All truckers know that keeping an eye on the rearview mirror is important. It's also important to take a glimpse into our past and the history of trucking to take pride in how far the trucking industry has come. Gone are the days of the horse and buggy. We've come a long way from riding on solid rubber tires and unpaved roads. Today, freight hauling statistics show semi-trucks as we've come to know them haul 72.6% of freight in the United States, a total of 11.46 billion tons in 2022.
The future of trucking is looking pretty bright, with over 3.54 million people employed as truck driving professionals, but the history of semi trucks matters as well. How much do you understand about the history of the trucking industry? Let’s take a look some important historical facts that every long-haul trucker should know.
1. Alexander Winton is considered the Inventor of the Semi-Truck
The first semi-truck is credited to a Scottish immigrant named Alexander Winton, who sold his first truck in 1899. Based out of Cleveland, the Winton Motor Carriage Company first made passenger cars, but needed a way to deliver these products to their buyers. This need led him to create the first semi-truck, a car hauler, which was used by Winton and other car manufacturers.
2. Regulation of the Transportation Industry Dates Back to the 1800’s
While trucks wouldn’t come to dominate the transportation and shipping industry until the 1930’s, there were government regulations long before the first truck was shipping goods. The 1800’s saw large regulations that monitored the railroad companies, preventing them from charging outrageous freight and protecting against unfair competition.
3. 1913 Trucking History - The First State Weight Limits Were Introduced
In the early days of the trucking industry, there was no weight limit regulating trucks. The obvious problem: road damage. This damage was especially severe due to the fact that many trucks of the era had solid rubber or even iron wheels. In 1913, four states (Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington) enacted separate weight limits. Every state eventually had their own regulations, but it wasn’t until 1981 that all states adopted a uniform weight limit of 80,000 pounds.
4. Railroads Dominated Transportation into the 1930's
It’s easy to take the strength of the trucking industry for granted. While the car took over American roads by the 1910’s, thanks in large part to Henry Ford’s affordable Model T, the shipping and large transportation industry remained the realm of railroads. Heavy-duty trucks started to gain use after the First World War (1918), but didn’t become the masters of freight until the 1930’s. For those who care to learn more about why trucking is better than rail, view an earlier infographic.
5. The American Trucking Association was Assembled in 1933
Before 1933, the American Highway Freight Association and the Federation Trucking Associations of America were two separate entities. When the government passed the Code of Fair Competition, the two groups came together to form the American Trucking Associations, or ATA, which is now one of the most important advocate groups for the trucking industry.
6. First National Truck "Roadeo" was Held in 1937
The first National Truck Driving Championship was held in 1937, although it was then known as the “National Truck Roadeo.” This annual event pits the nation’s finest truckers against each other in a test of skills, knowledge, and professionalism. The nationwide competition starts with state-level qualifying and culminates in honoring the country’s best commercial truck drivers.
7. First “Hours of Service” Rules Were Seen in 1938
The first Hours of Service (HOS) rules were seen in 1938, limiting drivers to 12 hours behind the wheel and 15 maximum hours on duty. By 1939, they were already being overhauled, with changes to on-duty and off-duty hours. The hours of service regulations have been reviewed over and over throughout trucking history and the current rules will likely continue to change as technology evolves.
8. The Interstate Highway System Got Rolling in 1956
The Federal Aid Highway Act, passed in 1956, authorized the creation of 41,000 miles worth of interstate highways. This legislation, championed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, put $25 billion in funding towards a 20-year construction plan. Without this law and the highways it built, the national trucking industry would appear very different today.
9. Department of Transportation (DOT) is Created in 1967
Everyone’s favorite government organization was created in 1967. Say what you will about their service, but the Department of Transportation has been crucial in overseeing requirements like driver’s license standards, maximum driving hours, and monitoring the overall fitness of CDL drivers. Every truck driving job in America is subject to scrutiny, so it is always wise for truck drivers to conduct their own pre-trip inspection each time you head out so make sure you are prepared if you are hit with a DOT inspection.
10. There Have Been Two Laws Called “The Motor Carrier Act”
Ironically, the two acts had opposite goals. The Motor Carrier Act of 1935 restricted practices in the industry, which was unregulated and making significant gains on the railroad up to that point. The goal of the first act was to rein in unstable, cut-throat competition among trucking companies. The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 sought to deregulate the trucking industry, giving it more freedom over hiring, prices, and operations.
11. First National Truck Driver Appreciation Week in 1998
Held each year in mid-September, the National Truck Driver Appreciation week first kicked off in 1998. Throughout the history of trucking, this event has sought to highlight the work of safe truckers throughout the country, reminding the American public that without truckers, the economy, and our day-to-day lives, would be vastly different. It may not be the most celebrated event of the year, but it’s an important time for everyone to show their appreciation.
12. 9/11 Sparked Changes in HazMat CDL Driving
One of the greatest shifts in the trucking industry came as a result of the 9/11 terror attacks. After this tragic, world-changing event, the government enhanced security regulations on shipping, especially related to hazardous materials. It’s now harder to get a HazMat license, and you may expect that working for trucking companies transporting hazardous materials will require more testing and background checks, making 9/11 one of the most important events in trucking history.
Quality Trucking Jobs for Any Driver
The trucking industry as we know it today is sure to change over time. However, the need for the transport of goods across the United States is sure to remain as consumer needs continue. The men and women of the driving force will continue to be in great demand and trucking jobs will remain plentiful. Do you want to be a part of a respected industry with deep historical roots and a promising future? There are a number of top-quality trucking companies looking for drivers just like you.
You can have the truck driving career you’ve always wanted, but it starts with finding the right position with the right trucking company!
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