View source for Truck

{{short description|Commercial or utilitarian motor vehicle}}
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{{Redirect-multi|2|Trucks|Lorry|other uses|Truck (disambiguation)|and|Lorry (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use American English|date=August 2025}}
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[[File:Freightliner_M2_106_6x4_2014_(14240376744).jpg|thumb|[[Freightliner Trucks|Freightliner]] M2 dump truck|upright=1.3]]

A '''truck''' ([[North American English|North American]] and [[Australian English]]) or '''lorry''' ([[British English]]) is a [[motor vehicle]] designed to transport [[freight]], carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature [[body-on-frame]] construction, with a cabin that is independent of the payload portion of the vehicle. Smaller varieties may be mechanically similar to some [[automobile]]s. Commercial trucks can be very large and powerful and may be configured to be mounted with specialized equipment, such as in the case of [[refuse truck]]s, [[fire truck]]s, [[concrete mixer]]s, and [[suction excavator]]s. In American English, a commercial vehicle without a trailer or other articulation is formally a "[[straight truck]]" while one designed specifically to pull a trailer is not a truck but a "[[Tractor unit|tractor]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trucking.org/ATA%20Docs/What%20We%20Do/Image%20and%20Outreach%20Programs/STR/Trucking%20Glossary.pdf|title=Glossary|website=trucking.org|access-date=12 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129105447/https://www.trucking.org/ATA%20Docs/What%20We%20Do/Image%20and%20Outreach%20Programs/STR/Trucking%20Glossary.pdf|archive-date=29 November 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The majority of trucks currently in use are powered by [[diesel engine]]s, although small- to medium-size trucks with [[gasoline engine]]s exist in [[North America]]. [[Electric truck|Electrically powered trucks]] are more popular in China and Europe than elsewhere.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trends in heavy electric vehicles – Global EV Outlook 2024 – Analysis|url=https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-heavy-electric-vehicles|access-date=8 August 2024|website=IEA|language=en-GB}}</ref> In the [[European Union]], vehicles with a [[gross combination mass]] of up to {{convert|3.5|t|abbr=on}} are defined as [[light commercial vehicle]]s, and those over as [[large goods vehicle]]s.

==History==

===Steam wagons===
[[Image:1924-Super-Sentinel.jpg|thumb|[[Sentinel Waggon Works|Sentinel]] steam wagon]]
{{Main|Steam wagon}}
Trucks and cars have a common ancestor: the steam-powered ''fardier'' [[Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot]] built in 1769.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} However, [[steam wagon]]s were not common until the mid-19th century. The roads of the time, built for horse and carriages, limited these vehicles to very short hauls, usually from a factory to the nearest railway station. The first [[Semi-trailer truck|semi-trailer]] appeared in 1881,{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} towed by a [[steam tractor]] manufactured by [[De Dion-Bouton]]. Steam-powered wagons were sold in France and the United States until the eve of [[World War I]], and 1935 in the United Kingdom, when a change in road tax rules made them uneconomic against the new diesel lorries.

===Internal combustion===
[[File:DMG-Lastwagen von 1896.jpg|thumb|right|[[Daimler Motor Lastwagen|Daimler Motor-Lastwagen]] from 1898]]
[[File:1903EldridgeTruck.jpg|thumb|1903 Eldridge truck on display at the [[Iowa 80]] Trucking Museum, Walcott, Iowa.]]
In 1895, [[Karl Benz]] designed and built the first [[internal combustion]] truck. Later that year some of Benz's trucks were modified to become busses by ''Netphener''. A year later, in 1896, another internal combustion engine truck was built by [[Gottlieb Daimler]], the [[Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft|Daimler Motor]] [[Daimler Motor Lastwagen|Lastwagen]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Truck History|url=http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltruck.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711060100/http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltruck.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2012|publisher=[[About.com]]|access-date=6 September 2008}}</ref> Other companies, such as [[Peugeot]], [[Renault]] and [[Büssing]], also built their own versions. The first truck in the United States was built by [[Autocar Company|Autocar]] in 1899 and was available with {{convert|5|or|8|hp|0}} engines.<ref>{{cite web|title=Autocar, Always up, Our History|url=http://www.autocartruck.com/history|publisher=Autocar, LLC|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022113254/https://www.autocartruck.com/history|url-status=live}}</ref> Another early American truck was built by George Eldridge of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1903. It was powered by an engine with two opposed cylinders, and had a chain drive<ref>"D.M.'s Eldridge Beat Henry Ford." Des Moines Register, 5 June 1996, p. 6N-LC. https://www.newspapers.com/image/130960696/?clipping_id=131599051&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEzMDk2MDY5NiwiaWF0IjoxNzE1NTQwMzIwLCJleHAiOjE3MTU2MjY3MjB9.-lQ-C4jYruRLmtDhkKYk7d6sZTuWnWdhpGvssMexmjA</ref> A 1903 Eldridge truck is displayed at the [[Iowa 80]] Trucking Museum, Walcott, Iowa.   Trucks of the era mostly used [[Straight engine|two-cylinder]] engines and had a carrying capacity of {{cvt|1.5|to|2|t|lbs|-2}}. After World War I, several advances were made: [[Starter motor|electric starters]], and 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines.

===Diesel engines===
[[File:Foden_Diesel_Truck_(40746179963).jpg|thumb|[[Foden Trucks|Foden]] diesel truck from 1931]]

Although it had been invented in 1897, the [[diesel engine]] did not appear in production trucks until Benz introduced it in 1923.<ref>{{cite web|title=Debut of diesel engines in tractors and trucks|url=https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Debut-of-diesel-engines-in-tractors-and-trucks.xhtml?oid=9361501|publisher=Daimler AG|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927173954/https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Debut-of-diesel-engines-in-tractors-and-trucks.xhtml?oid=9361501|url-status=live}}</ref> The diesel engine was not common in trucks in Europe until the 1930s. In the United States, Autocar introduced diesel engines for heavy applications in the mid-1930s. Demand was high enough that Autocar launched the "DC" model (diesel conventional) in 1939. However, it took much longer for diesel engines to be broadly accepted in the US: gasoline engines were still in use on heavy trucks in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Davies|first=Peter J.|title=The World Encyclopedia of Trucks|year=2000|publisher=Lorenz Books|isbn=0-7548-0518-2|pages=20–21, 114, 118, 160, 204}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Motor's Truck and Diesel Repair Manual|edition=26|year=1973|publisher=Motor|isbn=0-910992-16-9|pages=530, 1035}}</ref>

===Electric motors===
{{Main|Electric truck}}
[[File:1911WalkerElectricTruck-2.jpg|thumb|1911 Walker Electric truck on display at the [[Iowa 80]] Trucking Museum, Walcott, Iowa.]]
[[File:President Biden Ford F150 Lightning 05 20 2021.jpg|thumb|[[President Joe Biden]] test driving the Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric pick up at Ford's [[Ford River Rouge Complex|Rouge Electric Vehicle Center]]]]
[[Electric truck|Electrically powered trucks]] predate internal combustion ones and have been continuously available since the mid-19th-century. In the 1920s [[Autocar Company|Autocar Trucks]] was the first of the major truck manufacturers to offer a range of electric trucks for sale.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chuckstoyland.com/category/automotive/early-electric-cars/trucks/truck-auto-car/|title=AutoCar Archives|access-date=1 July 2021|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817223150/https://www.chuckstoyland.com/category/automotive/early-electric-cars/trucks/truck-auto-car/|url-status=live}}</ref> Electric trucks were successful for urban delivery roles and as specialized work vehicles like [[Forklift#Battery-electric|forklifts]] and [[Ground support equipment#Pushback tugs and tractors|pushback tugs]]. The higher energy density of liquid fuels soon led to the decline of electric-powered trucks in favor of, first, gasoline, and then diesel and CNG-fueled engines until battery technology advanced in the 2000s when new [[Electric vehicle battery#Electric vehicle battery types|chemistries]] and higher-volume production broadened the range of applicability of electric propulsion to trucks in many more roles. Today, manufacturers are electrifying all trucks ahead of national regulatory requirements, with long-range over-the-road trucks being the most challenging.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Profita|first1=Cassandra|title=California's Landmark Electric Truck Rule Targets 'Diesel Death Zone'|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/26/883634480/californias-landmark-electric-truck-rule-targets-diesel-death-zone#:~:text=Victoria%20says%20California%27s%20electric%20truck%20mandate%20could%20help,tons%20of%20climate-warming%20carbon%20dioxide%20from%20the%20atmosphere.|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=NPR|date=26 June 2020|quote=California will require automakers to sell more electric trucks starting in 2024. The measure, approved unanimously Thursday by the California Air Resources Board, says that by 2045 all new trucks sold in the state should be zero-emissions.|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609093456/https://www.npr.org/2020/06/26/883634480/californias-landmark-electric-truck-rule-targets-diesel-death-zone#:~:text=Victoria%20says%20California%27s%20electric%20truck%20mandate%20could%20help,tons%20of%20climate-warming%20carbon%20dioxide%20from%20the%20atmosphere.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shephardson|first1=David|last2=Groom|first2=Nichola|title=California passes landmark mandate for zero emission trucks|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-trucks-electric-idUSKBN23W31N|access-date=14 June 2021|agency=Reuters|date=25 June 2020|quote=The mandate, which applies to medium-duty and large trucks, will put an estimated 300,000 zero-emission trucks on the road by 2035. The mandate will start in the 2024 model year and initially require 5%–9% zero emission vehicles (ZEV) based on class, rising to 30%–50% by 2030. By 2045, all vehicles should be ZEVs. The regulation would apply to pickup trucks weighing 8,500 pounds or more, but not to light-duty trucks, which are covered by separate zero emission regulations.|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614121013/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-trucks-electric-idUSKBN23W31N|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Etymology===
{{original research section|date=February 2020}}
[[File:Finlaysonin Mannesmann Mulag-auto.jpg|thumb|[[Mannesmann|Mannesmann Mulag]] truck at the [[Finlayson (company)|Finlayson factory]] in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]] in 1921]]
''Truck'' is used in [[American English]]; the [[British English]] equivalent is lorry.

