"Streamlined Trucking" The Second in a Series by SharLeigh

“From Infancy to Adulthood” The Second in a Series by SharLeigh

From the 1880s to the 1900s a new form of freight hauling came on the scene with the advent of the gasoline powered wagon. Its inception changed the entire industry. Plank roads were being built for this new form of transportation but the merchants, clinging to their traditions, were still inclined to use the old horse-drawn wagons. It was the general public that began complaining about the hygiene of having horses on the roads that began to seal the wagon’s fate.

The majority of the hauls in the early part of the 1910s were food items and farm crops, but with the war in Europe that soon changed. From the Generals on the battlefield to the overseas shipping points, trucks were in demand. The Generals soon realized the advantage of the trucks versus horses. Thousands of horses died on the battlefield but the majority of the motor trucks kept running. Most of the trucks did not die when hit – they could be repaired and sent back to the battlefield.

General Pershing, the head of the American Forces, quickly saw the necessity of the motor truck and was very vocal about the importance of these vehicles. During the heavy fighting in Europe he called for another 50,000 motor trucks. On the home front, truck factories were working overtime to supply the war effort. Trucks were now in command and demand.

During World War I, the demand for trucks was so great that in 1918 there were 227,250 trucks manufactured. Interstate Motor Freight, Yellow Transfer and Michigan Motor Freight were a few of the popular companies started during this period in time. After the war, many of the soldiers that drove the trucks came home to begin civilian careers as truck drivers.

Good business has the supply meeting the demand – and so it was with freight hauling. Trucks were becoming faster and more able to accommodate larger and heavier loads. The 1920s ushered in larger trucks that were able to carry up to six tons of cargo, the fifth wheel (providing easier coupling) was introduced and air-filled tires (which allowed faster speeds and safer travel) were adopted.

The Federal Government, quickly realizing the importance of moving freight efficiently, spent 75 million dollars toward construction and improvement of rural roads. In 1921, Congress passed the Federal Aid Highway Program, requiring all of the state highway departments to identify a system of connecting rural routes. This nationwide program was the beginning of our modern-day interstate highway system.

While the 1920s focused on construction, the 1930s concentrated on technology and comfort. Firestone developed the first “balloon” tire that required less air pressure and resulted in fewer blowouts. Diesel fuel was adopted by the trucking industry for better efficiency. During the 1930s, the first semi-trailers arrived on the scene and comfortable closed-cab trucks were introduced. Also in this decade, better suspensions and cab heaters were developed, sleeper compartments were created, and side mirrors were added to trucks.

From the horse-drawn wagons on dirt roads to the fuel-efficient diesel truck trailers on the new American Interstate Highways, the trucking industry was rapidly growing and becoming a respected and acceptable form of hauling cargo and making a good living. By 1934 there were 329,218 trucks registered in America!

Next month look for part three of this continuing series, Trucking History 101C: “Streamline Trucking”.