Single axle semitrailer:

We call those "city trailers" in the Netherlands as they are more suitable for city distribution (especially for large supermarkets which require a full truckload but are not very good accessible).

I have also seen a similar (but smaller) single axle semitrailer towed by a vehicle like a Mercedes Sprinter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter), or a similar one from anothe builder. Unfortunately I didn't manage to take a photo.

That's unusual for a trailer that size to be a single axle. Usually, anything over 20 ft have tandem axles. In Canada, a single axle semi trailer is called a "hotshot", as priority loads can be quickly loaded, transported and unloaded.

Saurer and Steyr. That's two names I haven't read about in a long time.

There are still a lot (considering their age) Saurer trucks in Switzerland, both cabover and with advanced engine like the snowplow. Also Steyr trucks can be often seen.

Neat on both counts. :)

A strange low profile semitrailer and two more conventionals trucks (Scania 113 H 340 and an Iveco). There are modified trucks to fit some small railway loading gauges, but this one is really too low (european rail loading gauges usually have a rounded top, so modified trucks have either a rounded top, or a flat one, but lower than usual).

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5378/dsc09556l.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2460/dsc09571.jpg
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2092/dsc09572.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3035/dsc09573p.jpg

That first one is used for transporting steel. It's so heavy they don't need all the space like a regular height trailer.

Dutch army truck:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5428676846_5c1f2ce616_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5428676846/)
army truck (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5428676846/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr

Slovenian army truck used by Croatian army. :D
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/TAM_kamion_HV_Tigrovi.jpg/800px-TAM_kamion_HV_Tigrovi.jpg
http://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slika:TAM_kamion_HV_Tigrovi.jpg by Suradnik13

And one used by Serbian police. :D
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/TAM-110.jpg/800px-TAM-110.jpg
http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Datei:TAM-110.jpg&filetimestamp=20080501085409 by Srđan Popović

^^
Verso, Verso. You don't know history. It's not Slovenian, but Yugoslovenian truck :tyty: TAM 150

^^
Verso, Verso. You don't know history. It's not Slovenian, but Yugoslovenian truck :tyty: TAM 150

Last time I checked, "Yugoslovenia" didn't exist any more. And it's not like Slovenia didn't exist before 1991.

just tipfeller, :lol:

Army trucking in Russia.

http://s54.radikal.ru/i143/1102/b9/a1eb28380205.jpg

http://s49.radikal.ru/i125/1102/3b/577f5a8dfb66.jpg

http://s001.radikal.ru/i195/1102/04/d50c711363a1.jpg

http://i038.radikal.ru/1102/2a/117853d5c87b.jpg

http://s55.radikal.ru/i150/1102/cc/3e0feb4766c2.jpg

http://i058.radikal.ru/1008/7a/0dccc23d500b.jpg

http://s55.radikal.ru/i150/1102/cc/3e0feb4766c2.jpg
Kraz, or Kamaz?

Nice pics BTW. :) I always find military movements like this interesting.

That's unusual for a trailer that size to be a single axle. Usually, anything over 20 ft have tandem axles. In Canada, a single axle semi trailer is called a "hotshot", as priority loads can be quickly loaded, transported and unloaded.

Single axle trailers are only common in urban areas, you don't see them that much on motorways for instance. Mostly, they're also a few meters shorter. Normal trailers have 3 axles, sometimes 2 (but unlike american trucks, most tractors have only 2 axles) I don't get the difference between those trailers as it comes to speed. :dunno:


I have also seen a similar (but smaller) single axle semitrailer towed by a vehicle like a Mercedes Sprinter, or a similar one from anothe builder. Unfortunately I didn't manage to take a photo.

I guess you mean something like this?

http://www.trucks.nl/TruckPics/size2/1432674_1.jpg

These things are officially not considered as a truck, so you can drive them with just a BE-licence. Disadvantages: difficicult to manoevre if you haven't got experience with the bigger stuff, and the maximum payload is very low. I guess they're also more expensive than a regular box truck, I'm not sure about the last thing, though.

Kraz, or Kamaz?