The first known usage of "truck" was in 1611 when it referred to the small strong wheels on ships' cannon carriages, and comes from Greek τροχός (''trokhos'') = "wheel". In its extended usage, it came to refer to carts for carrying heavy loads, a meaning known since 1771. Its expanded application to "motor-powered load carrier" has been in usage since 1930, shortened from "motor truck", which dates back to 1901.<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truck?show=2&t=1284721768 "Truck"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709060659/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truck?show=2&t=1284721768 |date=9 July 2017 }}. ''Merriam-Webster Dictionary''.</ref><ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=truck&searchmode=none "Truck"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529191522/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=truck&searchmode=none |date=29 May 2011 }}. ''Online Etymology Dictionary''. 16 September 2010.</ref>

"Lorry" has a more uncertain origin, but probably has its roots in the [[rail transport]] industry, where the word is known to have been used in 1838 to refer to a type of truck (a [[goods wagon]] as in British usage, not a [[bogie]] as in the American), specifically a large flat wagon. It might derive from the verb ''lurry'' (to carry or drag along, or to lug) which was in use as early as 1664, but that association is not definitive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oed.com//view/Entry/111334|title=lurry, v.|date=September 2019|website=Oxford English Dictionary Online|publisher=Oxford University Press|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> The expanded meaning of ''lorry'', "self-propelled vehicle for carrying goods", has been in usage since 1911.<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=lorry&searchmode=none "Lorry"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020084528/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=lorry&searchmode=none |date=20 October 2012 }} ''Online Etymology Dictionary'' 16 September 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lorry "Lorry"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411012935/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lorry |date=11 April 2010 }} Merriam-Webster Dictionary</ref>

===International variance===
{{Further|List of truck types}}
[[File:Trucks parked in USA.jpg|thumb|Trucks parked near Plaza, by the side of Highway in USA]]

[[File:Truck Pakistan.jpg|thumb|In Pakistan and India the majority of trucks are colorful and decorated.]]

In the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, "truck" is usually reserved for commercial vehicles larger than regular passenger cars, but includes large SUVs, pickups, and other vehicles with an open load bed.

In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the word "truck" is mostly reserved for larger vehicles. In Australia and New Zealand, a pickup truck is frequently called a [[ute (vehicle)|''ute'']] (short for "utility" vehicle),<ref>{{cite web|title=The First Ute|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/the-first-ute|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329182657/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/the-first-ute|archive-date=29 March 2012|access-date=15 June 2012|publisher=ABC – Radio Australia}}</ref> while in South Africa it is called a ''bakkie'' ([[Afrikaans]]: "small open container").

In the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland, and [[Hong Kong]] ''lorry'' is used instead of ''truck'', but only for the medium and heavy types, while ''truck'' is used almost exclusively to refer to [[pickup truck|pickup]]s.

==Types by size==
{{see also|Truck classification|List of truck types}}

===Ultra light===
Often produced as variations of [[golf car]]s, with internal combustion or [[battery electric vehicle|battery electric drive]], these are used typically for off-highway use on estates, golf courses, and parks. While not suitable for highway use some variations may be licensed as slow speed vehicles for operation on streets, generally as a body variation of a [[neighborhood electric vehicle]]. A few manufactures produce specialized chassis for this type of vehicle, while [[Zap Motors]] markets a version of their Xebra electric tricycle (licensable in the U.S. as a motorcycle).

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:Might-E Truck.jpg|thumb|[[Might-E Truck]] from [[Canadian Electric Vehicles]]]]
| [[Image:Mitsubishi Motors Minicab MiEV Truck (Prototype).jpg|thumb|[[Mitsubishi Minicab#Minicab MiEV|Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV]] [[Electric truck|battery-electric]] truck]]
| [[File:Dairy_Crest_milk_float_(modified).jpg|thumb|[[Dairy Crest]] electric milk float truck]]
|}

===Very light===
Popular in Europe and Asia, many mini-trucks are factory redesigns of light automobiles, usually with [[monocoque]] bodies. Specialized designs with substantial frames such as the Italian Piaggio shown here are based upon Japanese designs (in this case by [[Daihatsu]]) and are popular for use in "old town" sections of European cities that often have very narrow alleyways.

Regardless of name, these small trucks serve a wide range of uses. In Japan, they are regulated under the [[Kei car]] laws, which allow vehicle owners a break in taxes for buying a smaller and less-powerful vehicle (currently, the engine is limited to 660 cc displacement). These vehicles are used as on-road utility vehicles in Japan. These Japanese-made mini-trucks that were manufactured for on-road use are competing with off-road ATVs in the United States, and import regulations require that these mini-trucks have a {{convert|25|mph|abbr=on}} speed governor as they are classified as low-speed vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?rule_toc=777&section=571.3&section_toc=2060|title=49CFR571|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922163045/http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?rule_toc=777&section=571.3&section_toc=2060|archive-date=22 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> These vehicles have found uses in construction, large campuses (government, university, and industrial), agriculture, cattle ranches, amusement parks, and replacements for golf carts.<ref>{{cite web|title=お問い合わせ|url=https://www.best-used-tractors.com/contact/|language=ja|access-date=12 September 2019|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809164553/https://www.best-used-tractors.com/contact/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Major mini-truck manufacturers and their brands include: [[Daihatsu Hijet]], [[Honda Acty]], [[Tata Ace]], [[Mazda Scrum]], [[Mitsubishi Minicab]], [[Subaru Sambar]], and [[Suzuki Carry]].

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:Palermo_3352.jpg|thumb|[[Piaggio Porter]] in Palermo]]
| [[File:池袋_(16203352225).jpg|thumb|[[Suzuki Carry]] in Taiwan]]
| [[Image:Tata Super Ace DLS (front), Denpasar.jpg|thumb|[[Tata Super Ace]] in Indonesia]]
|}

{{clear}}

===Light===
Light trucks are car-sized (in the US, no more than {{convert|6.3|t|lbs|-2|order=flip|abbr=on}}) and are used by individuals and businesses alike. In the EU they may not weigh more than {{convert|3.5|t|lbs|abbr=on}} and are allowed to be driven with a [[European driving licence|driving licence]] for cars.

[[Pickup truck]]s, called ''utes'' in Australia and New Zealand, are common in North America and some regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa, but not so in Europe, where this size of commercial vehicle is most often made as vans.

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:2018 Ford Ranger (PX) XLT 4WD 4-door utility (2018-10-22) 01.jpg|thumb|[[Ford Ranger]] [[pickup truck]]]]
| [[File:Lindner_Unitrac_95L_in_Versam.jpg|thumb|[[Lindner (agricultural machinery manufacturer)|Lindner]] Unitrac 95L truck harvesting hay in Switzerland]]
| [[File:2014_Holden_Ute_(VF_MY14)_SV6_utility_(2018-10-01)_01.jpg|thumb|[[Holden Ute#VF|Holden Ute (VF)]] in Australia]]
|}

===Medium===
Medium trucks are larger than light but smaller than heavy trucks. In the US, they are defined as weighing between {{cvt|13000|and|33000|lb|t}}. For the UK and the EU the weight is between {{cvt|3.5|and|7.5|t|lb}}. Local delivery and public service ([[dump truck]]s, [[garbage truck]]s and [[fire apparatus|fire-fighting trucks]]) are normally around this size.

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:DEPTC ATM-1273 20190113.jpg|thumb|[[Mitsubishi Fuso Canter|Fuso Canter]] (8th gen) in Taiwan]]
| [[File:20-02-08 OFWA Photowalk-.jpg|thumb|[[SML Isuzu]] in Ghana]]
| [[File:Rapperswil_-_Seestrasse_Feuerwehr_Rapperswil-Jona_2011-06-19_15-24-18_ShiftN.jpg|thumb|Fire-fighting truck in Switzerland]]
|}

===Heavy===
Heavy trucks are the largest on-road trucks, [[Class 8 truck|Class 8]]. These include vocational applications such as heavy dump trucks, concrete pump trucks, and refuse hauling, as well as ubiquitous long-haul 4x2 and [[6x4 (drivetrain)|6×4]] [[tractor unit]]s.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141218231107/https://cta.ornl.gov/vtmarketreport/pdf/chapter3_heavy_trucks.pdf "Chapter 3. HEAVY TRUCKS – Center for Transportation" (PDF)] ''cta.ornl.gov'' 20 August 2015</ref>

Road damage and wear increase very rapidly with the axle weight. The number of steering axles and the suspension type also influence the amount of the road wear. In many countries with good roads a six-axle truck may have a maximum weight of {{convert|44|t|lbs|-2|abbr=on}} or more.

