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.
Semi-trailer truck

A Mercedes semi-trailer truck. (Regensburg, Germany) © Wikimedia.org/High Contrast, CC BY-DE