URAL-4320

Single axle trailers are only common in urban areas, you don't see them that much on motorways for instance. Mostly, they're also a few meters shorter. Normal trailers have 3 axles, sometimes 2 (but unlike american trucks, most tractors have only 2 axles) I don't get the difference between those trailers as it comes to speed. :dunno:

I guess you mean something like this?

http://www.trucks.nl/TruckPics/size2/1432674_1.jpg

These things are officially not considered as a truck, so you can drive them with just a BE-licence. Disadvantages: difficicult to manoevre if you haven't got experience with the bigger stuff, and the maximum payload is very low. I guess they're also more expensive than a regular box truck, I'm not sure about the last thing, though.

Neat. :) Well, the Mercedes/Dodge/Freightliner Sprinters are 1 tonne vehicles, so it could tow a fair size trailer.

What is a common fuel capacity for a large semi-truck? I thought it was around 1000 liters, giving them a range of just over 3000 kilometers. However, on the Dutch A1 near the German border a truck got a tire blowout and ended up in the ditch and it was said he had 2800 liters of diesel leaking. That sounds very much to me. 2800 liters (and maybe he already consumed some) means he has a range of almost 10000 kilometers (or more than 3 weeks of continuous driving).

That sounds about right, according to a friend. It all depends on the size of the fuel tanks. It's hard to tell nowadays, because there are so many variations.

25.25 m trucking :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5494960564_a01bbafc8c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5494960564/)
LZV Tielbeke (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5494960564/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr

25.25 m trucking :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5494960564_a01bbafc8c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5494960564/)
LZV Tielbeke (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5494960564/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr

More of Hardcore Siberian Trucking:

http://i.imgur.com/4zoqy.jpg (http://imgur.com/4zoqy)

http://i.imgur.com/LgJxZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/LgJxZ)

http://i.imgur.com/soOHt.jpg (http://imgur.com/soOHt)

http://i.imgur.com/8rgKw.jpg (http://imgur.com/8rgKw)

http://i.imgur.com/TQVEM.jpg (http://imgur.com/TQVEM)

http://i.imgur.com/cGIOm.jpg (http://imgur.com/cGIOm)

http://i.imgur.com/P3BoV.jpg (http://imgur.com/P3BoV)

http://i.imgur.com/UcNTv.jpg (http://imgur.com/UcNTv)

http://i.imgur.com/iFUdv.jpg (http://imgur.com/iFUdv)

http://i.imgur.com/6eSqp.jpg (http://imgur.com/6eSqp)

http://i.imgur.com/IbHtG.jpg (http://imgur.com/IbHtG)

http://i.imgur.com/Dqths.jpg (http://imgur.com/Dqths)

http://i.imgur.com/WhcGZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/WhcGZ)

http://i.imgur.com/K1Vs1.jpg (http://imgur.com/K1Vs1)

http://i.imgur.com/0xhsT.jpg (http://imgur.com/0xhsT)

http://i.imgur.com/w8C5K.jpg (http://imgur.com/w8C5K)

http://i.imgur.com/55OYm.gif (http://imgur.com/55OYm)

http://i.imgur.com/pMPlh.gif (http://imgur.com/pMPlh)

http://i.imgur.com/s9zl5.gif (http://imgur.com/s9zl5)

http://i.imgur.com/igFwT.jpg (http://imgur.com/igFwT)

http://i.imgur.com/P4IhY.jpg (http://imgur.com/P4IhY)

http://i.imgur.com/JKPr4.jpg (http://imgur.com/JKPr4)

http://i.imgur.com/22WVN.jpg (http://imgur.com/22WVN)

http://i.imgur.com/wd4p5.jpg (http://imgur.com/wd4p5)

http://i.imgur.com/i10lz.jpg (http://imgur.com/i10lz)

http://i.imgur.com/oDKIi.jpg (http://imgur.com/oDKIi)

http://i.imgur.com/aAoMq.jpg (http://imgur.com/aAoMq)

That sounds about right, according to a friend. It all depends on the size of the fuel tanks. It's hard to tell nowadays, because there are so many variations.

For a normal european truck, a tank of that size seems unlikely. I've got a 800 liter tank on my truck, and it takes the full space between the front and the rear axle on the left. Technicly, I think 2 X 600 liters is about the max.

If you understand German, this is an interesting video about the rest area troubles for truckers.

Rs3_pvRn0E0

I'm guessing it was about the lack of parking for trucks, as I don't speak German. It looked like some were parking on the hard shoulder of the motorway, as even the slip road was full.