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:34th_St_2nd_Av_td_(2018-11-20)_07.jpg|thumb|A [[cement mixer]]]]
| [[File:Walmart’s Hybrid Assist Truck.jpg|thumb|A [[6x4 (drivetrain)|6×4]] truck hauling a Walmart container]]
| [[File:Borough of Hackney Seddon Atkinson Strato 325 8x4 Rubbish compactor, Apr 2009 - Flickr - sludgegulper.jpg|thumb|[[Seddon Atkinson]] Stratos refuse compactor]]
|}

===Off-road===
Off-road trucks include standard, extra heavy-duty highway-legal trucks, typically outfitted with off-road features such as a front driving axle and special tires for applications such as logging and construction, and purpose-built off-road vehicles unconstrained by weight limits, such as the [[Liebherr T 282B]] mining truck.

{| style="margin: auto"
|-
| [[File:Alma_antenna_in_transit.jpg|thumb|[[Atacama Large Millimeter Array|ALMA]] antenna transporter with 28 tires<ref>{{cite news|title=An ALMA Antenna on the Move|url=http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1229a/|access-date=16 July 2012|newspaper=ESO Picture of the Week|archive-date=27 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127233150/http://www.eso.org/public/images/potw1229a/|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
| [[Image:Liebherr T282.jpg|thumb|[[Liebherr T 282B]] [[Diesel–electric powertrain|diesel-electric]] mining truck]]
|}

===Maximum sizes by country===
{{Further|Road train}}
[[File:Road train-cropped.jpg|thumb|A [[Mack Titan]] [[road train]] in Australia|upright=1.3]]

Australia has complex regulations over weight and length, including axle spacing, type of axle/axle group, rear overhang, kingpin to rear of trailer, drawbar length, ground clearance, as well as height and width laws. These limits are some of the highest in the world, a B-double can weigh {{convert|62.5|t|abbr=on}} and be {{convert|25|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long, and [[road train]]s used in the [[outback]] can weigh {{convert|172|t|1|abbr=on}} and be {{convert|53.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=aus1>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2013/247a/sch1|title=Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and loading) National Regulation Schedule 1 (NSW)|publisher=New South Wales Government|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727093514/http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2013/247a/sch1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=aus6>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2013/247a/id54|title=Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and loading) National Regulation Schedule 6 (NSW)|publisher=New South Wales Government|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727093514/http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2013/247a/id54|url-status=live}}</ref>

The European Union also has complex regulations. The number and spacing of axles, steering, single or dual tires, and suspension type all affect maximum weights. Length of a truck, of a trailer, from axle to hitch point, kingpin to rear of trailer, and turning radius are all regulated. In additions, there are special rules for carrying containers, and countries can set their own rules for local traffic.<ref name=eurlex>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01996L0053-20150526|title=Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic|publisher=EUR-Lex|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=24 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824225013/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01996L0053-20150526|url-status=live}}</ref>

The United States Federal Bridge Law deals with the relation between the gross weight of the truck, the number of axles, the weight on and the spacing between the axles that the truck can have on the Interstate highway system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/publications/brdg_frm_wghts/index.htm|title=Freight Management and Operations: Bridge Formula Weights|publisher=US Department of Transportation|date=21 May 2015|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-date=12 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212191105/http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/brdg_frm_wghts/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Each State determines the maximum permissible [[Gross vehicle weight rating|vehicle]], [[Gross combined weight rating|combination]], and [[Gross axle weight rating|axle]] weight on state and local roads.
{{clear}}
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Country!!Maximum<br />with three axles!!With one trailer!!Maximum combination
|-
|style="width: 125px;"|Australia<ref name=aus1/><ref name=aus6/>||style="width: 125px; vertical-align:top;"|{{convert|23|t|1|abbr=on}}||style="width: 125px; vertical-align:bottom;"|{{convert|12|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} ||style="width: 150px;"|{{convert|172|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|53.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
|China<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-goods-by-road|title=Chinese Road Transport Mass and Dimensions Regulations – An Analysis of the Challenges Ahead|last1=Harborn|first1=Mats|last2=Feng|first2=Feng|last3=Xu|first3=Tommy|publisher=road-transport-technology.org|year=2013|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704092933/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-goods-by-road|url-status=live}}</ref>||{{convert|25|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|12|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|49|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|16.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|55|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|18.75|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|EU<ref name=eurlex/>||{{convert|26|t|1|abbr=on}} <br />{{convert|12|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}||style=" vertical-align:bottom;"|{{convert|16.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} || {{convert|44|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|18.75|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| Finland<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1992/1257|title=Asetus ajoneuvojen käytöstä tiellä|publisher=Finlex|access-date=2 December 2019|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219215549/http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1992/19921257|url-status=live}}</ref>||{{convert|28|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|13|m|ft|abbr=on}}||{{convert|76|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|34.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}||{{convert|76|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|34.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| Ireland<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Vehicle%20Std%20Leg/Vehicle%20regs/Weights_Dimensions_Leaflet.pdf|title=Guidelines on Maximum Weights and Dimensions|publisher=Ireland Road Safety Authority|date=February 2013|access-date=26 June 2014|archive-date=27 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727112254/http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Vehicle%20Std%20Leg/Vehicle%20regs/Weights_Dimensions_Leaflet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>||{{convert|26|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|12|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|30|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|16.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}||{{convert|44|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|22|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| Sweden<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/globalassets/global/publikationer-och-rapporter/vag/yrkestrafik/lasta-lagligt/tran045-lasta-lagligt-eng-low.pdf|title="Legal loading" - Weight and dimension regulations for heavy vehicles|publisher=Swedish Transport Agency|access-date=3 December 2022|archive-date=3 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203010653/https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/globalassets/global/publikationer-och-rapporter/vag/yrkestrafik/lasta-lagligt/tran045-lasta-lagligt-eng-low.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trailer.se/artikel/langre-kombinationer-tillats-i-sverige-fran-1-december|title=Längre kombinationer tillåts i Sverige från 1 december|work=Trailer|publisher=Albinsson & Sjöberg|language=sv| first = Rutger | last = Andersson | date=2 November 2023|access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>||{{convert|26|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|24|m|ft|abbr=on}}||{{convert|74|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|25.25|m|ftin|abbr=on}}||{{convert|74|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|34.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
| UK<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.returnloads.net/pdfs/haulage-courier-vehicle-types-and-weights/|title=A Guide to Haulage & Courier Vehicle Types & Weights|publisher=Returnloads.net|format=PDF|access-date=23 March 2021|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722071610/https://www.returnloads.net/pdfs/haulage-courier-vehicle-types-and-weights/|url-status=live}}</ref>||{{convert|26|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|12|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}|| {{convert|44|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|16.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|44|t|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|18.75|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| USA<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/index.htm#cmv|title=Federal Size Regulations for Commercial Motor Vehicles|publisher=US Department of Transportation|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=5 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605074524/http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/index.htm#cmv|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/FREIGHT/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/index.htm|title=Compilation of Exixting State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws|publisher=US Department of Transportation|date=May 2015|access-date=7 August 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807093248/http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/FREIGHT/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(Interstate)||{{convert|54000|lb|t|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|45|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|80000|lb|t|abbr=on}}<br />none|| {{convert|80000|lb|t|abbr=on}} <br />none
|}
Uniquely, the [[State of Michigan]] has a gross vehicle weight limit of {{convert|164,000|lbs|t|abbr=on}}, which is twice the U.S. federal limit.<ref name="Egan">{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2018/03/13/five-reasons-michigan-lousy-roads-potholes/407807002/|title=Does your body ache from hitting potholes? 5 reasons Michigan has lousy roads|first1=Paul|last1=Egan|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=13 March 2018|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416173620/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2018/03/13/five-reasons-michigan-lousy-roads-potholes/407807002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://semcog.org/blog/artmid/528/articleid/260/michigan’s-road-spending-how-do-we-stack-up|title=Michigan's Road Spending: How do we stack up?|date=17 August 2018|first1=Bill|last1=Anderson|publisher=[[Southeast Michigan Council of Governments]]|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/pothole-questions-why-are-ohios-roads-better-than-michigans-roads|title=Pothole questions: Why are Ohio's roads better than Michigan's roads? MDOT points to lack of funding compared to Ohio|first1=Ken|last1=Haddad|date=22 February 2018|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416173151/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/pothole-questions-why-are-ohios-roads-better-than-michigans-roads|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> A measure to change the law was defeated in the [[Michigan Senate]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/2014/12/michigan_roads_bill_to_reduce.html|title=Michigan road funding: Proposal to cut truck weight limits fails in state Senate|date=2 December 2014|first1=Jonathan|last1=Oosting|work=[[MLive]]|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416153641/https://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/2014/12/michigan_roads_bill_to_reduce.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Chatti">{{cite web|last1=Chatti|first1=K.|title=Effect of Michigan Multi-Axle Trucks on Pavement Distress.|publisher=[[Michigan DOT]] and [[Michigan State University]], Final Report, Executive Summary, Project RC-1504.|date=February 2009|url=http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Research_Report_RC1504__ExecSum_272183_7.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024064503/https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Research_Report_RC1504__ExecSum_272183_7.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="FHA">{{cite web|title=Pavement Comparative Analysis Technical Report Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Limits Study|date=15 June 2015|publisher=[[U.S. Department of Transportation]], [[Federal Highway Administration]]|url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/map21tswstudy/technical_rpts/pcanalysis.pdf|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111203016/https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/map21tswstudy/technical_rpts/pcanalysis.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Egan1">{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/04/19/heavy-truck-damage-michigan-roads/3474156002/|title=Experts weigh in on how much Michigan's heavy trucks damage the state's roads|date=19 April 2019|first1=Paul|last1=Egan|access-date=21 April 2019|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420142855/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/04/19/heavy-truck-damage-michigan-roads/3474156002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Egan2">{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/03/01/michigan-worst-roads-heaviest-trucks/3002380002/|title=Fixing Michigan's crumbling roads: What about the heavy trucks?|date=1 March 2019|first1=Paul|last1=Egan|access-date=21 April 2019|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421130000/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/03/01/michigan-worst-roads-heaviest-trucks/3002380002/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==
Almost all trucks share a common construction: they are made of a [[chassis]], a [[#Cab|cab]], an area for placing [[cargo]] or equipment, [[axle]]s, [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] and [[wheel|roadwheels]], an [[engine]] and a [[powertrain|drivetrain]]. [[Pneumatic]], [[hydraulic]], [[Engine cooling|water]], and [[electrical]] systems may also be present. Many also tow one or more [[trailer (vehicle)|trailers]] or semi-trailers.

