Truck Trailers

Truck trailers attach to a towing engine to haul loads across an area, typically a state or country. Truck trailers that will be driven on roadways must meet certain criteria to be legal. These standards are in place to prevent accidents and keep roadways safe.

Types of Truck Trailers

Truck trailers come in many sizes and shapes to suit different purposes. The type of cargo being hauled dictates nearly everything about the design of the truck trailer. A truck trailer being used to haul livestock will be designed with airflow and comfort of the animals in mind. Hauling lumber would require a very different design.

Selling truck trailers is competitive, and there are brands and variations to choose from for each purpose. Some may have lifts, moveable sections, or other specialized features for convenient delivery of goods. Truck trailers that will be shipping to large restaurants will often be set up with a refrigerated section, a frozen section, and a dry section.

Loads that truck trailers are used to haul include:

  • Cars
  • Dry freight
  • Agricultural equipment, supplies, and animals
  • Machinery and parts
  • Modular homes
  • Refrigerated supplies

Truck Trailer Road Requirements

There are laws surrounding weight that can be hauled, necessary lighting and breaking systems on truck trailers, and licensing requirements. In 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. This requires drivers of large vehicles, such as buses and tractor trailer trucks, to acquire a commercial driver’s license. This law was put in place to ensure that drivers of large vehicles fully understand maneuvering and stopping techniques prior to frequent use.

Lighting Standards

Lighting standards are in place to make certain that other vehicles can see exactly where the trailer is in the dark or during inclement weather. All rear lighting must be in good working order for the truck trailer to be registered and insured. Lighting must be maintained to avoid tickets and fines, or lawsuits if an accident occurs because of improper lighting. There are standards on side reflectors in some cases, as well.

Braking System Standards

Braking systems requirements must be met by truck trailer manufacturers to guarantee proper stopping power for the weight that the trailer is intended to carry. These requirements are periodically updated, and truck trailer manufacturers are obligated to conform to each new standard as it is put in place. Failure to comply with braking standards could result in government penalties and mandatory recalls on truck trailers.

Truck Trailer Roadway Accidents

Truck trailer can cause very dangerous situations if there is a roadway accident. The cargo that is being hauled and the sheer size of the truck trailer can make for more widespread catastrophe that most other vehicles. If a truck trailer has caused an accident, an attorney may be able to help victims receive compensation for injuries and damage. An attorney can help to determine who was at fault for the accident, whether that be the driver that was hauling the truck trailer, the company that was responsible for maintaining the truck trailer, or the manufacturer of the truck trailer.

 

You Can Find Robert Dellecker on Google+

 

Sources:

“Antilock Brake Systems.” U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. United States of America Department of Transportation, 16 Jul 2013. Web. 13 Oct 2013. <http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.55>.

“Code of Federal Regulations.” Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 01 Dec 2009. Web. 13 Oct 2013. <http://ttmanet.org/>.

“Truck, Tractor, and Trailer Quick Reference Guide.” Vehicle Valuation Services. Vehicle Valuation Services, 03 Feb 2000. Web. 13 Oct 2013. <http://www.vvsi.com/training/TrainingGuide.pdf>.