A bidirectional triple truck used in the Lötschberg base tunnel construction taken from http://www.ferden.net/:

http://ferden.wistee-heb.fr/images/tsp001.jpg

A bidirectional triple truck used in the Lötschberg base tunnel construction[/IMG]

So that's kinda like a truck version of James May's Alfaab? :banana:

A 25.25 m container truck. You don't see too many of these.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5598179974_db445dfb7b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5598179974/)
LZV 25 25 m (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5598179974/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr

Trucking in India
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_aVNn3lk76XI/TZ3zN-vd2nI/AAAAAAAAAjc/B_EggETLvjQ/s912/AL%203516%20over%203516%20%285%29.jpg

I have a question? In your country, what is the legislation concerning the use of roads/highways by agricultural machines?

Trucking in India

http://www.shiotsu-used-car.com/blogpics/indian-truck-decoration.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/Indian_truck-Full_loaded.JPG

http://www.leyline.org/~ghn/india/hpim1267.jpg

http://www.indiainimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/You-can-certainly-fit-more-on-that-truck.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_iidqGvxwWy4/TFPH-waaezI/AAAAAAAAFNA/Y5JFv53-5OU/YK_02.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bkcyub_sg_w/SwrdnRKfgVI/AAAAAAAAAYE/KPxgiSLRdQQ/DSC04521.JPG

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2640656457_ab5bf4c672.jpg

http://www.mitreagencyclients.com/mitreblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/img_1611.jpg

http://thump01.pbase.com/g3/82/265582/3/95782918.7dPNqvAV.jpg

http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/indian_trucks_z.jpg

Few modern trucks. These are rare and in no hurry to become a more familiar sight on indian highways.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iidqGvxwWy4/TThK9Kzb82I/AAAAAAAAMaA/haJaVYg7wDg/YK_429.JPG

http://www.bsmotoring.com/story_img/bigimage/1290756511A2828.jpg

http://www.tatamotors.com/our_world/images/truck-05-big.jpg

http://flashnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mahindra.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_iidqGvxwWy4/TW5qwnoCsOI/AAAAAAAAOwU/MH4MhYoKozQ/s800/YK_475.JPG

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/728/image0293u.jpg

http://svll.in/images/b-auto-12.jpg

http://svll.in/images/b-cable-01.jpg

http://svll.in/images/b-auto-11.jpg

http://svll.in/images/b-auto-13.jpg

http://svll.in/images/b-auto-010.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_T-PE1u4eAzw/TYjWIfDldWI/AAAAAAAAG4s/P12RhB1VAGI/s640/IMG_0298.jpg

http://www.tatamotors.com/our_world/images/truck-01-big.jpg

I have a question? In your country, what is the legislation concerning the use of roads/highways by agricultural machines?

No idea about what legislations you are actually asking for.

I know that in Switzerland slow vehicles are allowed on the Gotthard and San Bernardino motorway tunnels at least in winter when the passes are closed (with some restrictions on time or the need of escort I suppose). Is that what Suburbanist is looking for?

Here you see a real professional truck driver :lol:
aqbTSsP1ou8

:hahaha:

Amazon, Brazil. Road: BR-163, between Guarantã and Santarém.

8aBsYL3UDMQ&feature=related

hYgANRXwnN8&feature=fvwrel

insane

so much traffic yet no effort to upgrade the road

so much traffic yet no effort to upgrade the road

Actually they are paving that road. There was almost 1,300 km to pave.

Nowadays, there are still 1,011 km missing. :nuts:

Nice 25 meter truck in Denmark.

It's curious how this truck has German license plates as 25 m trucks are not allowed to drive in Germany!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5671734479_9d9878bc51_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5671734479/)
25 m truck (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5671734479/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr

For a normal european truck, a tank of that size seems unlikely. I've got a 800 liter tank on my truck, and it takes the full space between the front and the rear axle on the left. Technicly, I think 2 X 600 liters is about the max.
It all depends on the make/model of truck. Most trucks have two, or more (saddle) tanks, so 800 liters is easily achievable.

Nice 25 meter truck in Denmark.
It's curious how this truck has German license plates as 25 m trucks are not allowed to drive in Germany!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5671734479_9d9878bc51_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5671734479/)
25 m truck (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5671734479/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr
Over length permit perhaps? Or more likely, careful planning. The driver probably split the load in Germany, bringing each trailer into The Netherlands, then hooked it all together as one load.

