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semitrailer
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White semi truck with a long trailer driving on a divided highway, with a concrete barrier and dry, brushy hillside in the background.
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semitrailer

vehicle
Also known as: semi
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Quick Summary

White semi truck with a long trailer driving on a divided highway, with a concrete barrier and dry, brushy hillside in the background.
A “semi,” or semitrailer drawn by a truck tractor, on the highway, United States.

A semitrailer is a type of trailer that, when attached to a truck tractor, is supported at its forward end by the tractor's fifth wheel device. This combination is often referred to as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer. Trucks, in general, are motor vehicles designed for carrying freight or performing special services.1234

The first motor truck was built in 1896 by Gottlieb Daimler. Trucks have become essential for intercity freight transport, especially in North America and Europe, due to well-developed road systems. They are also dominant in intracity freight delivery, bringing goods directly to recipients. While light trucks are often used as family vehicles, heavier trucks are primarily for commercial operations.4

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. truck
  2. semitrailer
  3. semitruck
  4. tractor trailer

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