===Cab===
[[File:Fuso Super Great 471-AJ 20181024.jpg|left|thumb|A cabover truck]]
[[File:Kenworth T2000, Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame, 2015.JPG|thumb|Streamlined conventional cab]]
[[File:Azeri "Smerch", parade in Baku, 2013.JPG|thumb|Cab beside engine]]

The "cab", or "cabin" is an enclosed space where the driver is seated. A "[[truck sleeper|sleeper]]" is a compartment attached to or integral with the cab where the driver can rest while not driving, sometimes seen in semi-trailer trucks.

There are several cab configurations:
* "[[Cab over]] engine" (COE) or "flat nose"; where the driver is seated above the front axle and the [[internal combustion engine|engine]]. This design is almost ubiquitous in Europe, where overall truck lengths are strictly regulated, and is widely used in the rest of the world. They were common in North American heavy-duty trucks but lost prominence when permitted length was extended in the early 1980s. Nevertheless, this design is still popular in North America among medium- and light-duty trucks. To reach the engine, the whole cab tilts forward, earning this design the name of "tilt-cab". This type of cab is especially suited to the delivery conditions in Europe where many roads require the short turning radius afforded by the shorter wheelbase of the cab over engine layout.{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=58–61}}
* "Cab-under" is where the driver is positioned at the front at the lowest point possible as means for maximum cargo space as possible.<ref>Commercial Car Journal May 1977, Brian Taylor</ref><ref>Heavy Duty Trucking, November 1977, The cab-under controversy</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://historicvehicles.com.au/truck-feature/cab-under-trucks-didnt-make-it/|title=Cab-under trucks didn't make it|website=Historic Vehicles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trucksales.com.au/editorial/details/cab-under-trucks-is-an-old-idea-returning-136647/|title=Cab-under trucks – is an old idea returning?|website=trucksales.com.au}}</ref> Examples were made by Hunslet, Leyland, Bussing, Strick<ref>{{Cite web|last=Strohl|first=Daniel|date=27 May 2022|title=Strick's unconventional Cab-Under truck prototype, designed to skirt trucking length laws, returns to the United States, restoration underway|url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/05/27/stricks-length-law-beating-cab-under-prototype-returns-to-the-united-states-restoration-underway|access-date=16 September 2023|website=hemmings.com}}</ref> and Steinwinter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/article/12603/the-forgotten-steinwinter-supercargo-is-unlike-anything-on-the-road-today|title=The Forgotten Steinwinter Supercargo Is Unlike Anything on the Road Today|first=Rob|last=Stumpf|date=18 July 2017|website=The Drive}}</ref>
* "Conventional" cabs seated the driver behind the engine, as in most passenger cars or pickup trucks. Many new cabs are very [[m:wikt:streamline|streamlined]], with a sloped hood (bonnet) and other features to lower drag. Conventional cabs are the most common in North America, Australia, and China, and are known in the UK as "American cabs"{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} and in the Netherlands as "torpedo cabs".{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}
* "Cab beside engine" designs are used for [[terminal tractor]]s at [[shipyard|shipping yard]]s and for other specialist vehicles carrying long loads such as pipes. This type is often made by replacing the passenger side of a cab-over truck with an extended section of the load bed.
A further step from this is the side loading [[forklift]] that can be described as a specially fabricated vehicle with the same properties as a truck of this type, in addition to the ability to pick up its own load.

===Engines and motors===
[[File:Cummins Engine (LKW).jpg|thumb|[[Cummins B Series engine#6.7 ISB|Cummins ISB]] 6.7L medium-duty truck diesel engine]]
Most small trucks such as [[sport utility vehicle]]s (SUVs), [[van]]s or [[pickup truck|pickups]], and even light medium-duty trucks in North America, China, and Russia use [[gasoline engine]]s (petrol engines), but many [[diesel engine]]d models are now being produced. Most of the heavier trucks use [[four stroke cycle|four-stroke]] diesel engines with a [[turbocharger]] and [[intercooler]]. Huge off-highway trucks use locomotive-type engines such as a [[V12 engine|V12]] [[Detroit Diesel]] [[two stroke cycle|two stroke]] engine. A large proportion of refuse trucks in the United States employ [[CNG]] (compressed natural gas) engines for their low fuel cost and reduced carbon emissions.

A significant proportion of North American manufactured trucks use an engine built by the last remaining major independent engine manufacturer ([[Cummins (corporation)|Cummins]]) but most global OEMs such as [[Volvo Trucks]] and [[Daimler AG]] promote their own "captive" engines.<ref>{{cite book|title=Operators Handbook-DM, DMM, U Series|year=1988|publisher=[[Mack Trucks]]|pages=62–64}}</ref>

In the European Union, all new truck engines must comply with [[European emission standards|Euro&nbsp;VI]] emission regulations,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dieselnet.com/standards/eu/hd.php|title=EU: Heavy-Duty Truck and Bus Engines|date=November 2016|website=DieselNet|access-date=15 October 2017|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711152006/https://www.dieselnet.com/standards/eu/hd.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Euro 7 from the late 2020s has stricter exhaust limits and also limits [[Non-exhaust emissions|air pollution from brakes and tires]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=trans.info|title=Euro 7 emissions rules finalised: European Council approves tighter limits|url=https://trans.info/en/euro-7-emissions-rules-finalised-european-council-approves-tighter-limits-384532|access-date=8 August 2024|website=trans.info|language=en}}</ref>

