Everything You've Wanted to Know About Semi-Trucks

Have you ever been curious about the trucks you see on highways, rest stops, and commercial centers? Thinking about building a fleet of your own or curious to learn more about the trucks you own? So are we! We have put together alittle information on how Hino and other semi-trailer trucks roam the open road.

Hino has been in the trucking business since the 1940’s. Since that time, transportation, shipping and trucking has changed exponentially. Hino makes a selection of cabover and conventional trucks that have grown and evolved with the industry to make  managing your fleet or mastering your business market a breeze by allowing you to haul more with greater efficiency. Enter the semi truck.

The semi- truck may sound like it’s lacking in something but don’t be fooled. Semi trucks or "semi’s" get their name from semi- trailer truck. The name semi trailer describes a trailer that has wheels only in the back and is supported by the truck in the front and is attached by a fifth wheel hitch. This gives the truck/trailer combo a unique and separate design from rigid trucks.

A few numbers to put things in perspective

There are millions of tractors (otherwise known as semi trucks) registered in the United States, and when I say millions I mean around 10 million. Driving all these trucks are 3.2 million registered truck drivers, covering thousands of miles a year to deliver about 68% of goods delivered in the US. Heavy duty models such as the Hino 358 are optimized for heavy duty service. Uses such as building materials delivery, and moving tanker, dump, and refrigerated bodies are common uses of semi trucks and the Hino 358.

Want to drive in Ontario?

As you can imagine, or you know from experience, it takes a special licence to drive a semi truck in Ontario. In fact, it takes a special licence to operate a vehicle of a higher weight class that is used for commercial purposes. You must get a full Class “A” licence that allows you to operate a motor vehicle and towed vehicle that exceeds a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms (10,000 lb), an overall length of 45 feet or longer, a fifth wheel coupling and a full air brake system on both the truck and the trailer.

A full air brake system uses air instead of hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to a piston that exerts force on the brake pad when braking. This air  serves as a fluid for the transmission of force and stores potential energy. They include an air tank that stores sufficient energy to stop the vehicle if the compressor fails and are less impacted by leaks than a hydraulic system. They are operated differently than your typical braking system and do require some additional training and the Class “A” licence.

The influx of semi-trucks and automotive shipping changed the way we do business and the way we navigate our highways. Take a look at some of the semi-trucks and cabover trucks available by Hino. With everything from the heavy duty 358 to the hybrid cabover you can find the perfect truck for all you business needs. Check out our extensive Hino inventory, parts and accessories to make all your trips more enjoyable or give us a call to learn more about Hino and our services.