Heavy trucks - the semis and tractor trailers seen on highways all across the country delivering goods to all points - are the lifeblood of the American shipping system and all similar systems throughout the world.
Without these important work mechanisms and those who operate them, life today would be very different from what is currently experienced.
Yet it is easy to take these hard-working vehicles for granted, failing to realize the technology that has greatly contributed to the production of more efficient, cost saving trucks.
Heavy commercial haulers are much more than just a big engine pulling a big load.
Big Rig Design and Purpose Probably the largest vehicles on the highway today, heavy haulers are just what the name implies - heavy.
Typically weighing as much as 80,000 pounds unloaded, this is a lot of truck to find rolling down the highway.
Add a load in the trailer and the gross vehicle weight of many of these haulers can be over 100,000 pounds, all doing 60 or 70 mph on the open highway.
As there have been ongoing improvements in design and functionality, the main areas of vehicle concentration have been better braking systems, better fuel efficiency, and better aerodynamics.
These three main topics are what drives the different truck makers to keep constantly working towards a better design as well as better ways to provide both power and safety - and of course while staying efficient.
There are some truly innovative ideas that have gone into rethinking engines and axles and everything else that could possibly contribute to a transportation company's profitability.
Most truck companies want to buy heavy models that are going to be able to perform effectively for the least amount of money.
Recently this had involved the conversion of some vehicles to run on natural gas, which has proven to drastically improve fuel efficiency for larger trucks.
Price Versus Economic Conditions Most heavy-duty trucks have some heavy-duty price tags, easily reaching into the $100-150,000 range depending on features such as engine capacity, sleeper cabins, gross vehicle weight, manufacturer, and many other such details.
Naturally, buying a new vehicle is usually preferred; however, buying used is more practical.
Buyers should be extremely careful about what trucks are purchased used, since many times it is possible to get more use and better efficiency from a newer vehicle equipped with more advanced design features that can significantly affect fuel consumption and overall operating costs.
That isn't to say there are not many good benefits to be found when buying a used truck; any used vehicle can be a bargain as long as it is in sound condition and shows good mileage left in it - and it certainly helps if the price is right.
The better deals can be harder to find, which is many times directly influenced by the economy.
In bad times, there are a few more low mileage, newer vehicles available for a good price since downsizing happens when companies cannot keep a large working fleet of heavy vehicles.
At the same time, a poor economy can lead to retaining trucks longer than might normally be done, all of which definitely affects supply and demand for used vehicles versus new ones.
When it comes down to getting the right transportation to meet business needs, it will indeed differ with each company and individual job requirements, meaning that the vehicle finally purchased will differ as well.
With the distinct features that can be found on these machines, it does seem as if there are no two that are alike.
Smart buyers who understand business needs ahead of time as well as what different designs and additions are needed should be able to purchase the best new or used heavy trucks for most job needs.
The main factor will always be to know what each one can offer based on make, model and design, GVWR, life expectancy, and other individual features.
Understanding heavy trucks will always lead to the best purchase possible!