{{As of|2019}} several alternative technologies are competing to displace the use of diesel engines in heavy trucks. CNG engines are widely used in the US refuse industry and in concrete mixers, among other short-range vocations, but range limitations have prevented their broader uptake in freight hauling applications. Heavy [[electric truck]]s and [[Hydrogen vehicle#Heavy trucks|hydrogen-powered trucks]] are new to the market in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Raynal|first=Wes|date=26 February 2021|title=Electric Truck Maker Nikola Is Cutting Production Target, Again|url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-cars/a35645412/nikola-cutting-production-target-again/|access-date=27 February 2021|website=Autoweek|language=en-US|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226222329/https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-cars/a35645412/nikola-cutting-production-target-again/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Salisbury|first=Mark|date=25 February 2021|title=DHL Freight and Volvo Trucks join to introduce long-distance electric trucks|url=https://www.fleetpoint.org/electric-vehicles-2/electric-trucks/dhl-freight-and-volvo-trucks-join-to-introduce-long-distance-electric-trucks/|access-date=27 February 2021|website=FleetPoint|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227002420/https://www.fleetpoint.org/electric-vehicles-2/electric-trucks/dhl-freight-and-volvo-trucks-join-to-introduce-long-distance-electric-trucks/|url-status=live}}</ref> but major freight haulers are interested.<ref>{{cite news|title=Want a Nikola hydrogen-electric truck? You will have to wait|url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/equipment/nikola-hydrogen-electric-truck-will-be-hard-to-get|work=FreightWaves|date=17 April 2019|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418153555/https://www.freightwaves.com/news/equipment/nikola-hydrogen-electric-truck-will-be-hard-to-get|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://electrek.co/2019/01/11/tesla-semi-order-electric-trucks-europe/|title=Tesla Semi receives another order, electric trucks will move goods in Europe|first=Fred|last=Lambert|date=11 January 2019|access-date=19 April 2019|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419165739/https://electrek.co/2019/01/11/tesla-semi-order-electric-trucks-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although cars will be first the [[phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles]] includes trucks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=California takes bold step to reduce truck pollution {{!}} California Air Resources Board|url=https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-takes-bold-step-reduce-truck-pollution|access-date=27 February 2021|website=ww2.arb.ca.gov|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226204957/https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-takes-bold-step-reduce-truck-pollution|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[The Economist]] magazine "Electric lorries will probably run on hydrogen, not batteries, which are too expensive."<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 February 2021|title=Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz part ways|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/business/2021/02/04/daimler-truck-and-mercedes-benz-part-ways|access-date=27 February 2021|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227193205/https://www.economist.com/business/2021/02/04/daimler-truck-and-mercedes-benz-part-ways|url-status=live}}</ref> Other researchers say that once faster [[Charging station|chargers]] are available batteries will become competitive against diesel for all, except perhaps the heaviest, trucks.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 April 2021|title=Climate change: Electric trucks 'can compete with diesel ones'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56678669|access-date=9 April 2021|archive-date=9 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409105355/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56678669|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Drivetrain===
[[File:Rear axles tandem.jpg|thumb|A truck rear suspension and drive axles overview]]
[[File:Eaton Autoshift.jpg|thumb|Eaton Roadranger 18 speed "crash box" with automated gearshift]]
Small trucks use the same type of [[transmission (mechanics)|transmissions]] as almost all cars, having either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission with [[synchromesh]] (synchronizers). Bigger trucks often use manual transmissions without synchronizers, saving bulk and weight, although synchromesh transmissions are used in larger trucks as well. Transmissions without synchronizers, known as "crash boxes", require [[double-clutching]] for each shift, (which can lead to repetitive motion injuries), or a technique known colloquially as "floating", a method of changing gears which does not use the clutch, except for starts and stops, due to the physical effort of double-clutching, especially with non-power-assisted clutches, faster shifts, and less clutch wear.

Double-clutching allows the driver to control the engine and transmission revolutions to synchronize so that a smooth shift can be made; for example, when upshifting, the accelerator pedal is released and the clutch pedal is depressed while the gear lever is moved into neutral, the clutch pedal is then released and quickly pushed down again while the gear lever is moved to the next higher gear. Finally, the clutch pedal is released and the accelerator pedal pushed down to obtain the required engine speed. Although this is a relatively fast movement, perhaps a second or so while the transmission is in neutral, it allows the engine speed to drop and synchronize engine and transmission revolutions relative to the road speed. Downshifting is performed in a similar fashion, except the engine speed is now required to increase (while the transmission is in neutral) just the right amount in order to achieve the synchronization for a smooth, non-collision gear change. "Skip changing" is also widely used; in principle, the operation is the same as double-clutching, but it requires neutral be held slightly longer than a single-gear change.

Common North American setups include 9, 10, 13, 15, and 18&nbsp;speeds. [[automatic transmission|Automatic]] and [[automated manual transmission]]s for heavy trucks are becoming more and more common, due to advances both in transmission and engine power. In Europe, 8, 10, 12, and 16&nbsp;gears are common on larger trucks with a manual transmission, while conventional automatic or automated manual transmissions would have anything from 5 to 12 gears. Almost all heavy truck transmissions are of the "range and split" (double H shift pattern) type, where range change and so‑called half gears or splits are air operated and always preselected before the main gear selection.

===Frame===
[[File:A truck chassis section.jpg|thumb|A truck rear frame (chassis) section view]]
[[File:ToyotaTundraChassis.jpg|thumb|Pickup truck frame (right rear view)]]
A truck [[frame (vehicle)|frame]] consists of two parallel boxed (tubular) or C‑shaped rails, or beams, held together by [[crossmember]]s. These frames are referred to as [[ladder frame]]s due to their resemblance to a ladder if tipped on end. The rails consist of a tall vertical section (two if boxed) and two shorter horizontal flanges. The height of the vertical section provides opposition to vertical flex when weight is applied to the top of the frame (beam resistance). Though typically flat the whole length on heavy-duty trucks, the rails may sometimes be tapered or arched for clearance around the engine or over the axles. The holes in rails are used either for mounting vehicle components and running wires and hoses or measuring and adjusting the orientation of the rails at the factory or repair shop.

The frame is usually made of [[steel]], but can be made (whole or in part) of [[aluminum]] for a lighter weight. A [[Drawbar (haulage)|tow bar]] may be found attached at one or both ends, but heavy tractors almost always make use of a [[fifth wheel]] hitch.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}<!-- One out of five heavy trucks (16 tonnes and above) in Sweden are tractors. http://www.vbg.se/sv/support/lfg_statistik/30.-Lastbilar_over_16_ton_1988-.pdf Virtually all other heavy trucks, the majority of the heavy trucks, have a bolt couplings (such as a [[Ringfeder]]). -->

===Body types===
'''[[Box truck]]s''' have walls and a roof, making an enclosed load space. The rear has doors for unloading; a side door is sometimes fitted.{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=30–31}}

'''[[Chassis cab]]''' trucks have a fully enclosed cab at the front, with bare [[chassis]] frame-rails behind, suitable for subsequent permanent attachment of a specialized payload, like a [[Fire engine|fire-truck]] or [[Ambulance#Design and construction|ambulance]] body.

'''[[Concrete mixer]]s''' have a rotating drum on an inclined axis, rotating in one direction to mix, and in the other to discharge the concrete down chutes. Because of the weight and power requirements of the drum body and rough construction sites, mixers have to be very heavy duty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcneiluscompanies.com/Concrete-Mixers/concrete-mixers.html|title=Concrete Mixers (company site)|year=2016|publisher=McNeilus|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927000029/https://www.mcneiluscompanies.com/Concrete-Mixers/concrete-mixers.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schwing-stetter.co.uk/Downloads/TruckMixers.pdf|title=Truck Mixers Summary (Sales Brocure)|year=2016|publisher=Stetter|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927054850/http://www.schwing-stetter.co.uk/Downloads/TruckMixers.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Dual drive/Steer trucks''' are vehicles used to steer the rear of [[Semi-trailer|trailers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/159058/steer-cars-and-jeeps-bring-up-the-rear-of-long-beam-hauls|title='Steer Cars' and 'Jeeps' Bring Up the Rear of Long-Beam Hauls|date=19 August 2013|first=Tom|last=Berg|website=truckinginfo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://altdriver.com/gearhead/boeing-dual-driver-truck-trailer-combination/|title=This Truck/Trailer Combination Requires 2 Drivers and Moves Massive Plane Parts|date=9 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cdllife.com/2022/video-truckers-use-dual-driver-system-to-control-oversized-load/|title=VIDEO: Truckers use dual-driver system to haul oversized load|date=29 December 2022|website=CDLLife}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.powernationtv.com/post/a-trailer-so-big-the-back-half-has-its-own-driver|title=A Trailer So Big the Back Half Has Its Own Driver}}</ref>

'''[[Dump truck]]s''' ("tippers" in the UK) transport loose material such as sand, gravel, or dirt for construction. A typical dump truck has an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and lifts at the front, allowing the material in the bed to be unloaded ("dumped") on the ground behind the truck.{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=34–35}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.galiongodwin.com/docs/DumpTruckOperatorManual.pdf|title=Dump Truck Operator Manual|publisher=Galion-Godwin Truck Body Co.|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084646/http://www.galiongodwin.com/docs/DumpTruckOperatorManual.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''[[Flatbed truck]]s''' have an entirely flat, level platform body. This allows for quick and easy loading but has no protection for the load. Hanging or removable sides are sometimes fitted,{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=28–29}} often in the form of a '''[[wikt:stakebody|stakebody]]'''.

'''[[Refrigerator truck]]s''' have insulated panels as walls and a roof and floor, used for transporting fresh and frozen cargo such as ice cream, food, vegetables, and prescription drugs. They are mostly equipped with double-wing rear doors, but a side door is sometimes fitted.

'''[[Garbage truck|Refuse trucks]]''' have a specialized body for collecting and, often, compacting trash collected from municipal, commercial, and industrial sites. This application has the widest use of the [[cab-over]] configuration in North America, to provide better maneuverability in tight situations. They are also among the most severe-duty and highest [[GVWR]] trucks on public roads.

'''[[Tractor unit|Semi-tractors]]''' ("artics" in the UK) have a fifth wheel for towing a semi-trailer instead of a body.