Lack of truck parking in Germany;

green = no lack
yellow = 1 lacking parking lot per km autobahn
orange = 3 lacking parking lots per km autobahn
red = more than 5 lacking parking lots per km autobahn

http://i.imgur.com/mbLfV.jpg

^ What is "lacking"? Is it based on traffic stats?

If there is no sufficient space, trucks will park outside the designated areas; for instance along driveways of the parking area, on the on- and off-ramps or along the shoulder. By the way, this includes off-motorway rest areas (Autohof).

http://i.imgur.com/8zxcS.png

http://i.imgur.com/HUK8e.png

Single axle semitrailer in Thusis, Graubünden-Grigioni-Grischun, Switzerland. Other semitrailers of the same company (a great supermarkets and shopping malls chain) have two steering axles and side doors.

50% of their goods between major distribution centres are transported by rail: http://m10.migros.ch/en/unsere-verantwortung-en/umweltschutz-en/transport-en

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4276/237thusis.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/222/237thusis.jpg/)

MAN open the first store in Brazil

http://www.revistatransportemundial.com.br/img/Fotos/2011/640x408/vnraeuvjebv4894,_640x408.jpg

International trucks open new stores in Brazil

http://www.saganet.com.br/arquivos/sc-0008-11-saga-caminhoes-banner-net2-0117190.jpg

Another single axle semitrailer...

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8435/dsc00254ok.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8466/dsc00257b.jpg

^^ Are they rare in Switzerland? This type is frequently used in the Netherlands for city distribution of supermarkets.

I don't see them frequently, nor in Lugano (TI) nor in other cities. I see one maybe one or two times a month. Most common distribution vehicles are two axle trucks, and (less frequently) semitrailers with two axles, with some space between them and at least one steering axle. Very few times I have also seen small van like Mercedes Sprinter with a single axle semitrailer.

Transport of a truck to the construction sites of the Linthal hydropower complex in Switzerland.

http://put.edidomus.it/trasporti/edicola/foto/328897_5835_big_DSCF69352.jpg

http://www.tuttotrasporti.it/mondo_camion/immaginebig_articolo.cfm?codiceimg=315047&codedicola=372758&codice=328897&codarticolo=328897&pagina=372758&torna=/mondo_camion/articolo.cfm#gallery

http://www.tuttotrasporti.it/mondo_camion/articolo.cfm?codice=328897

24.05.2011

Laemchabang port, Chonburi, Thailand

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/ratchada/topic/V10596423/V10596423.html

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt59/Ont_Happy/V10596423-9.jpg

In Melbourne Australia......many people don't like trucks this long in the city although they are limited to using Ring Roads and freeways. Much longer ones use Central Australian Highways.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7590/cimg2505d.jpg (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/cimg2505d.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Another single axle semitrailer...
Didn't know that they are that rare over there, though there are straight trucks that do the job quite nicely. In Canada, these single axle "hotshot" trailers are quite common, either as singles, or doubles. Canadian Freightways anf Gordon Food Services are two companies that make extensive use of these types of trailer.

In Melbourne Australia......many people don't like trucks this long in the city although they are limited to using Ring Roads and freeways. Much longer ones use Central Australian Highways.
These used to be legal in the Canadian Province of BC and illegal in AB (Alberta) Now it's the other way round.

I can see the point people make about vehicles that long in built up areas. You have to know EXACTLY where every single wheel is when driving through town. Especially when turning or navigating a roundabout.

The Road Trains in central Australia are what, up to five 53' (foot long) units (trailers)?

Single axle semitrailers are very rare or totally unknown also in Italy. Most semitrailers there have 3 axles, while tractors have 2.

I hate it when one of these needs to do a U-Turn !
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/1876/longp.jpg (http://img849.imageshack.us/i/longp.jpg/)
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6877/roadtrain.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/roadtrain.jpg/)
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3213/longestk.jpg (http://img26.imageshack.us/i/longestk.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

A road-rail truck and a strange vehicle used in the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This Mercedes built truck is quite common between european urban transport companies, where it is used to haul tramways or metro trains.

More photos of the working site here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=78647130#post78647130

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/8000/01dsc00309.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1379/01dsc00310.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1356/02dscn1822.jpg
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6205/02dscn1825.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3026/02dscn1827.jpg

Road haulage: EP introduces "polluter pays" principle

Revising "Eurovignette" road haulage tax rules will make it possible for Member States to charge hauliers for air and noise pollution costs, in addition to motorway tolls. A directive approved by Parliament on Tuesday will ensure that revenue from these charges is used to improve the performance of transport systems and cut pollution.

