We can’t imagine our lives without automobiles today; yet, there was a time when there were no cars in this world, let alone trucks. Before the invention of automobiles, goods were transported via trains. However, railway networks had their limitations, including a lack of flexibility and an inability to deliver outside city centers. Therefore, horse-led vehicles were used to deliver the shipments to ultimate locations.
The First Truck
Automobiles were invented in the 1890s, but the problem was their delivery. Companies couldn’t find a way to deliver the cars safely with zero mileage. This issue led to the creation of the first-ever semi-truck. Alexander Winton modified a flatbed by attaching it to the top of an engine to carry a car on top of it. This first truck had space to carry just one car and needed three people to load and unload it.
Mack trucks
Mack Trucks were invented in 1900 in New York. These trucks had an automatic starter and other basic features. They were widely used by the British Government during the First World War to supply soldiers with necessary equipment. The company gained popularity in 1920 and still operates in the market with Mack services readily available.
Semi-Trailers
Semi-trailers were invented in 1914 by August Fruehauf. These were far more flexible in comparison to full trailers and were used to transport boats and oversized cargo. Semi-trailers also became extremely popular and were utilized by a lot of businesses to ship their goods and equipment throughout the USA. These trailers are still in the market today and are counted among some of the biggest sellers in the country.
Semi-Trucks
Navistar, an American company, made the first tandem axle truck with six wheels. In 1939, a company called Peterbilt Service was established. It specialized in the production of heavy-duty vehicles. With the release of their first truck, they offered gasoline and diesel engines and an all-steel cab. Later, Freightliner Trucks Company manufactured an all-aluminum cab truck and also created an organized distribution network for them. The Freightliner service is also one of the leading companies in the industry today.
Present Day
The industry kept growing little by little until there was a massive boost in the 1980s. At that time, trucks and car trailers replaced the railroad transport completely. Today, heavy-duty vehicles are made up of advanced transport technology where trucks are loaded with a wide selection of tools. You will even find hydraulic lifts in the trucks to load the cars. The transportation industry has grown to an unbelievable level today, where hundreds of software are available for working and maintaining vehicles. Companies also provide consumers with custom services, insurance coverage, shipment tracking facilities, and roadside assistance for semi-trucks and other vehicles.
Conclusion
Automobiles were first invented in the 1890s, and the first truck was created to carry just one car on top of it at that time. Mack trucks were invented in 1900 with many basic facilities and an automatic starter. Later, semi-trailers were created that were used to transport cargo and boats and were used by many businesses and companies for shipment purposes.1939 to 1942 was the era when Navistar, Peterbilt, and Freightliner companies made many improvements. In 1980, the railway system was replaced entirely by trucks and trailers, and today, there has been a massive advancement in the industry with the use of modern technology and transport.