'''[[Tank truck]]s''' ("tankers" in the UK) are designed to carry [[liquids]] or [[gas]]es. They usually have a cylindrical tank lying horizontally on the chassis. Many variants exist due to the wide variety of liquids and gases that can be transported.{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=32–33}}

'''[[Tow truck|Wreckers]]''' ("recovery lorries" in the UK) are used to recover and/or tow disabled vehicles. They are normally equipped with a boom with a cable; wheel/chassis lifts are becoming common on newer trucks.{{sfnp|Davies|2000|pp=46–47}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jerrdan.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/maintenance/HDR%207085%20Wrecker%20Operations%20and%20Maintenance%20Manual.pdf|title=HDR 70/85 Wrecker Operations and Maintenance Manual|year=2010|publisher=Jerr-Dan|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009115746/https://www.jerrdan.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/maintenance/HDR%207085%20Wrecker%20Operations%20and%20Maintenance%20Manual.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.millerind.com/images/uploads/parts/century_820_iiit-parts-0500724-021997.pdf|title=Owner's Manual 820 Wrecker/FIIIT|year=1997|publisher=Miller Industries|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009085030/https://www.millerind.com/images/uploads/parts/century_820_iiit-parts-0500724-021997.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sales and sales issues==
===Manufacturers===
{{Main|List of truck manufacturers}}

===Truck market worldwide===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
|+Largest truck manufacturers in the world as of 2015.
|-
!Pos.!!Make!!Units
|-
!1
|[[Daimler AG]] ([[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Freightliner Trucks|Freightliner]], [[Unimog]], [[Western Star (company)|Western Star]], [[Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation|Fuso]], [[BharatBenz]])||506,663<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ar2015.daimler.com/divisions/daimler-trucks|title=Annual Report 2015|year=2016|publisher=Daimler|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002073213/http://ar2015.daimler.com/divisions/daimler-trucks|archive-date=2 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!2
|[[Navistar International]]||359,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/808450/000080845015000065/nav10k2015.htm|title=Form 10K Navistar International Corp.|year=2016|publisher=US Securities and Exchange Commission|access-date=24 September 2016|page=48|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009122724/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/808450/000080845015000065/nav10k2015.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!3
|[[Dongfeng Motor|Dongfeng]]||336,869<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dfmg.com.cn/EN/report/DFG_2015_Anual_Report.pdf|title=2015 Annual Report|year=2016|publisher=Dongfeng|access-date=25 September 2016|page=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927135410/http://www.dfmg.com.cn/EN/report/DFG_2015_Anual_Report.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!4
|[[Tata Motors|Tata]]||317,780<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tatamotors.com/investors/financials/70-ar-html/pdf/Tata_Motors_Annual_Report_2014-15.pdf|title=70th Annual Report 2015-2015|year=2016|publisher=Tata|access-date=24 September 2016|page=53|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009115714/http://www.tatamotors.com/investors/financials/70-ar-html/pdf/Tata_Motors_Annual_Report_2014-15.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!5
|[[Volvo Group]] ([[Volvo Trucks|Volvo]], [[Mack Trucks|Mack]], [[Renault Trucks|Renault]], [[UD Trucks|UD Nissan]])||style="width: 90px;"|207,475<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.volvo.com/investors/finrep/ar15/ar_2015_eng.pdf|title=Annual and Sustainability Report 2015|year=2016|publisher=Volvo|access-date=25 September 2016|page=91|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010005847/http://www3.volvo.com/investors/finrep/ar15/ar_2015_eng.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!6
|[[Volkswagen Group]] ([[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]], [[Scania AB|Scania]], [[Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus|Caminhões e Ônibus]])||179,035<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/en/misc/pdf-dummies.bin.html/downloadfilelist/downloadfile/downloadfile_34/file/Y_2015_e.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015|year=2016|publisher=Volkswagen|access-date=25 September 2016|page=98|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084419/http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/en/misc/pdf-dummies.bin.html/downloadfilelist/downloadfile/downloadfile_34/file/Y_2015_e.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!7
|[[Hino Motors|Hino]]||162,870<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hino-global.com/content/dam/hino_global/common/img/IR/20160427IR_1.pdf|title=Financial Reports for the Fiscal Year Ending|year=2016|publisher=Hino Motors|access-date=25 September 2016|page=25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084828/http://www.hino-global.com/content/dam/hino_global/common/img/IR/20160427IR_1.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!8
|[[Paccar]] ([[DAF Trucks|DAF]], [[Kenworth]], [[Peterbilt]], [[Leyland Trucks|Leyland]])||154,700<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paccar.com/media/2486/paccar-ar-2015.pdf|title=2015 Annual Report|year=2016|publisher=PACCAR|access-date=25 September 2016|page=28|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084921/http://www.paccar.com/media/2486/paccar-ar-2015.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!9
|[[Iveco]] ||140,200<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnhindustrial.com/en-us/investor_relations/financial_information/annual_reports/CNH_2015_Annual_Report.pdf|title=2015 Annual Report|year=2016|publisher=CNH|access-date=23 October 2016|page=60|archive-date=23 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023204230/http://www.cnhindustrial.com/en-us/investor_relations/financial_information/annual_reports/CNH_2015_Annual_Report.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}

==Driving==
In many countries, driving a truck requires a special driving license. The requirements and limitations vary with each different jurisdiction.

===Australia===
[[File:Inside Mack Granite.JPG|thumb|Inside a Mack truck]]
In Australia, a [[truck driver]]'s license is required for any motor vehicle with a [[Gross Vehicle Mass]] (GVM) exceeding {{convert|4.5|t|abbr=on}}. The motor vehicles classes are further expanded as:
;Combination
* '''HC''': Heavy Combination, a typical prime mover plus semi-trailer combination.
* '''MC''': Multi Combination, e.g.,&nbsp;B&nbsp;Doubles/road trains

; Rigid
* '''LR''': Light rigid: a rigid vehicle with a GVM of more than {{convert|4.5|t|abbr=on}} but not more than {{convert|8|t|1|abbr=on}}. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than {{convert|9|t|1|abbr=on}} GVM.
* '''MR''': Medium rigid: a rigid vehicle with 2&nbsp;axles and a GVM of more than {{convert|8|t|1|abbr=on}}. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than {{convert|9|t|1|abbr=on}} GVM. Also includes vehicles in class ''LR''.
* '''HR''': Heavy Rigid: a rigid vehicle with three or more axles and a GVM of more than {{convert|8|t|1|abbr=on}}. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than {{convert|9|t|1|abbr=on}} GVM. Also includes articulated buses and vehicles in class&nbsp;''MR''.

;Heavy vehicle transmission
There is also a heavy vehicle transmission condition for a license class ''HC'', ''HR'', or ''MC'' test passed in a vehicle fitted with an automatic or synchromesh transmission; a driver's license will be restricted to vehicles of that class fitted with a synchromesh or automatic transmission. To have the condition removed, a person needs to pass a practical driving test in a vehicle with non-synchromesh transmission (constant mesh or crash box).<ref>{{cite web|title=South Australia License class information|url=http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring|publisher=Gov't of South Australia|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-date=4 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204072222/http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Europe===
[[File:Mercedes-Benz LKW Lenkrad.jpg|thumb|Inside a Mercedes-Benz truck]]
Driving licensing has been harmonized throughout the [[European Union]] and the [[European Economic Area|EEA]] (and practically all European non-member states), so that common rules apply within Europe (see [[European driving licence]]). As an overview, to drive a vehicle weighing more than {{cvt|7.5|t}} for commercial purposes requires a specialist license (the type varies depending on the use of the vehicle and number of seats). For licenses first acquired after 1997, that weight was reduced to {{cvt|3.5|t}}, not including trailers.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

Since 2013, the C1 license category allows driving vehicles over 3.5 and up to 7.5 tonnes. The C license category allows driving vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer up to 750&nbsp;kg, and the CE category allows driving category C vehicles with a trailer over 750&nbsp;kg.

===South Africa===
To drive any vehicle with a GVM exceeding {{cvt|3.5|t}}, a code C1 drivers license is required. Furthermore, if the vehicle exceeds {{cvt|16|t|1}} a code C license becomes necessary.

To drive any vehicle in South Africa towing a trailer with a GVM more than {{convert|7.5|t|abbr=on}}, further restrictions apply and the driver must possess a license suitable for the GVM of the total combination as well as an articulated endorsement. This is indicated with the letter "E" prefixing the license code.

In addition, any vehicle designed to carry goods or passengers may only be driven by a driver possessing a Public Driver's Permit, (or PrDP) of the applicable type. This is an additional license that is added to the DL card of the operator and subject to annual renewal unlike the five-year renewal period of a normal license.

The requirements for obtaining the different classes are below.
* "G": Required for the transport of general goods, requires a criminal record check and a fee on issuing and renewal.
* "P": Required for the transport of paying passengers, requires a more stringent criminal record check, additionally the driver must be over the age of 21 at time of issue. A G class PrDP will be issued at the same time.
* "D": Required for the transport of dangerous materials, requires all of the same checks as class P., and in addition the driver must be over 25 at time of issue.

