A truck is a bulky motor vehicle which is generally used for transport goods and materials from one place to another. Trucks are very suitable for off road work in rugged terrain. Trucks are mainly built for economical transportation and are used as pickups in the fields and hauling. The frame of a truck also referred to as ladder frames is made up of two parallel tubular or C-shaped rails, or beams, joined together by cross members. These frames are generally made of steel, but can also be made of aluminum to give it a lighter weight.
However, like all automobiles, trucks are also responsible for air, noise, water pollution and global warming. In case of trucks the level of air pollution per vehicle mile traveled and diesel particulate matter is higher compared to all other vehicles. Likewise, trucks, especially with heavy-duty trucks contribute to considerably higher levels of noise pollution at all speeds as compared to cars. This is mainly due to the constant whine of their diesel engines at high speeds.
Trucks can be classified based on their size and functional use. There are many different types of trucks including heavy trucks that are the largest trucks allowed on the road and used to carry heavy loads for long-haul purposes, often in semi-trailer configuration. Examples of heavy trucks include truck tractor, a motorized wheeled vehicle for towing other vehicles, semitrailer truck which is a motorless wheeled vehicle meant to be towed and tank truck which is a closed tank for liquid. A semi-trailer truck or tractor-trailer also known as a transfer truck, 18-wheeler semi truck, big-rig or lorry is mainly used to carries freight and other shipments.
Tanker Trucks are designed to carry liquefied loads, dry bulk cargo or gasses on roads. They are large; sometimes insulated or non-insulated; pressurized or non-pressurized; and designed for single or multiple loads.
Light trucks which are smaller in size and are used to carry individuals and businesses executives. Medium trucks are used for local delivery and public service. Examples of these include dump trucks, garbage trucks and fire-fighting trucks. Panel Trucks are cargo vans without windows and are built on a truck chassis. They are primarily used for delivery of flowers, retail bakery products, diapers, laundry, and other consumer conveniences. There are also military-type light trucks that are used for troop transport.
There are trucks that use gasoline engines, while other trucks use four stroke turbo intercooler diesel engines. Some trucks also use locomotive-type engines.
