Hello everyone and thanks for checking out Fast Cool Semis. We are in the process of bringing you the most informative semi-tractor website. Soon you will be able to see cool pictures from many different manufacturers. You will also be able to find useful information that deals with owning or driving a big rig. One of the first things we have to offer you is this semi tractor insurance page, which will give you advice about getting the best rate that you can for your Fast Cool Semi.

We also offer a load boards page for all you drivers. There are several companies offered here which will set you up with a load. Some of them are free and some of them require a membership.

So you have a load that needs to be hauled all over God's green earth? Don't know how much to charge? A fuel surcharge is a must if you want to stay in business. Check out this fuel surcharge page and you can determine exactly how much to charge.

So, now that you have insurance, been to the load boards and know how to charge, you should probably do some pre-trip inspections.
 

Semi tractors usually have 3 axles, the front, or "steer", axle having two wheels, and each of the two rear, "drive", axles having a pair of "dualies" (double) wheels on each side. Thus, the most common configuration of tractor has 10 wheels. A smaller tractor having a single drive axle (six wheeler) is often used to pull shorter trailers in tight urban environments, such as downtown areas where a 60-foot rig would be too difficult to maneuver.

The cargo trailer usually has two "tandem" axles at the rear, each of which has dual wheels, or 8 wheels on the trailer.

Although the cargos weight added to the semi's weight can equal a certain poundage some roads are marked with a different poundage so the roads are not damaged. Cargos that exceed allowed weights are usually marked with overweight load and must obtain a permit to use certain roads.

Rules governing the maximum size and weight of vehicles differ among the States in the US. However, since the majority of hauling is done on the interstate system, the vast majority of trucks and trailer made in the US are built to the specifications of the Department of Transportation which governs the use of the interstate system. The D.O.T. has established vehicle limits of: 102 inches wide, 13.5 feet in height, and 80,000 pounds gross weight. These limits can be exceeded as individual states have the right to issue temporary oversize and/or overweight permits.

Trailer dimensions vary greatly depending on amount and type of cargo it was designed to haul.

Although dual wheels are most common, use of a single, wider tire (known as "super singles") on each axle is becoming popular, particularly among bulk cargo carriers and other weight-sensitive operators. The advantages of this configuration are two: the lighter weight allows a truck to be loaded with more weight, and the single wheel covers less of the brake unit, which allows faster cooling. The biggest disadvantage is that when a tire becomes deflated or destroyed, it is not possible to drive the vehicle to a service location without risking damage to the rim, as it is with dual wheels.

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The United States also allows 2-axle tractors to tow two 1-axle 28.5-foot (8.7 m) semi-trailers known officially as STAA doubles and colloquially as doubles, a set, or a set of joints on all highways that are part of the National Network. The second trailer in a set of doubles uses a converter gear, also known as a con-gear. This apparatus supports the front half of the second trailer. Individual states may further allow longer vehicles (known as "longer combination vehicles" or LCV's and may allow them to operate on roads other than those part of the National Network.

There is a new section we are starting now which will give you all the information you need to become a truck driver, or increase your ability to drive various types of loads. So come check out our first installment which is How to get a CDL.

The second installment How to get Medical Certification is now available.

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