In the debate, Said El Khadraoui (S&D, BE), who is steering the legislation through Parliament, said that the compromise reached marks a cornerstone for the next decade of European transport policy as it "offers for the first time the possibility to Member States to charge external costs (...) and to make best use of a wide range of toll variations to improve mobility."

On average, 3 to 4 euro cents per vehicle/km may be added to charges for using transport infrastructure to cover the external costs of road haulage, starting with air and noise pollution. The directive will cover not only trans-European transport (TEN-T) networks, but all motorways, and will apply to vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes. If a Member State wishes to grant exemptions for vehicles of up to 12 tonnes, then it must notify the European Commission of the reasons why..

In exchange, Member States firmly commit themselves to invest 15% of overall revenue in TEN-T networks. The remaining amounts should be used to reduce damage to the environment and develop all transport systems sustainably. To promote transparency and public debate, MEPs inserted into the law a requirement that Member States report regularly to the Commission on the charges imposed and the use made of revenue from them.

Fleet renewal incentives

Lorries with the least-polluting engines will be exempt from air pollution charges until 1 January 2014 (EURO V emission class), and until 1 January 2018 for EURO VI. In sensitive and mountainous regions, the existing "mark-up" of up to 25% may continue to apply and may be added to the external costs charged for lorries in the heaviest pollution classes (EURO 0 to II). It may also be extended to the EURO III class from 1 January 2015.

Avoiding traffic jams

To manage traffic flows more effectively without generating more revenue, charges may be varied by up to 175% in congested areas, with the highest charges applying during five rush hours, and lower rates at all other times. To enable hauliers to calculate their costs and plan routes, the European Commission will make available a list of charges and the times whey they apply throughout the EU.

The new Eurovignette rules, approved with 505 votes in favour, 141 against and 17 abstentions, still need to be formally approved by EU Member States. They may be applied as of three months after their publication in the Official Journal.

New revenue-maker approved. The conditions aren't too bad (3 - 4 cents per km, which is far lower than the current truck tolls in Germany, Czech Republic and Austria for example). The downside is only 15% of revenue may be invested in the TEN-T network. This should've been at least 60%, otherwise it becomes a cash-cow for fake "greening" of the industry where money ends up in the general revenue.

Also note that they once again act like the polluter doesn't pay at all today. While the trucking industry is less taxed than the rest of the motor vehicle users, they still pay a lot of taxes today.

Current Euro 5 engines are polluting 10% of the 1990's CO, 12% of the 1990's NOx and less than 5% of the 1990's PM10.

The conditions aren't too bad (3 - 4 cents per km, which is far lower than the current truck tolls in Germany, Czech Republic and Austria for example).

3-4 cents, but in addition.

==================================

Small truck towing a small trailer.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7268/dsc00652a.jpg

Another quite uncommon truck here, a truck (or van?) with a small one axle semitrailer.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8498/dsc00678eh.jpg

Finally a truck carrying its forklift.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/6537/dsc00682si.jpg

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/3526/dsc00683.jpg

Those first two pictures are more like cargo vans than trucks. I think you don't need a truck drivers license to drive them.

The attached forklift is seen occasionally on American flatbed trailers, but never box trailers.

Another quite uncommon truck here, a truck (or van?) with a small one axle semitrailer.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8498/dsc00678eh.jpg

The van would be a one tonne vehicle and the trailer would most likely have a maximum loading capacity of 3500 kg. I can see the advantage of such a vehicle, as it could maneuver more easily than a straight truck in some situations.

Many photos of old trucks and buses here: http://www.tafonrail.altervista.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=131&start=0

Interesting case in the Netherlands.

The A1 motorway near Deventer carries currently 29 000 trucks per day. It is forecast to grow to 40 000 trucks in 2020. This generates two problems; first, passing bans create huge lines of trucks, which means that at 1250 trucks per hour, per direction, it is impossible to merge from motorway entrances. Solution: lift the passing ban. The second problem is that at 800 trucks per hour per direction, other vehicles begin to avoid the right lane. At 1200 trucks per hour per direction, the right lane is virtually inaccessible to other traffic. This means that every 30 seconds, a truck passes on the second lane because the first lane is full.

