Truck vs Trailer: Navigating the Differences and Regulations

When it comes to hauling goods, understanding the difference between a truck and a trailer is crucial. If you’re just getting started in the transportation industry or simply curious about how these powerful vehicles work, this article will help clarify the distinctions and the associated regulatory requirements.

Understanding Trucks

A truck is a power unit that exceeds a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds. Trucks can be categorized into various types based on their design and function. Some common types include:

Step vans Fridge vans Flatbeds (with or without rails) Telescopics (rolloff) Tankers Cement mixers Food trucks

Trucks can be further subdivided into:

Step vans are commonly used to transport goods in urban areas where maneuverability is important. Fridge vans are temperature-controlled boxes used for transporting perishable goods. Flatbeds are ideal for moving heavy machinery, construction materials, or other large items that require a flat surface. Telescopic flatbeds (rolloff) can be tilted and telescoped to facilitate loading and unloading. Tankers are used for transporting liquids, such as gasoline, diesel, and milk. Cement mixers are used for transporting concrete mixtures. Food trucks are self-contained kitchens on wheels, often used for catering services.

Regulations and CDL Requirements

Trucks that exceed 26,000 GVWR in total (including the truck and load) require a commercial driver's license (CDL). The specific class of CDL you need depends on the weight of the trailer:

Class A requires a CDL with a heavier trailer (10,000 pounds or more). Class B requires a CDL for a lighter trailer (under 10,000 pounds).

Trucks without a trailer, such as pickup trucks, are not typically considered commercial vehicles unless they are in combination with a trailer that exceeds the 26,000 GVWR threshold. In such cases, a CDL B would be required when used in commercial operations.

Trailer Basics

A trailer is a device with wheels that can transport goods by being connected behind a truck or power unit. Trailers are generally connected to a truck using one of two types of couplings:

Ball and mount King pin and fifth wheel

My argument has always been that a trailer is pushed by the tractor or truck, as the movement is facilitated by the fifth wheel pushing on the back of the king pin. While it might seem counterintuitive, the truck is actually pulling the trailer when in motion.

Types of Trailers

Trailers can essentially be divided into two main categories:

Full trailers, which have wheels at both the front and rear. These trailers require very little support from the power unit and can be single or dual-axle. Examples include: Utility trailers Landscaping trailers Semi-trailers, which have wheels in the middle to rear. They rely primarily on the pulling unit for support. The fifth wheel transfers the majority of the weight to the drive axles. Examples include: Vegetable refer trailers Oil tanker trailers

Understanding the differences between trucks and trailers is crucial for those in the transportation industry. While a truck provides the power and support, a trailer allows for efficient and versatile cargo transportation. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, grasping these distinctions can make a significant impact on your operations.