Words by Allen Brown
When we talk about trucks in general, they are the most utilized vehicles in the U.S. for many years. From pickup trucks to the long and large trailer trucks, you’ll be bound to see one every time you hit the road or take a walk down any highway. Pickup trucks are robust, spacious, and versatile vehicles that can take on different terrains, which make them popular choices for personal and work vehicles. The large trailer trucks are important assets of company fleets and other major commercial companies engaged in land-based cargo deliveries and distribution. As technology has advanced in recent years, so did the models and generations of trucks used by individuals and companies.
Here, we’ll discuss the most used truck types and the latest generation trucks that have the greatest performance.
Photo by Quintin Gellar from Pexels
Tractor-Trailers
Perhaps one of the most predominant truck types is the tractor-trailer or semi-trailer when it comes to cargo transport. It is a versatile and powerful type of truck, which is capable of carrying large and heavy cargos on its trailer. The flatbed truck is one of the most versatile semi-trailer types because of its capability to handle different types of cargo loads. It’s no wonder why this is the preferred truck by several flatbed trucking companies in addition to its high carrying capacity. These trailers come in 38, 40, 42, 45, and 53 feet, with the 45-foot trailer being the optimal option for multi-purpose hauls and the 53-foot trailer designed for specialized jobs. The notable and popular manufacturers and brands of high-performance semi-trailers include Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Western Star, among others.
Box Trucks
Another notable type of truck that we commonly see in the streets is the box truck or box van. Most box truck designs have a separate cabin and cargo box, but some designs incorporate a door between the cargo area and the cabin. Box trucks are commonly used for transporting appliances, furniture, and small to medium parcels. Moving companies usually use box trucks for moving jobs, and some companies offer box truck rentals for individuals who want to personally move their stuff. The most popular cab-over box truck manufacturers are Isuzu Motors, Mitsubishi, and UD Trucks. Conventional cab/chassis box truck designs are manufactured by Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, and Dodge.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are popular heavy-duty vehicles that are used for personal and work purposes. They have powerful engines and strong suspension systems, which make them easy to maneuver and control on both paved and unpaved roads. Some are also capable of off-road travel and managing tough terrains. They are also capable of carrying extra weight, making them great vehicles for camping, farm and barn jobs, and small to medium construction projects.
The latest generation of pickup trucks has focused on the technology side of the vehicle’s features, incorporating safety, entertainment, and comfort features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment system, portrait touchscreen monitors, cruise control feature, blind-spot monitoring system, and forward-collision warning system. The most notable manufacturers of latest generation truck models include Ram, GMC, Jeep, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Photo by Jonathan Petersson from Pexels
Trucks are a significant icon of modern land transport. They are integral vehicles for the lives of people and will continue to be so in the future. Manufacturers of different trucks have adapted to technological advancements and incorporated technological features that help truck driving more enjoyable, safe, and comfortable. We hope that this discussion will allow you to consider a truck among your vehicle options, whether it’s for personal or business use.