Is it my imagination, or are big-rig trucks getting longer?
And not only longer, but it seems that the newer ones aren’t
even articulated in the middle so they might negotiate turns
more easily. Countless times I’ve seem drivers struggling to negotiate a truck into a narrow driveway, or needing
two and a half lane-widths to negotiate a turn. How is this
impacting safety and traffic?
them cocksucking truckdrivers just don’t give a good god damn about any one on the road…Would you if you were behind the wheel of one of those behemoths. I’d be like " fuck you asshole, get the fuck out of my way dickhead, because this badboy is coming thru if you like it or not".
Not exactly.
52’ rigs have always been legal, but there are a lot more of them on the roads now. Anything longer than 52’ or wider than (x)’ need special, costly, and time-cosuming paperwork to go along with it.
And drivers aren’t necessarily rude - just stupid. More people want more stuff in their local stores RIGHT NOW, not next week, dammit! The trucking industry is extremely competitive - the local trucking company here in town has an 85% turnover rate - which means there’s lots of inexperienced drivers on the road. They’re most likely tired because of illogical NTSB rules. They have people bitching at them because someone wants that freight picked up in LA on Monday and delivered to Chicago on Tuesday morning.
Then they have to get on the highways where four-wheelers cut off trucks in traffic - there’s a reason they leave a lot of space between themselves and the car ahead of them, you know. And their blind spots are HUGE; that little sign they have on the back of the trailer is very true - they really CAN’T see you if you can’t see their mirrors.
You win the prize for most blatantly stupid post of the year. Shut up, or I shall sic Coldfire on you.
[hijack]
THANK GOD FOR BIG TRUCKS AND SHORT SKIRTS!
[/hijack]
As someone who works with truckers, I can tell you that you are almost right. Over the past few years, customers have been demanding larger containers - so you are seeing more. Used to be the 20’ was standard, then 40’ - now we can’t get enough 45’ equipment. It was always available, but the demand wasn’t there. Anything over 45’ requires special chassis, and is not legal in all states.
For a “historical” view on this subject, read *The Pushcart War{/i} by Jean Merrill.