The solution to this problem is complex. A modal shift is hard to achieve, and there are already intensively used railways and waterways parallel to A1. The current governments wants a widening to 2x4 / 2x3 lanes. However, this does not relieve the entrances from truck convoys.

A separate truck facility has been considered, but was found too expensive. Considering the volumes and safety, a full 2x2 motorway with shoulders need to be constructed for trucks only, parallel to the existing one. A solution like this is almost 3 times more expensive than the widening to 2x4 / 2x3.

So, for the time being, a widening and the abolishing of the truck passing ban is the most cost-effective solution.

I understand this would essentially double the cost of the highway, probably more, but I suggest this for a once and for all, dammit let's fix this shit kind of solution:

Widen the highway to 4 sections each with 2 lanes (2+2+2+2) - allow only cars in the interior lanes, with fewer exits, like express lanes or whatever. In the outer lanes, allow trucks and cars, as well as having the primary access ramps. That'll cost a few billion euros but hopefully it'll handle the traffic nicely for at least the next five years or so before it gets too crowded again.

I think they had such a plan for Interstate 70 in Missouri.

I think they had such a plan for Interstate 70 in Missouri.

The source for that was one of a few plans to upgrade I-81 in Virginia. The plan they chose to enact to reduce congestion goes something like this:

1. Don't build anything.
2. Wait for money.
3. Close some state-maintained rest stops and reduce roadside assistance.
4. (New governor) Re-open closed rest stops.
5. Still waiting for money.

The money they're waiting for actually went to upgrade the Virginia section of Washington's ring road I-495, aka the Capital Beltway, which is currently even more of a traffic nightmare because of the construction, as well as causing a traffic nightmare at any intersecting roads.

Brazil

http://i.imgur.com/mQbyX.jpg

A small 4x4 truck used for works around ski slopes and chairlifts during this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=82100462#post82100462) trip. There are many gravel one lane roads, nearly none of them opened to the public.

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/3160/dsc00053z.jpg

Low floor truck seen travelling on A4 in Italy.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6061/dsc00137sq.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/6129/dsc00138ng.jpg

GTwksv-psC8

Another proposal for trolleytrucks, they exist since the beginning of the 20th century:

http://clabedan.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b18369e2016305625d8e970d-pi

http://www.leblogenergie.com/2012/05/siemens-une-autoroute-électrifiée-pour-poids-lourds-hybrides.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXW2rqsYLXI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMev1FCMQLU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgWlypbvc4s

Some images from the past:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5O29IsFo25w/S7cKQafqr8I/AAAAAAAAD9M/xUTAfUq-7yk/s1600/filocarro01.jpg

http://hutnyak.com/Trolley/Photos/Italy/FILOCA2-640.JPG

http://www.rubben.be/Photoblog/Images/Trolley/trolley-051.jpg

^^ I've never heard of that.

Ashok Leyland U truck from India carrying cement.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cWEUHc7o6os/T2IpWBlhqYI/AAAAAAAAnq8/mQNP4RV6zWY/s800/YK_1302.jpg

^^ I've never heard of that.

Trolleytrucks are still used in some mines to climb slopes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhqgVimGZRs

It's called "trolley assist", as trucks run mostly on diesel power: http://hutnyak.com/trolley.html

The second and third photos I posted are from the Stelvio network (two lines, 80 km in total, 18 trolleytrucks and 2 trolleybuses for workers, all with only electric motors): http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filovia_dello_Stelvio

Some trolleytrucks and trolleybuses can work at full power either under the wires or by their diesel motors, some have a low power diesel motor only for emergency and some are fully electric (with batteries for very short movement in depots or completely unable to move without the wires).

**************

A truck with a steam engine and some oversize vehicles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUBKcqoaZqY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2H0trPWaM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDpq9HnU8PM

Caught the First Bharat Benz Truck today...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UXCJ4zrhDV8/T-bzI7s_DOI/AAAAAAAAyWg/JZ6g8Fp5baQ/s800/YK_2011.jpg

More pics :

http://www.yeshwanthlive.com/india-photoblog/bharat-benz

This is real trucking :cheers:

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7734/image10lb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/image10lb.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

This is real trucking :cheers:

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7734/image10lb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/image10lb.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

The wing mirrors are missing:lol:

Turkish trucks are reported to be seen as far north as Sweden. I always admired those truckers for enduring such a long haul. But recently I found out the truth:

They are cheating !!


http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1183/p6162212.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/p6162212.jpg/)
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8074/p6162207.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/p6162207.jpg/)
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2808/p6162208.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/37/p6162208.jpg/)
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/255/p6162211.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/p6162211.jpg/)

Comming to the Scandinavian peninsula they also board the night ferry in Travemunde/Rostock, have dinner, a couple of beers and a smoke on deck.

