You likely have heard many different names used for the giant vehicles that haul goods and cargo on the highway — semi-truck, tractor-trailer, big rig, 18-wheeler, or simply truck. But do each of these names refer to different types of vehicles? Are there any differences between a truck, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler?
Semi-Truck, Truck, 18-Wheeler: What’s the Difference?
Depending on the context, the term “truck” may refer to a wide range of commercial vehicles, including box trucks, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks and18-wheelers in Utah.These specific terms typically refer to a truck’s body type, wheels, and other defining characteristics.
A semi-truck has two parts: a trailer, which carries cargo, and a tractor, which contains the engine. Notably, a semi-truck’s tractor can detach from its trailer, and semi-trucks often travel without trailers.
The terms 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer simply refer to a semi-truck and its trailer. Tractor-trailers are sometimes called 18-wheelers due to the total number of wheels on the tractor and trailer.
Are All Semi-Trucks Commercial Motor Vehicles?
A commercial vehicle transports goods or passengers for a profit. Semi-trucks often fall under this definition. A vehicle could also be considered a commercial vehicle if it meets a certain weight threshold. A semi-truck will certainly qualify as acommercial motor vehiclewhen combined with a trailer.
Different Types of Trailers for Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks have various types of trailers, each designed for a specific job or to haul a particular kind of cargo. These include:
- Flatbed trailers
- Refrigerated trailers
- Lowboy trailers
- Conestoga trailers
- Dry van trailers
- Logging trailers
- Tipper trailers
- Single/double drop trailers
- Removable gooseneck trailers
- Liquid or gas tankers
- Car carriers
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
The things you do after a truck accident can impact your health and ability to recover compensation. If possible, you should:
- Call 911.
- Get the truck driver’s driver’s license number, employer name, and insurance information.
- Take photos and video of the crash scene.
- Go to the hospital or see a doctor to evaluate your injuries.
- Keep copies of medical bills and receipts for accident-related expenses.
- Retain your pay stubs and tax returns if you missed work while recovering from your injuries.
- Talk to atruck accident attorneyto learn your legal options.
Hurt in an Accident with a Semi-Truck? Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you suffered injuries in a truck crash that was not your fault, reach out to the attorneys atSwenson & Shelleyfor a free, no-obligation consultation. AUtah semi-truck accident lawyerfrom our law firm can explain your rights and options for seeking compensation for your losses. Call orcontact us today.
Kevin Swenson was raised in Bountiful, Utah, and is a co-founding partner of Swenson & Shelley. After graduating from Bountiful High School, Kevin attended business school at Westminster College.
FAQs
These specific terms typically refer to a truck's body type, wheels, and other defining characteristics. A semi-truck has two parts: a trailer, which carries cargo, and a tractor, which contains the engine. Notably, a semi-truck's tractor can detach from its trailer, and semi-trucks often travel without trailers.
What's the difference between a semi-truck and a truck? ›
That being said, the main difference in the semi truck vs. straight truck matchup is the single chassis of the straight truck that combines the cab, sleeper, and cargo box. This usually makes it a little easier to drive and handle, though it sacrifices some versatility and cargo load options.
What's the difference between a commercial truck and a regular truck? ›
Extremely heavy weight: Vehicles that are used in commerce and weigh over 26,000 pounds are not only considered to be commercial vehicles but are typically subject to even more stringent federal and state regulations.
What's the difference between a semi and a straight truck? ›
A straight truck refers to a medium-heavy vehicle with all its axles connected to a single frame. To draw a line between a semi-truck and a straight truck, the main distinguishing factor is that a semi-truck can detach its cargo area while a straight truck can't.
Is it better to lease a semi-truck or buy a semi-truck? ›
Choosing between leasing and buying a semi-truck ultimately comes down to your personal and business needs, financial situation, and long-term goals. If you value flexibility, lower upfront costs, and less maintenance responsibility, leasing might be the way to go.
What makes a truck a semi? ›
A semi-truck has two parts: a trailer, which carries cargo, and a tractor, which contains the engine. Notably, a semi-truck's tractor can detach from its trailer, and semi-trucks often travel without trailers. The terms 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer simply refer to a semi-truck and its trailer.
Why is the truck called a semi? ›
The term “semi-trailer” or simply “semi” refers to the “semi-supported” nature of the trailer. This phrase evolved through time to cover the full set of vehicles, giving rise to the terms “semi-truck” or “18-wheeler” to refer to the tractor-trailer combination.
What are the three types of trucks? ›
For road trucks – that is, trucks that can be on the road without any special permit – the three types of trucks are Light, Medium, and Heavy.
Is a 3500 truck considered a commercial vehicle? ›
If a truck weighs more than 10,000 lbs. (i.e. 10,001 lbs. or more), it may be considered a commercial vehicle. Most Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to vehicles with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs. While drivers of vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 lbs.
What makes a truck a commercial truck? ›
In California, a commercial truck is a vehicle used in the course of business and/or for the transport of commercial goods.
For a transportation vehicle to be considered a straight truck, it must have a cab and body that consist of one unit. The vehicle must also be 26' in length or less. Examples of straight trucks include delivery trucks, waste disposal trucks, and city buses.
What is a straight truck called? ›
A straight truck, also commonly referred to as a “box truck” or “cube truck”, is a commercial motor vehicle in which each axle — from the tip of the cab to the rear of the trailer — is connected by a single frame.
Is an 18 wheeler a semi-truck? ›
A semi truck, also called a semi-trailer or 18-wheeler, consists of a tractor unit and trailer connected by a fifth wheel. It is used to transport goods over long distances. A long-haul truck is a vehicle used for long distance hauling and may be a semi truck or a smaller, single-unit truck.
What credit score do you need to buy a semi-truck? ›
If you finance your semi truck through a traditional bank, you'll need a credit score of 660 or higher. Online lenders typically set their minimum credit scores in the low 600s. If you have poor credit, you can find online or direct lenders that offer loans for bad credit borrowers.
Is there money in owning a semi-truck? ›
How much money can you make owning a semi truck? The average annual income for a semi-truck owner-operator in the United States was often reported to range from $60,000 to $150,000. The average income of a semi-truck company driver in the United States typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year.
Is it worth it to buy your own semi-truck? ›
Whether you're an experienced owner-operator or a driver who's just starting a trucking business, purchasing a semi-truck can be a good investment, so long as you know what to expect and have a solid business plan.
Why do Americans call a truck a semi? ›
The answer is pretty simple: semi-truck or semi is actually short for semi-trailer truck. The “semi” part of the title has nothing to do with the size of the big rig, but everything to do with what the tractor is pulling behind it.
Is a semi-truck a full truck? ›
The 'tractor' does not haul the load but simply supports part of the the weight of the semi-trailer that contains the load. We call it a 'truck tractor' so it's not confused with this… A “semi truck” is not a partial truck. It is a whole truck that is designed to pull a semi trailer, or “partial trailer.”
A commercial vehicle transports goods or passengers for a profit. Semi-trucks often fall under this definition. A vehicle could also be considered a commercial vehicle if it meets a certain weight threshold. A semi-truck will certainly qualify as acommercial motor vehiclewhen combined with a trailer.
