The trucking industry began around the turn of the 19th century. In the late 1800's, Rudolph Diesel revolutionized the world of transportation with his invention - "the Diesel engine." Along with the development of the Diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines - new transportation technology took the American commercial vehicle industry into the stratosphere. Infrastructure (roads and bridges) began in parallel with the advent of heavy duty trucks. America moved on from the horse and carriage, to the "horseless carriage" - seemingly overnight. Post WWII saw the former supreme commander of American Allied forces, General Dwight Eisenhower, elected as the 34th US President. President Eisenhower then signed the US Highway Act into law in 1954(56). The Highway Act was a new Interstate system that connected America from every town, coast-to-coast, with the East to West direction of the Lincoln Highway being the spine of the new roads. By the late 50's the American trucking industry was flourishing - thanks to the explosion of the free markets. The new efficiencies of the Interstate freeway system not only aided America in defending its borders, but it allowed new markets of goods and services to be moved rapidly. Bigger, more powerful, efficient semi trucks, were delivering America on demand - and the demand was high!
As more and newer heavy duty Class 8 (GVWR) trucks hit the highways - it was near impossible for the traveling public to ignore the Titans of the road - American semi trucks. Being an American trucker was not only a respectable vocation, but it was equally lucrative. The independence aspect, and the freedom of the open road called many to become drivers as the demand grew. American truckers are part of the fabric of culture. The importance of the trucking industry can't be stated enough. Without trucks and truckers, world economies
would grind to a halt.
From the past to the present, there are millions of truck fans. There are hundreds of different makes and models from every decade. Rigs of every size - there are cabover models, and conventional models. Most trucks have gleaming chrome, some with flashy paint schemes, powerful diesel engines, sleeper trucks, or non-sleeper trucks. Most trucks have smokestacks, a single stack, or double stacks, trucks have air horns, single or double air horns, perhaps even four air horns. The look of the trucks themselves take on the persona of the truck driver. Near every truck has a CB radio, and antennas so truckers can broadcast over the airwaves. Some have twin CB antennas, or a single CB antenna. If you're a truck fan, it's a candy store variety with semi trucks - and there's a lot to love! If you have a diesel tooth, or identify with any of the above, if you find yourself excited when you see a cool semi thundering down the opposite side of the road, or see one parked at the local loading dock, or admire an old truck hiding in the weeds behind a remote barn - you might just be a SEMI FREAK, and this is your therapy page, a place to be around fellow freaks -
we never judge, so get your freak on!
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