So beeing a turkish trucker is probably a delight.

Turkish trucks are reported to be seen as far north as Sweden. I always admired those truckers for enduring such a long haul. But recently I found out the truth:

They are cheating !!


http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1183/p6162212.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/p6162212.jpg/)
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8074/p6162207.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/p6162207.jpg/)
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2808/p6162208.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/37/p6162208.jpg/)
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/255/p6162211.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/p6162211.jpg/)

Comming to the Scandinavian peninsula they also board the night ferry in Travemunde/Rostock, have dinner, a couple of beers and a smoke on deck.

So beeing a turkish trucker is probably a delight.

Plenty of Turkish Trucks in the UK .
Turkish trucks must have a large geographical spread , How far East or South do you reckon TR trucks go?

^^ However far they can go without running into a war, I guess.

So should be around 2 yards. :D

I recently saw in Monfalcone station a train loaded with Turkish and Russian trucks.

Of course there are many Turkish trucks. Many people forget Turkey has a population of 74 million, only 10% less than Germany.

It's not merely a matter of population, but of a booming economy and an ever-expanding export base.

Plenty of Turkish Trucks in the UK .
Turkish trucks must have a large geographical spread , How far East or South do you reckon TR trucks go?

The question is how far do they drive ? If they sit in a railway waggon and then for some destinations on a ferry.

The train I saw in Austria: Rola Express is serving routes like Slovenia/Hungary-Austria, is this service because trucks have difficulties driving through the alps?

The question is how far do they drive ? If they sit in a railway waggon and then for some destinations on a ferry.

The train I saw in Austria: Rola Express is serving routes like Slovenia/Hungary-Austria, is this service because trucks have difficulties driving through the alps?

From Wikipedia, I think it explains what you want to know

Rolling highways are mostly used for transit routes, e.g. through the Alps or from western to eastern Europe.

Austria
In Austria, rolling highways exist from Bayern via Tyrol to Italy or to Eastern Europe. Traditionally, Austria is a transit country and therefore the rolling highway is of environmental importance. In 1999, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) carried 254,000 trucks, which equals 8.5 million tons of freight (158,989 trucks in 1993). The rolling highway trains in Austria are operated by Ökombi GmbH, a division of Rail Cargo Austria the cargo division of ÖBB. There is a direct rolling highway between Salzburg and the harbour of Trieste, where the trucks arrive on ferries from Turkey. In those cases, drivers arrive by plane via Ljubljana airport, to take over the trucks.

Now I know why Istanbul is the most popular destination from Ljubljana airport. I didn't understand it, thought it would be one of Western European airports.

In 1999, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) carried 254,000 trucks, which equals 8.5 million tons of freight (158,989 trucks in 1993).

Or about 25 days worth of truck traffic on a single motorway in Austria such as A1. The share of rolling highways on the total trucking volume is negligible.

Interesting, turkish trucks arrive on the ferry in Trieste, then they drive onto the train which takes them to Salzburg. Not much of driving. Also they have a passengerwaggon for the truckers, so they dont have to fly. I presume the ferries are for trucks+truckers only?

Still plenty of Turkish trucks drive through Serbia etc.

^^ Just cause they drive through Serbia doesn't mean they are going to Germany, Sweden, or anywhere else. If from Istanbul you go to Zagreb, also sure you drive through Serbia...

I can imagine there must be a reason for putting the trucks on the ferry Istanbul-Trieste and on the train Trieste-Salzburg. To transport the trucks this way must be more expensive and time consuming than letting the drivers drive the trucks. What is this reason ?

Maybe they pay the drivers less if they don't drive but are on a ferry. Or maybe they don't want to deal with customs going from Igoumenitsa to Trieste.

I can imagine there must be a reason for putting the trucks on the ferry Istanbul-Trieste and on the train Trieste-Salzburg. To transport the trucks this way must be more expensive and time consuming than letting the drivers drive the trucks. What is this reason ?

