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The trucking business really became transformed into an industry when the Motor Carrier Safety Act was
passed in 1935. The Interstate Commerce Commission, set up in 1887 to regulate commerce - then including
railroads, waterways and pipelines - was made responsible for the issuing of permits, fixing rates, licensing
carriers and administering the business of interstate trucking.
This period saw the tightening of rules in favor of larger carriers, and it also saw the first serious attempts to
produce sophisticated long-haul trucks.
Length restrictions were introduced in many states and this saw a revival of the cabover engine design.
Although the earlier rigs were steered from over the engine, the majority of trucks since had been
conventionals with long hoods reminiscent of auto styles.
The new cabovers enabled longer trailers to be pulled. Twin axles were also introduced to help with weight
distribution. The familiar five-axle profile, which is so common now, dates back to those days.
A public health service study in 1940 led to the introduction of regulations limiting truckers to a 10-hour
driving day. The demand was there for sleeper cab versions of the most popular trucks, and the
manufacturers were quick to supply them, although just about every factory was occupied with the mass
production of army specification softskin vehicles for the war in Europe.
The general freight-hauler has different needs. The lghter the tractor, the bigger the payload he can carry.
Alternatively, he can fit a slightly larger engine, in which case, he will specify an aluminum frame.
Engine size and type depend not only on weights, but also on the kins of routes involved. Certain engines
pull better on steep grades, others are economic fuel consumers in hot desert conditions or on high altitude
runs.
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