===United States===
[[File:Truck cab.JPG|thumb|Inside a Navistar 9000]]
In the United States, a [[commercial driver's license]] is required to drive any type of commercial vehicle weighing {{convert|26001|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or more.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commercial Drivers License|url=http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/cvm/CMV_license.html|publisher=[[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]]|access-date=21 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917042521/http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/cvm/CMV_license.html|archive-date=17 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The federal government regulates how many hours a driver may be on the clock, how much rest and sleep time is required (e.g., 11 hours driving/14 hours on-duty followed by 10 hours off, with a maximum of 70 hours/8 days or 60 hours/7 days, 34 hours restart )<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations|title=Hours of Service Rules|publisher=US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration|date=18 December 2014|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527063048/http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations|url-status=live}}</ref> Violations are often subject to significant penalties. Instruments to track each driver's hours must sometimes be fitted.
In 2006, the [[Trucking industry in the United States|US trucking industry]] employed 1.8&nbsp;million drivers of heavy trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos246.htm#projections_data|title=Truck Drivers and Drivers/Sales Workers|access-date=25 January 2008|date=18 December 2007|work=Occupational Outlook Handbook|publisher=Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor|archive-date=11 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011015253/http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos246.htm#projections_data|url-status=live}}</ref>

There is a shortage of willing trained long-distance truck drivers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/02/11/691673201/facing-a-critical-shortage-of-drivers-the-trucking-industry-is-changing|date=11 February 2019|first1=Frank|last1=Morris|work=[[Morning edition]]|publisher=[[NPR]]|title=Facing A Critical Shortage Of Drivers, The Trucking Industry Is Changing|format=Audio|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417140312/https://www.npr.org/2019/02/11/691673201/facing-a-critical-shortage-of-drivers-the-trucking-industry-is-changing|url-status=live}}</ref> Part of the reason for this is the economic fallout from [[deregulation]] of the trucking industry. [[Michael H. Belzer]], [[associate professor]], in the economics department at [[Wayne State University]] and co-author of ''Sweatshops on Wheels: Winners and Losers in Trucking Deregulation'', argues that low pay, bad working conditions and unsafe conditions have been a direct result of deregulation.<ref name="Oxford">{{cite web|url=http://www.us.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Business/Management/OrganizationalBehavior/?view=usa&ci=9780195128864|publisher=Oxford University Press|title=Sweatshops on Wheels|date=July 2000|access-date=17 March 2012|archive-date=8 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308095923/http://www.us.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Business/Management/OrganizationalBehavior/?view=usa&ci=9780195128864|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author-link=Michael H. Belzer|last1=Belzer|first1=Michael H.|title=Sweatshops on Wheels: Winners and Losers in Trucking Deregulation|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]], USA|date=24 August 2000|type=Hardcover|page=272|isbn=0-19-512886-9}} {{ISBN|978-0-19-512886-4}}.</ref> The book cites poor working conditions and an unfair pay system as responsible for high annual employee turnover in the industry.<ref name="USNews">"Sweatshops on Wheels", ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.</ref><ref name="Post">"Sweatshops on Wheels." ''[[The Washington Post]]''</ref>

In 2018, in the US, 5,096 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes:
* The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes is 4,862,
* The number of large trucks involved in injury crashes is 112,000,
* The number of large trucks involved in property damage only crashes is 414,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2018|title=Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2018 &#124; FMCSA|website=fmcsa.dot.gov|access-date=30 March 2021|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330191918/https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Environmental effects==
{{See also|Diesel exhaust|Environmental effects of transport}}
[[File:Traffic Exhaust fumes Pollution 1.jpg|thumb|Exhaust fumes from a small truck]]
[[File:1975- US vehicle production share, by vehicle type.svg |thumb|Trucks' share of US vehicles produced, has tripled since 1975. Though vehicle fuel efficiency has increased within each category, the overall trend toward trucks has offset some of the benefits of greater fuel economy and reductions in pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.<ref name=EPA_AutomotiveTrends_202212>{{cite web|title=Highlights of the Automotive Trends Report|url=https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends/highlights-automotive-trends-report|website=EPA.gov|publisher=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902145941/https://www.epa.gov/automotive-trends/highlights-automotive-trends-report|archive-date=2 September 2023|date=12 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Without the shift towards SUVs, energy use per unit distance could have fallen 30% more than it did from 2010 to 2022.<ref name=GlobalFuelEfficInit_202311>{{cite web|last1=Cazzola|first1=Pierpaolo|last2=Paoli|first2=Leonardo|last3=Teter|first3=Jacob|title=Trends in the Global Vehicle Fleet 2023 / Managing the SUV Shift and the EV Transition|url=https://www.globalfueleconomy.org/media/792523/gfei-trends-in-the-global-vehicle-fleet-2023-spreads.pdf|publisher=Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126092826/https://www.globalfueleconomy.org/media/792523/gfei-trends-in-the-global-vehicle-fleet-2023-spreads.pdf|archive-date=26 November 2023|page=3|doi=10.7922/G2HM56SV|date=November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
Like cars, trucks contribute to air, noise, and [[water pollution]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Road Traffic Could Be a Major Source of Water Pollution|url=http://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/road-traffic-could-be-a-major-source-of-water-pollution-359632|access-date=17 November 2022|website=Applied Sciences from Technology Networks|language=en}}</ref>  Unlike cars, {{As of|2022|lc=y}}, most trucks run on diesel, and [[diesel exhaust]] is especially dangerous for health.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Long|first1=Erin|last2=Carlsten|first2=Christopher|date=9 February 2022|title=Controlled human exposure to diesel exhaust: results illuminate health effects of traffic-related air pollution and inform future directions|journal=Particle and Fibre Toxicology|volume=19|issue=1|pages=11|doi=10.1186/s12989-022-00450-5|issn=1743-8977|pmc=8827176|pmid=35139881|doi-access=free|bibcode=2022PFTox..19...11L}}</ref> Some countries outside the EU have different vehicle emission standards for trucks and cars.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Emission Standards: USA: Heavy-Duty Onroad Engines|url=https://dieselnet.com/standards/us/hd.php|access-date=17 November 2022|website=dieselnet.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Carroll|first=Sean Goulding|date=15 November 2022|title=Euro 7 accused of deadly sins|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/transport/news/euro-7-accused-of-deadly-sins/|access-date=17 November 2022|website=euractiv.com|language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[NOx]] and [[Particulate pollution|particulates]] emitted by trucks are very dangerous to health,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Skibell|first=Arianna|title=New, Stronger Rules for Truck Pollution Still Would Not Meet Air Quality Goals|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-stronger-rules-for-truck-pollution-still-would-not-meet-air-quality-goals/|access-date=17 November 2022|website=Scientific American|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Heavy Duty Vehicles and NOx | work = Union of Concerned Scientists|url=https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/heavy-duty-vehicles-and-nox|access-date=17 November 2022| language=en}}</ref> causing thousands of early deaths annually in the US alone.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 October 2022|title=New Report: Transition to Zero-Emission Trucks Could Save More Than 66,000 Lives|url=https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/new-report-transition-to-zero-emission-trucks-cou|access-date=17 November 2022|website=lung.org|language=en}}</ref> As older trucks are usually the worst,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Target the oldest diesel trucks to reduce racial disparities in air pollution exposure in NYC|url=https://www.trueinitiative.org/blog/2022/april/target-the-oldest-diesel-trucks-to-reduce-racial-disparities-in-air-pollution-exposure-in-nyc|access-date=17 November 2022|website=The Real Urban Emissions Initiative}}</ref> many cities have banned 20th century trucks.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 August 2022|title=Ban old trucks from big cities to save lives: new Grattan Institute report|url=https://grattan.edu.au/ban-old-trucks-from-big-cities-to-save-lives/|access-date=17 November 2022|website=Grattan Institute|language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Air pollution]] also threatens professional truck drivers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 May 2019|title=Truck drivers 'worst affected' by air pollution|url=https://motortransport.co.uk/blog/2019/05/30/truck-drivers-worst-affected-by-air-pollution/|access-date=17 November 2022|website=Motor Transport|language=en-US}}</ref>

Over a quarter of global transport [[Greenhouse gas emissions|{{CO2}} emissions]] are from road freight,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cars, planes, trains: where do {{CO2}} emissions from transport come from?|url=https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions-from-transport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616195611/https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions-from-transport|archive-date=16 June 2021|access-date=19 June 2021|website=Our World in Data}}</ref> in 2021 over 1700 million tonnes from medium and heavy trucks,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trucks and Buses – Analysis|url=https://www.iea.org/reports/trucks-and-buses|access-date=17 November 2022|website=IEA|language=en-GB}}</ref> so many countries are further restricting truck {{CO2}} emissions to help [[Climate change mitigation|limit climate change]].<ref>{{cite news|date=20 December 2018|title=EU countries agree to 30 percent cut in truck {{CO2}} emissions|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-autos-emissions/eu-countries-agree-to-30-percent-cut-in-truck-co2-emissions-idUSKCN1OJ1ZC|url-status=live|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418145901/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-autos-emissions/eu-countries-agree-to-30-percent-cut-in-truck-co2-emissions-idUSKCN1OJ1ZC|archive-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> Many environmental organizations favor laws and incentives to encourage the switch from road to rail, especially in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Government policy can realize rail freight's role in reducing carbon emissions|url=http://www.freightonrail.org.uk/ConsultationsEnvironmentalAuditCommittee.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820002032/http://www.freightonrail.org.uk/ConsultationsEnvironmentalAuditCommittee.htm|archive-date=20 August 2008|access-date=6 September 2008|publisher=FreightOnRail.org.uk}}</ref> Several countries have pledged that 30% of sales of trucks and buses will be zero emission by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smorodin|first=Amy|date=16 November 2022|title=A story of transition: How Europe's faring in its move to zero-emission trucks and buses|url=https://theicct.org/ze-bus-and-truck-transition-europe-nov22/|access-date=17 November 2022|website=International Council on Clean Transportation|language=en-US}}</ref>

