Why Are Semi Trucks Called Semi Trucks and What's the Story?

You've probably wondered why semi trucks are called semi trucks, but have you ever stopped to think about the origin of the name? The term "semi" actually comes from the word "semi-trailer", which refers to the fact that these trucks have a trailer that is partially supported by a tractor unit.

The tractor unit, also known as the cab-over, is the part of the truck that contains the engine and cab of the driver. It's the part that you see when you look at a semi truck from the front. The trailer, on the other hand, is the part that carries the cargo. The "semi" part of the name refers to the fact that the trailer is only partially supported by the tractor unit, leaving the rest of the weight to be carried by the trailer's axles.

The combination of the tractor unit and trailer is what allows semi trucks to carry large amounts of cargo over long distances. This combination of power and capacity is what makes semi trucks so essential to the transportation industry.

Semi-trucks go by many names, but what are they officially called? The real name of a semi-truck is a semi-tractor-trailer or a semi-trailer truck.

A semi-truck is also known by several other names in North America. Here are some of them:

It's worth noting that not all semis are 18-wheelers. Only the ones that have 18 wheels are 18-wheelers.

A standard semi-truck has 18 wheels, earning it another name: the 18-wheeler.

The term "semi-truck" comes from the fact that only the back set of wheels is on the trailer, which allows for better load distribution and more steering power.

A semi-truck's trailer can't be towed on its own without attaching it to the truck first.

The word "semi" is more commonly used in North America than in England.

A "full trailer" has both front and rear axles, but a semi-trailer has no front wheels and rests on the rear of the tractor.

The term "semi-trailer" has been shortened to just "semi-truck" over time, a preference for shorter words that's common in American language.

In the United Kingdom, semi-trucks are often referred to as articulated lorries, with "lorry" being a local term for truck and "articulated" indicating the trailer is hauled behind.

Semi-trucks in the United States and Canada are frequently called big rigs, a fun and informal term that kids love to learn.

The term 18-wheeler is also commonly used to refer to semi-trucks, as they have a total of 18 wheels - 10 on the truck part and 8 on the trailer.

You might hear people in the UK use the term articulated lorry more often than big rig or 18-wheeler, but they all refer to the same type of vehicle.

The semi truck's heritage dates back to Alexander Winton in 1898, who sparked the automotive industry's transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized commercial transport. This marked the beginning of the semi truck's evolution.

The semi truck's development was influenced by technological leaps, such as the introduction of air brakes in the 1950s and electronic controls in the 1970s. These innovations significantly broadened their commercial transport roles.

The term "semi" in semi trucks comes from the trailer unit's design, which lacks a front axle and is supported by the tractor unit instead. This design makes it simple to attach and detach the trailer.

State regulations on weight and axle counts have sculpted the modern semi-truck, influencing the archetype of the 'eighteen wheelers'. Despite some semi trucks sporting different axle and wheel counts, they are generically referred to as 18-wheelers.

The term "semi" in semi-trucks actually comes from the fact that the trailer unit lacks a front axle and is supported by the tractor unit, making it a "semi-supported" design. This design makes it easy to attach and detach the trailer.

The "semi" in semi-truck refers to the trailer unit's design, not its size. Semi-trucks completely dwarf everyday pickup trucks, but that's not where the name comes from.

The semi-trailer design allows for flexibility while loading and unloading items, as the trailer can be easily attached and detached from the tractor unit. This design has been a game-changer for the trucking industry.

The term "semi" also comes from the semi-oscillating turntable hitch that holds the tractor and trailer together while on the road. This type of hitch allows for horizontal rotation and up or down rotation, giving the driver more control over the distribution of weight.

The semi-hitch is designed to move vertically on a rack and be locked into place to ensure the perfect proportion of the load's weight. This adjustable hitch gives the driver freedom to determine the distribution of weight on the truck.