Semi trucks haul approximately 70 percent of all transported goods in the United States, far outpacing ships and aircraft and rail freighters.

Also referred to as tractor-trailer rigs or semi-trailer trucks, the value of goods transported by these commercial vehicles exceeds $260 billion, with an estimated 2 million semis plying the highways. Through government-funded paved highway construction projects, semi’s became the leader in freight transportation in the US.

Skills required

The basic engineering of a car and Semi-truck are similar, however it takes more effort and skill to operate a big rig pulling several thousand pounds of freight. Drivers need to go through in-class and real-life, on the road, training to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Drivers seeking to obtain these types of licenses demand more knowledge, experience and physical ability than basic auto driver’s licenses require.

Three classes of CDL licenses

Class A allows you to drive any combination truck with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, like tractor-trailers, flatbeds, truck and trailer combinations and more.

Class B allows you to manage the same combined weight as Class A, but with a tow vehicle less than 10,000 pounds, such as straight and box trucks.

Class C is for those who plan on transporting passengers.

Each class of a CDL license can be obtained through your state. Truck related accidents have been significantly reduced since federal laws and guidelines were enacted in the mid-1970s. Less than 5 percent of accidents involving semis are due to driver fatigue. In-cab computer access, GPS technology and satellite communication systems installed in semis have kept truckers in better touch with dispatch centers.