History of Commercial Vehicles
Once reliable gasoline and diesel engine fuels became available commercial vehicles were a natural fit. Trucks evolved larger and larger as horsepower increased and then, as engines became smaller and lighter a myriad of unique and custom commercial vehicles appeared.
In the US the broad definition of a commercial vehicle is one that is registered to or used by a company; or designed to carry more than 16 people; or weighs more than 26,000 pounds.
Ford Model "N" Truck
Used Commercial Trucks started out as "hand trucks", or small wheeled carts used in the 17th century to move heavy objects such as cannon balls. In more recent times, the first commercial trucks were called "motor trucks" in the early 1900s and simply "trucks" around 1930.
Kenworth Semi Tractor & Double Trailer
Used Semi-Trailer Trucks, also known as "tractor-trailers", "eighteen-wheelers" or simply a ""semi" are towing vehicles that use an articulated connection to attach an assortment of trailers. The connection is made forward of the rear-most axle of the tractor so that the tractor carries a significant amount of the trailer's weight.
Dodge Van
Used Vans originated as "caravan" (covered vehicle) and are generally transportation vehicles for people or products. They are typically the same size as a large car but with a heaver frame and suspension and taller to handle loads.
1950 Greyhound Bus
Used Buses are large vehicles used for transporting people. Buses are also know as coaches and typically have stowage for luggage, toilets and other features to accommodate passengers on long trips.
Ford Econoline Box Truck
Used Box Trucks, also known as "cargo vans", are large vans with a cab in the front and a large box container on the back. Box trucks typically have a large, roll-up cargo door in the rear to accommodate furniture and other large items.
In the US, small and medium size truck manufacturers include Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet and GMC. Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Volvo are also common names. Larger trucks include Mack, Freightliner, International, Kenworth and Peterbilt. Commercial trucks are classified by their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as follows:
- Class 1- GVWR ranges from 0 to 6,000 pounds
- Class 2- GVWR ranges from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds
- Class 3- GVWR ranges from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds
- Class 4- GVWR ranges from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds
- Class 5- GVWR ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds
- Class 6- GVWR ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds
- Class 7- GVWR ranges from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds
- Class 8- GVWR is anything above 33,000 pounds
