The Basics of Semi Trailer Trucks

At Gordon Jensen Trucking & Storage, we're a family owned trucking business. We have over fifty years of experience at moving goods from place to place. It's our privilege to serve our community in that way. We're able to handle jobs of just about any scale. Our fleet of vehicles that makes it all possible, ranging from moving vans to semi trucks.

All About Semi Trailers

A semi trailer only has a back axle. Instead of sitting over wheels, the front of a semi trailer sits over the back of a truck. There are front legs that can be lowered when the semi is being stored or loaded. The semi trailer is attached to a tractor that hauls the load down the highway.

The two machines are connected with a coupling set up. There's a fifth wheel on the tractor. This term is borrowed from pre-combustion engine days. In the early 1900s, the old steering device was adapted for motor vehicles. The semi trailer contains something called a kingpin. This fits into the slot under the fifth wheel and connects the two pieces to make them functional. Together, they make a tractor-trailer truck.

The Right Tools for Any Job

There are different models of semi trailers. The most common, boxy type that everyone recognizes is the dry freight van. Others include refrigerated trailers and different types of flatbed trailers. With a fleet of different semi-trailers and tractors, we can move just about any kind of cargo for our clients.

At Gordon Jensen, we work with clients from a number of industries. Our trucks can handle everything from raw materials to agricultural products and manufactured goods. We also have refrigerated trailers for food products. We take pride in helping our clients get the job done. If you have freight to move, give us a call today. We'd love to help with your project.