With respect to [[noise pollution]], trucks emit considerably higher sound levels at all speeds compared to typical cars; this contrast is particularly strong with heavy-duty trucks.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Analysis of highway noise|url=https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF00159677|first=C. Michael | last = Hogan|journal=Water, Air, and Soil Pollution|doi=10.1007/BF00159677|publisher=[[Springer Science+Business Media]]|pages=387–392| date =1973|volume=2|issue=3|bibcode=1973WASP....2..387H|s2cid=109914430|access-date=12 February 2020|url-access=subscription}}</ref> There are several aspects of truck operations that contribute to the overall sound that is emitted. Continuous sounds are those from [[tire]]s rolling on the roadway and the constant hum of their diesel engines at highway speeds. Less frequent noises, but perhaps more noticeable, are things like the repeated sharp-pitched whistle of a [[turbocharger]] on acceleration, or the abrupt blare of an [[exhaust brake]] [[retarder (mechanical engineering)|retarder]] when traversing a downgrade. There has been [[noise regulation]] put in place to help control where and when the use of [[engine braking]] retarders are allowed.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}

== Operator health and safety ==
[[File:Truck cab filters.png|alt=An orange metal housing with an open panel containing three horizontal stacked filters|thumb|Truck cab filter housing using a contiguous series of pre-, HEPA, and charcoal panel filters]]
A truck cab is a [[Hierarchy of hazard controls|hazard control]] that protects the truck operator from hazardous airborne pollutants.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022|reason=Don’t you mean SOME pollutants? NOx and ozone would get in the cab I guess?}} As an enclosure, it is an example of an [[Engineering controls|engineering control]]. Enclosed operator cabs have been used on agriculture, mining, and construction vehicles for several decades. Most modern-day enclosed cabs have [[HVAC|heating, ventilation, and air conditioning]] (HVAC) systems for primarily maintaining a comfortable temperature and providing breathable air for their occupants. Various levels of filtration can be incorporated into the HVAC system to remove airborne pollutants such as [[dust]]s, diesel particulate matter (DPM), and other [[aerosol]]s.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet2046.html|title=Design, Testing, and Modeling of Environmental Enclosures for Controlling Worker Exposure to Airborne Contaminants|last1=Organiscak|first1=J.|last2=Cecala|first2=A.|date=June 2018|website=U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health|language=en-us|access-date=9 November 2018|last3=Hall|first3=R.|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234938/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet2046.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two key elements of an effective environmental enclosure are a good filtration system and an enclosure with good integrity (sealed isolation from the outside environment). It is recommended that a filtration system filter out at least 95% or greater of airborne respirable aerosols from the intake airflow, with an additional recirculation filtering component for the inside air. Good enclosure integrity is also needed to achieve [[positive pressure]] to prevent wind-driven aerosol penetration into the enclosure'','' as well as to minimize air leakage around the filtration system. Test methods and mathematical modeling of environmental enclosures are also beneficial for quantifying and optimizing filtration system designs, as well as maintaining optimum protection factor performance for enclosure occupants.<ref name=":0" />

==Operations issues==
===Taxes===
Commercial trucks in the US pay higher road use taxes on a state level than other road vehicles and are subject to extensive regulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmta.org/GA_Trucking_Facts.html|title=Trucking Industry Operating Taxes State of Georgia|access-date=18 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901201807/http://www.gmta.org/GA_Trucking_Facts.html|archive-date=1 September 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> A few reasons commercial trucks pay higher road use taxes: they are bigger and heavier than most other vehicles, and cause more wear and tear per hour on roadways; and trucks and their drivers are on the road for more hours per day. Rules on use taxes differ among jurisdictions.

===Damage to pavement===
The life of a pavement is measured by the number of passes of a vehicle axle. It may be evaluated using the Load Equivalency Factor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvfnorden.org/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=261|title=Road wear from heavy vehicles – an overview|publisher=NVF committee Vehicles and Transports|date=August 2008|access-date=27 September 2016|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818141323/http://www.nvfnorden.org/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=261|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> which states that the damage by the pass of a vehicle axle is proportional to the 4th power of the weight, so a ten-ton axle consumes 10,000 times the life of the pavement as a one-ton axle. For that reason, loaded trucks cost the same as thousands of cars in pavement costs, and are subject to higher taxes and highway tolls.<ref name="Chatti"/><ref name="FHA"/>

==Safety==
{{Globalize|date=August 2024|2=US|3=EU|section}}

=== Trucking accidents ===
[[File:Elst (Overbetuwe) 2012-03-23 Trucking accident (1).JPG|thumb|Trucking accident]]
In 2002 and 2004, there were over 5,000 fatalities related to trucking accidents in the United States. The trucking industry has since made significant efforts in increasing safety regulations. In 2008, the industry had successfully lowered the fatality rate to just over 4,000 deaths, but trucking accidents are still an issue that causes thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Approximately 6,000 trucking accident fatalities occur annually in the United States. Fatalities are not the only issue caused by trucking accidents. Here are some of the environmental issues that arise with trucking accidents:
* 14.4% of trucking accidents cause cargo to spill
* 6.5% cause open flames

Following increased pressure from ''The Times'' "Cities Fit For Cycling" campaign and from other media in Spring 2012, warning signs are now displayed on the backs of many [[Large goods vehicle|heavy goods vehicles]] (HGV). These signs are directed against a common type of accident that occurs when the large vehicle turns left at a junction: a cyclist trying to pass on the nearside can be crushed against the HGV's wheels, especially if the driver cannot see the [[cyclist]]. The signs, such as the winning design of the {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120320044750/http://www.intandemcompetition.com/ InTANDEM road safety competition]}} launched in March 2012, advocate extra care when passing a large vehicle on the nearside.

=== HGV safety in the EU ===

In-vehicle speed limitation is required applying a 90&nbsp;km/h limit to commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.<ref name="EU Safety">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/vehicle/safety_design_needs/heavy_goods_vehicles_en|title=Heavy goods vehicles|date=17 October 2016|website=Mobility and transport – European Commission|access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125714/https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/vehicle/safety_design_needs/heavy_goods_vehicles_en|url-status=live}}</ref>

Front, side, and rear underrun protection is required on commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.<ref name="EU Safety" />

Trucks must be fitted with blind-spot mirrors that give drivers a wider field of vision than conventional mirrors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/topics/vehicles/blind_spot_mirrors_mt|title=Blind spot mirrors|date=17 October 2016|website=Mobilità u Trasport – European Commission|access-date=19 July 2020|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719130017/https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/topics/vehicles/blind_spot_mirrors_mt|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Transport|Cars}}
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Air brake (road vehicle)|Air brake]]
* [[Animal transporter]]
* [[Articulated hauler]]
* [[Driverless truck|Autonomous truck]]
* [[Ballast tractor]]
* [[Campervan]]
* [[Cutaway van chassis]]
* [[Dekotora]], Japanese decorated trucks
* [[Food truck]]
* [[Glossary of the American trucking industry]]
* [[Great West Truck Show]]
* [[Gun truck]]
* [[Hand truck]]
* [[Kei truck]]
* [[Haul truck]]
* [[Large goods vehicle]]
* [[List of military trucks]]
* [[List of pickup trucks]]
* [[List of trucks]]
* [[Logging truck]]
* [[Multi-stop truck]]
* [[Roll-off (dumpster)|Roll-off truck]]
* [[Tail lift]]
* [[Terminal tractor]]
* [[Traffic congestion]]
* [[Truck art in South Asia]]
* [[Truck classification]]
* [[Truck hijacking]]
* [[Truck scale]]
* [[Truck stop]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* [https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration]
* [http://www.returnloads.net/Industry-Info/General/Haulage-Courier-vehicle-types-and-weights Different sizes and classes of trucks in the UK]
* {{cite journal|last=Hutchinson|first=Rollin W. Jr.|date=January 1912|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv--PfedzLAC&pg=PA268|title=Motor Trucks – The New Freighters: Quicker and More Reliable Service, Cleaner and Less Congested Cities, Concrete Examples of Saving|journal=[[World's Work|The World's Work: A History of Our Time]]|volume=XXIII|pages=268–187|access-date=10 July 2009}}
{{Automotive industry}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Trucks| ]]
[[Category:Carriages and mountings]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1895]]