The tractor trailer truck is a vehicle that has been around for many decades.
While it has changed and evolved over the years, it has remained a staple of transportation and commerce. From the earliest days of the motorized truck to the modern rigs of today, the tractor trailer has been an integral part of the transportation industry. Read further and we will provide a detailed look at the history of the tractor trailer truck, from its early origins to its current form.
Early History
The concept of the tractor trailer truck dates back to the early 1900s, when a number of different companies began to experiment with motorized truck designs. The first successful motorized truck, the Mack AB, was developed in 1900 by John and Augustus Mack. This truck was a two-axle vehicle that was powered by a single-cylinder steam engine. The Mack AB was used to haul heavy loads and proved to be a reliable and efficient way to transport goods.
In the early 1910s, a number of other companies began to develop their own motorized truck designs. One of the most successful of these was the Autocar U, which was developed by the Autocar Company in 1912. This truck was designed to be used for heavy-duty hauling and featured a two-cylinder gas engine.
The first tractor trailer truck was developed by the White Motor Company in 1916. This truck, called the White Tractor Truck, featured a two-axle design and was powered by a four-cylinder gas engine. The White Tractor Truck was used to haul heavy loads and proved to be a reliable and efficient way to transport goods.
The 1920s
The 1920s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the GMC Wagon and the Fordson wagon. The GMC Wagon was a two-axle vehicle that was powered by a four-cylinder gas engine and used to haul heavy loads. The Fordson wagon was a three-axle vehicle that was powered by a six-cylinder gas engine and was used to transport larger loads.
In the late 1920s, the first semi-trailers began to appear. These were designed to be towed behind a tractor trailer truck and allowed for the transport of larger loads. The trailer was connected to the tractor trailer truck via a fifth wheel. This allowed for a greater amount of cargo to be transported with each trip.
The 1930s
The 1930s saw the introduction of several new tractor trailer designs, including the Diamond T and the Mack L. The Diamond T was a three-axle truck that was powered by a six-cylinder gas engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The Mack L was a four-axle truck that was powered by an eight-cylinder gas engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first diesel-powered tractor trailer trucks began to appear. These trucks were more efficient and powerful than their gas-powered counterparts and allowed for the transport of larger loads. The first diesel-powered tractor trailer truck was the White Diesel, which was developed in 1933. This truck was powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine and could haul up to 25 tons of cargo.
The 1940s
The 1940s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the Kenworth W900 and the Peterbilt 281. The Kenworth W900 was a four-axle truck that was powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The Peterbilt 281 was a five-axle truck that was powered by a 16-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first refrigerated tractor trailer trucks began to appear. These trucks were used to transport perishable goods across the country. The first refrigerated tractor trailer truck was the Frigidare, which was developed in 1941. This truck was powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine and could haul up to 25 tons of cargo.
The 1950s
The 1950s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the International Harvester COE and the Mack Super-Liner. The International Harvester COE was a six-axle truck that was powered by a 16-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The Mack Super-Liner was a seven-axle truck that was powered by a 20-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first articulated tractor trailer trucks began to appear. These trucks were designed to be able to turn tight corners and maneuver in tight spaces. The first articulated tractor trailer truck was the DAF YA-126, which was developed in 1956. This truck was powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine and could haul up to 35 tons of cargo.
The 1960s
The 1960s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the Freightliner FLD and the Peterbilt 379. The Freightliner FLD was an eight-axle truck that was powered by a 20-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The Peterbilt 379 was a nine-axle truck that was powered by a 24-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first automated transmission tractor trailer trucks began to appear. These trucks were designed to reduce driver fatigue by allowing for smooth shifting and increased fuel efficiency. The first automated transmission tractor trailer truck was the Mack ASET, which was developed in 1965. This truck was powered by a 12-cylinder diesel engine and could haul up to 35 tons of cargo.
The 1970s
The 1970s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the Kenworth W900A and the International 9400. The Kenworth W900A was an eleven-axle truck that was powered by a 24-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The International 9400 was a twelve-axle truck that was powered by a 32-cylinder diesel engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first turbocharged diesel engines began to appear in tractor trailer trucks. These engines were designed to provide increased power and fuel efficiency. The first turbocharged diesel engine tractor trailer truck was the Mack Super-Liner, which was developed in 1976. This truck was powered by a 16-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and could haul up to 40 tons of cargo.
The 1980s
The 1980s saw the development of several new tractor trailer designs, including the Peterbilt 379EX and the Kenworth T800. The Peterbilt 379EX was a fourteen-axle truck that was powered by a 32-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and was used to transport heavy loads. The Kenworth T800 was a sixteen-axle truck that was powered by a 48-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and was used to transport even larger loads.
During this time, the first aerodynamic tractor trailer trucks began to appear. These trucks were designed to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The first aerodynamic tractor trailer truck was the Freightliner FLD, which was developed in 1984. This truck was powered by a 24-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and could haul up to 45 tons of cargo.
The tractor trailer truck has come a long way since its early days. From the Mack AB of 1900 to the Freightliner FLD of 1984, the tractor trailer truck has evolved to become a powerful and efficient way to transport goods. Thanks for viewing our history of the tractor trailer truck, from its early origins to its current form.