Trucking is a vital industry in the United States, responsible for transporting goods across the country and supporting the economy. It’s estimated that over 70% of all freight tonnage moved in the United States is transported by trucks.
According to the American Trucking Association, there are approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the United States, and the trucking industry employs over 7 million people in total. So it’s a widespread industry, with trucks operating on highways and roads throughout the country, connecting rural and urban areas and supporting industries such as manufacturing, construction, and retail. And with the growth of online shopping, the demand for trucking services is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Let’s take a look at the three most-used types of trucks in the US today.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are the most common type of truck in the US and are designed for personal use and everyday transportation. Light duty and meant for personal use and everyday transportation, they come in different cab configurations such as regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab. They also have different bed sizes, which can affect their towing and hauling capabilities. Pickup trucks are known for their durability, versatility, and practicality. They also often have four-wheel drive systems, which provide better traction and stability in rough terrain and inclement weather. Pickup trucks come in a variety of styles and designs, ranging from traditional, rugged-looking models to more modern, sleek designs. Popular brands in the US include the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and the Nissan Frontier.
Semi Trucks
Semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are large trucks often used for shipping work and regularly haul cargo and truck loads over long distances, which is a popular type of work that many people undertake, either as a side job or a full-time role. They are designed to have a high towing capacity and can carry a wide range of cargo types, including dry goods, refrigerated products, and hazardous materials.
Semi-trucks are typically driven by professional drivers who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and undergo specialized training to handle the size and weight of the vehicle. They require special driving skills, as well as a high level of awareness and caution due to their size and the length of time it takes to stop or maneuver the truck.
Semi-trucks have a complex and sophisticated system of components that allow them to operate safely and efficiently, including engines, transmissions, axles, and brakes. They also require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that they are operating properly and meet safety regulations. biographypark
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are heavy-duty trucks used to transport loose materials such as gravel, sand, dirt, or construction debris. They are equipped with a hydraulic system that allows them to tilt the bed of the truck and dump the materials out at a specific location.
Dump trucks come in various sizes, from small, single-axle trucks used for residential construction to large, heavy-duty trucks used in mining and construction industries. They have a variety of bed sizes, ranging from 10 to 20 cubic yards, which determine the amount of material that can be transported in one load.
Dump trucks are commonly used in construction, mining, and landscaping industries for hauling materials and debris. They are also used in snow removal and waste management operations. They can be operated by a single driver and, again, require a CDL to operate.