Remember that a truck in general can't be faster than 80-90 Km/h and taking example the route Istanbul-Salzburg, this is 1800 km. A truck driver can't drive more than 9 hours in a day, and max 48 hours in a week (this for the law, then we all know that they drive hours and hours without stop). It means that for to cover the distance you need 23 hours at the avarage of 80 Km/h. This would be impossible. Especially crossing borders in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croazia, Slovenia. 3 days to arrive is more real instead. The ferry service between Istanbul and Triste spends 2,5 days for to arrive. Advantages to send trucks like this, besides less borders to cross, is saving much fuel and the manutention of the trucks. A turkish company that operates in Germany after years of using ferries will have a truck with less Km on the odometer than a truck driving on routes. Less km = less manutention = saving money.

This is the website of the ferry company operating between Turkey and Europe
http://www.unroro.com.tr/EN/INDEX/default.asp

our house,on the middle of our street :colgate:

http://imageshack.us/a/img213/9711/cigla.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/213/cigla.jpg/)

Vintage trucking

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7342608396_2ec0659dca_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7157403765_d16633e38a_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7342604140_975c14c09b_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7157400045_f39803de4a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7342606528_8406563f1c_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7342602436_e26b7f113b_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7342604562_6c872c9350_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7157402673_b5fd328136_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7342606738_6d964237b6_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7157403345_5732d3a8d1_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7342604840_f38fd84b99_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7342605778_bfde36832b_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7157401073_f93e2e0f47_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7342602778_5c78563406_o.jpg

Thanks for posting these awesome vintage pics :)

^^Indeed!

:cheers:, Satyricon.

Anyone have any idea, though, what's going on in the first one? Why they're all parked along the side of the road?

Maybe a kind of protest or strike? :dunno:

Here some other vintage pics

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7342602334_e31790248b_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7342602618_ee937d03c0_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7157398247_8bc033014e_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7157399107_a749a2a061_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7157399233_a35c5682bf_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7157399821_3d0697b1cd_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7342608192_bb98c10a8c_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7157403505_01aee83461_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7342606314_aab15a4de1_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7342605596_f903dc3a29_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8172972323_87128b8619_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77138617@N05/8172972323/)


DSV A danish trucking company which bought the dutch Frans Maas transport. I remember seeing Frans Maas trucks before, now I know they have ceased operations. Thanks wikipedia.

I saw 3 DSV trucks travelling in convoy probably. The truckers try to keep eachother company in this antisocial profession. Or is there another reason for driving in convoy ?

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5728/pb103273.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/pb103273.jpg/)

Truck with a type of trailer-coupling I've not seen before.^^

HCS transport from DK.

8zcbitdaSGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zcbitdaSGQ

^^ What's the point?

i have heard about australian mega trucks . does anybody have any pics

You might like these videos?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=bS9JbHZXaJU

Famous lithuanian truck drivers...

KDcWWaIHcdM

^^ That is normal overtaking, if an asshole is doing lower than allowed speed limit.

8zcbitdaSGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zcbitdaSGQ

^^ What's the point?

Simple. In US and Canada, railways do not have the very small locomotives that European railways do, so it's easier and more practical to use a Hi-Rail equipped lorry. It's also more flexible too, since it (the truck) can be used for on road requirements as well. Germany and Switzerland are two countries that I know of, that use Unimogs in the same manner.

I saw 3 DSV trucks travelling in convoy probably. The truckers try to keep eachother company in this antisocial profession. Or is there another reason for driving in convoy ?

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5728/pb103273.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/pb103273.jpg/)

Truck with a type of trailer-coupling I've not seen before.^^

HCS transport from DK.

Truckers tend to travel together if they are going the same direction, especially if they will be stopping at the same truck stop, restaurant, fuel station, or whatever.

As for the 5th wheel coupling... They aren't that common in much of Europe so far as I know. Finland I believe is the exception. In N. America, the 5th wheel coupling for multi-trailer combinations is the norm, though it's just as common to see a drawbar setup as well.

This Norwegian video shows the difference in braking distance with new tires and worn out (but legal) tires on a snow covered road.

h2QZVvpfz6c

I have heard that here in Sweden authorities are soon going to introduce new legislation for trucks. All trucks must have winter tyres during the winter season. Mostly due to the serious accident in south sweden recently where many trucks were involved.

Which means: Additonnal costs for an already afflicted industry.