29 Aug. 2011
When I started working this job, I found that Semi-trucks are just as varied and diverse as normal cars are, and there are specialty vehicles within the trucking industry which I had never seen before. Because of this I thought it would be a nice Idea to go over the main kinds of semi-trucks and truck manufacturers, because I had no clue.
First of all, there are many truck manufacturers in the United States. My Employers only work with a few of these Companies. Freightliner, Kenworth, International, Peterbilt, and Volvo. Other Trucking manufacturers that I do not have the chance of driving are; Mack, Western Star, Navistar International, Hino, and Ford.
I have driven three different models of truck so far in my time as a truck driver. The first was the Peterbilt 387
I really liked this Truck. It is sleek and aerodynamic (for a Semi-truck) and I just like saying "Peterbilt"
The second truck I drove was the International Pro-Star Eagle
This Truck was also very nice, though for some reason the Driver's seat killed my tailbone and the engine fan is very very loud. Other than that is was a fine truck, and it had a very smooth ride even when towing very heavy loads.
The third truck I have driven, and the first as a Solo driver was the Kenworth T600
This Truck is one I have mixed feelings about. The Sleeper was very roomy, but the cab was very narrow. I had to squeeze between the seats to get to the sleeper. Additionaly, My perticular truck was something of a beater. It had a loose panel somewhere that would rattle when going uphill, and my Auxilary Power Unit's Air Conditioner was not functional (Sleeping in Georgia when it is 86 degrees at night was not fun)
The trucks my Employers use that I may drive in the future are thus;
Volvo VNL64T780
Kenworth T660
Now then... There are some other kinds of trucks that I see but do not use. First, the Cabover...
In my mind, these trucks are the epitome of awkward. They had heard of such a think as Aerodynamics, but wanted nothing to do with it... That being said, they do have their advantages. Because they lack any sort of nose at all, they are super easy to back with. Where is the Engine you Ask?
Um... Oh... that's just a Model... But the point remains.
Now there are these guys called "Yard Dogs" Who do nothing but move trailers from one part of a facility to another. their vehicles are pretty weird looking, but they have no nose, like a cab over, and have a very small turning radius.
Weird Huh? Those things zip around like bees, taking trailers from one place to another.
Now... Some people do crazy things with their trucks, especially the ones with long long noses.
That is actually pretty mild, and kinda cool I have to admit... But with so much space between the cab and the trailer it would be a pain to back... (Can you tell I don't like Backing? I don't.)
So there's the basic overview... I am sure there are some I've missed.
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