of the Model T car, with its flatbed, it has been widely used for small-scale deliveries.
The Model T truck was extremely popular but is now extinct, replaced by more robust, specialized vehicles. Even so, it served as a basis for more complex trucks because of its simplicity and low cost.
Day Cab Tractors (1930s-Present)
Day cab tractors entered the market in the 1930s and have been in service ever since. They are manufactured for short to medium distances, and the truck does not contain a sleeping compartment. Its utility applies to regional deliveries.
Day cab tractors are essentially known for their power and reliability and continue to be excellent workhorses in industries where frequent, short trips need to be finished.
Sleeper Tractors (1950s-Present)
With the increasing demand for long-haul transportation, it wasn't before sleeper tractors became the industry's need.
Dating back to the 1950s, sleeper tractors were used for long haulage as these trucks featured a space to sleep behind the driver's seat, hence allowing comfort during long hauls.
As time passed by, long-haul freight still needed sleeper tractors, but their technology improved to increase efficiency with fuel consumption and safety.
Chain Drive Trucks (1910–1920)
Later on, with time, another truck style that also became obsolete was the chain drive truck. The chain drive truck emerged for use in the 1910s and 1920s, and these were heavy-duty and powerful because they carried multiple heavy loads.
These are powered either by steam or gas engines with a chain mechanism set to drive the rear wheels. Although chain drive trucks could carry heavy loads, the shaft drive system also emerged and proved more reliable, requiring less maintenance.
Logging Trucks (Mid-20th Century)
The mid-20th century saw the specialized logging truck haul heavy loads of timber out of forests and into processing mills. They are robust and built to handle rugged terrain and oversized cargo.
Even though they are still used today in a highly advanced form, some of the early models of these logging trucks have been made largely obsolete so that modern designs can gain more space to be made with better safety and efficiency.
Articulated Semi-Trailers (1950s–Present)
Semi-trailers, articulated trucks first introduced in the 1950s, saw their induction completely change the scenario for long-haul transportation. It consists of a tractor unit and a detachable trailer, allowing for greater flexibility in cargo management.
Innovative designs have led to smart technologies on semi-trailer designs to improve fuel efficiencies, track cargo, and eventually enhance driver safety, and it is still today one of the most widely used truck types in North America.
Electric Trucks (21st Century)
In recent years, the electric truck has indicated the next major revolution in the trucking industry. The electric trucks that are driven by electric motors are seen as the great giant leap toward sustainability and efficiency.
Used mainly for short to medium runs, advanced technology put into these trucks enhances functional capabilities and heralds transportation of the future.
The progress of trucks in North America has been a wide variety of vehicles: the early 'Model T truck' to the advanced electric trucks. As time and industry needs have advanced, other models have been phased out for smarter and more efficient models which are now shaping futures.