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1. Semi-trailer truck
A semi-trailer truck (also called an articulated lorry, tractor-trailer, or simply semi) is a large freight vehicle consisting of two main parts: . Tractor unit – the front part with the engine, driver’s cab, and the coupling device (fifth wheel). Semi-trailer – the rear load-carrying unit without a front axle, supported at the front by the tractor unit and at the rear by its own wheels.
- Often 16–18 meters long in standard form, but can be longer with special permits.
- Long-distance cargo transport (containers, bulk goods, refrigerated loads, etc.).
- The pivot joint allows the trailer to turn independently from the tractor, giving better maneuverability than a rigid truck of the same length.
- Requires a heavy vehicle license in most countries.
- Dangers: wide turning radius, longer stopping distance, blind spots.
A Mercedes semi-trailer truck. (Regensburg, Germany) © Wikimedia.org/High Contrast, CC BY-DE
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