LIFELINES: HOW TRUCKS AND BUSES SERVE AMERICA

The history of truck transportation is reviewed and ways in which they contribute to our daily needs are discussed. The dependence of agriculture on truck transportation., the use of trucks in public services (intercity transportation, highway maintenance, rescue, etc.), and the career opportunities provided by the trucking industry are reviewed. Technological improvements (emission control, tire skid resistance, tandem axles, systems to aid the handicapped, braking systems, fuel economy, etc.) which have contributed to better vehicle performance are also discussed. The trucking industry which started before World War I, totaled 15 million by 1966; today there are twice as many trucks. More than 39,000 communities and industrial sites are served only by truck transport. The automobile manufacturing industry is heavily dependent on truck transportation. Fresh produce of all kinds is delivered to market centers throughout the country, and trucks with 40- to 45-foot beds and slatted sites are used to transport livestock. Trucks are versatile vehicles. The body that goes on a chassis depends on how the truck is to be used - armored truck, bloodmobile, or concrete cracker, etc. The trucking industry provides employment for 9 million people including maintenance personnel, drivers, and dispatchers.

• Corporate Authors:

  Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Association

  320 New Center Building
  Detroit, MI  United States  48202
• Publication Date: 1980-6

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 52 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Agriculture; Automobile industry; Buses; Employment; Freight transportation; Livestock; Perishables; Trucks; Vehicle design; Vehicle performance
• Subject Areas: Design; Freight Transportation; Highways; Motor Carriers; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00325035
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 15 1981 12:00AM