2.2 Tractor Truck

The tractor provides the motive force to pull the attached semi-trailer. The near universal design of truck tractors used in North America consist of an engine and hood over the front axle in front of the cab. Figure 2.2 shows an example of this design. The tractor shown in this figure is often referred to as a ‘Day Cab’ style.

Figure 2.2: Tractor without sleeper cab

Source: https://www.macktrucks.com/

Figure 2.3 shows an example of a ‘Sleeper Cab’ tractor design. This tractor includes a compartment that can be used for sleeping by the driver during overnight stops on long-haul trips.

Figure 2.3: Tractor without sleeper cab

Source: https://www.macktrucks.com/

Manufacturers of popular truck models in the United States include:

• Freightliner: https://www.freightliner.com/
• Kenworth: https://www.kenworth.com/
• Mack: https://www.macktrucks.com/
• Peterbilt: https://www.peterbilt.com/
• Volvo: https://www.volvotrucks.us/
• Western Star: https://www.westernstartrucks.com/