Transportation
Understanding the Terminology Behind American 18-Wheelers: Semis and Semitrailers Explained
Understanding the Terminology Behind American 18-Wheelers: Semis and Semitrailers Explained
When we hear the term '18-wheelers', the common understanding is a large semi-truck, with its distinctive long trailer. But have you ever stopped to wonder why these trucks are referred to as 'semis'? This article delves into the intricacies of the naming conventions of these powerful vehicles and clarifies the confusion surrounding the terms 'semi-trailer' and 'semis'.
Why Are 18-Wheelers Called Semis?
According to the industry, the term 'semi-trailer' is sometimes misused as a shorthand reference to the tractor-trailer combination, which includes both the truck and the trailer. This term arises from the type of trailer these vehicles tow. A semi-trailer, as defined, has wheels only at the rear. These trailers must be supported by a tractor unit, which connects to the trailer via a version of a tow dolly and a ball hitch. The term 'semi' is short for 'semi-trailer', a reference to the fact that about half of the trailer's weight is supported by the tractor unit.
The Evolution of Transportation Terminology
The term 'semi-trailer' originally referred to a specific type of trailer, not the entire tractor-trailer combination. However, the terminology has evolved over time, often leading to confusion. In contemporary usage, 'semi-trailer' and 'semis' have become interchangeable, referring to the entire combination of the tractor and the trailer they pull. Despite this, there is still no standardized term in the trucking industry, with different manufacturers and operators using various terms, such as 'trailer', 'truck', 'carrier', and 'semis', all pointing to the same thing—the container or platform with sets of axles designed to carry cargo.
A Closer Look at 'Articulated Lorry'
It's interesting to note that a tow truck, for example, is commonly referred to as a 'towing truck' or simply a 'tow truck', despite the fact that these fall outside the traditional classification of 'lorry'. A lorry, which can be an articulated lorry or articulated vehicle in British English, is a heavy-duty road vehicle used to transport large items of cargo. This term originates from the fact that these lorries can bend in the middle, which is a characteristic of an articulated vehicle. The term "articulated" refers to a structure where parts are connected so that they can move around a point or points, similar to how our joints work.
Expanding on Terminology in the Trucking Industry
In the United States, the terms 'trailer' and 'truck' are often used generically to refer to a vehicle designed to transport goods, regardless of their specific classification. This broad use of terminology highlights the diversity in the trucking industry, where vehicles range from box trucks like a U-Haul to flatbed and tanker trucks. A 'carrier', a term used in some industries, refers to a company that operates and transports goods using their own trucks or through contracts with other transporters. The truck itself, which is the front part of the tractor-trailer combination, is often called a 'tractor' or a 'tow truck', emphasizing its role in pulling the trailer.
The Semis and Semitrailers: A Standard in the Modern Logistics Industry
In essence, the term 'semis' has become a colloquial term for the tractor-trailer combination as a whole. It is not a misnomer but a simplification of a more complex system. When discussing these powerful vehicles, the terms 'semis' and 'semitrailers' are often used interchangeably to describe the vehicle combination that is a staple in the modern logistics industry. Despite the evolution of terminology, understanding these names and their origins can make communication in the trucking and logistics industry more effective and less confusing.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the terms 'semis' and 'semitrailers' are not only interchangeable but also stand for the power and precision behind the transportation of goods in the modern logistics industry. Whether you refer to them as 'semis', 'semitrailers', or 'heavy trucks', these vehicles play a crucial role in carrying out various transportation tasks efficiently across the United States and around the world.