Specialty Transport Magazine

12/10/2024

24/09/2024

Suppose you were a bootlegger back in the Prohibition days—how would you modify your truck to fool Johnny Law? Let us know your "creative" ideas in the comments!

Trucks in Prohibition: The Secret Haulers of the 1920s

During Prohibition (1920-1933), when the U.S. banned alcohol, trucks became key players in smuggling operations. While fast cars are often glamorized for their role in bootlegging, it was trucks that carried the bulk of contraband.

Needing to stay one steep ahead of the law, bootleggers equipped trucks with hidden compartments to conceal liquor —beneath false floors, behind fake walls, and even inside hollowed-out fuel tanks. Some compartments were so well-hidden that even thorough inspections could miss them.

But the sheer weight of alcohol posed another problem. Trucks carrying thousands of pounds of whiskey, beer, or moonshine needed reinforced suspensions to avoid sagging under the load—an obvious red flag for police. These modifications helped trucks appear normal while carrying their heavy, illegal cargo across state lines.

Speed wasn’t always on the truckers’ side, but they had other tricks up their sleeves. Decoy shipments were a common tactic: they’d carry legitimate goods—produce, livestock, or coal—on top of or alongside their contraband. If stopped by police, the decoy cargo was meant to divert suspicion from the hidden alcohol.

In some cases, trucks were equipped with quick-release mechanisms that allowed drivers to dump the illicit cargo quickly if a police chase or checkpoint was imminent. With just the pull of a lever, the alcohol could be dropped off into a ditch or hidden in the brush, leaving authorities with no evidence.

To avoid the scrutiny of checkpoints and heavily trafficked highways, many bootlegging truckers relied on back roads and off-road routes. These often led through remote, rugged terrain where police patrols were scarce. Trucks were modified with heavy-duty tires and strengthened suspensions to handle muddy, uneven, or unpaved roads. This allowed them to make deliveries to remote distilleries and transport alcohol undetected to urban areas.

The Prohibition era left an indelible mark on trucking history. Trucks of the time were not only modified for speed and stealth but also became a critical part of the nation’s bootlegging network. For every flashy car in a bootlegger’s arsenal, there was a workhorse truck hauling far more contraband behind the scenes.

So next time you see a vintage truck, remember: some of those classic rigs had a very secret—and very illegal—past.

Suppose you were a bootlegger back in the Prohibition days—how would you modify your truck to fool Johnny Law? Let us know your "creative" ideas in the comments! 👇

_____
Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with the ATHS $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to member benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org!

30/07/2024

use your air brakes --- stop and read this :-)

You might be wondering why there's a picture of a locomotive on a trucking page. Well, it all starts with the history of air brakes. Before they became a standard safety feature on trucks and buses, air brakes were first invented for trains by George Westinghouse in 1869. Trains at that time relied on manual braking systems, which were dangerous and labor-intensive.

Westinghouse's air brake system used compressed air to apply the brakes, allowing for more reliable and safer train operations. This innovation significantly improved the safety and efficiency of rail travel.

The Leap to Road Transport

By the 1920s, the automotive industry saw the potential of adapting air brakes for trucks and buses. In 1922, the German company Knorr-Bremse developed the first air brakes for a truck and trailer.

Bendix Enters the Scene

In the early 1920s, Bendix began producing air brakes in collaboration with Westinghouse. By 1930, Bendix and Westinghouse had formed the Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company to produce air brakes for heavy vehicles.

Bendix Innovations

🔧Dual-Circuit Braking Systems for redundancy.
🔧Air Dryer Systems to remove moisture.
🔧Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup.
🔧Automatic Slack Adjusters for consistent braking performance.
🔧Integrated Brake Control Systems for enhanced safety.

Today, air brakes are essential for the safe operation of heavy-duty vehicles.

Have you ever had to troubleshoot your truck's air brake system? Share your experiences and tips below!

21/07/2024

definitely "specialty" transport

19/07/2024

11/07/2024

How Truckers Found Loads Before the Internet

It wasn't long ago that independent truckers, often referred to as "wildcatters," relied on traditional methods to find loads.

In the early days, before the dawn of the internet, loads were often listed on bulletin boards at truck stops with handwritten notes or printed cards posted by shippers and brokers. This method, while effective, was time-consuming and required truckers to be at the right place at the right time.

Relationships with freight brokers were another critical aspect of finding loads. Brokers acted as intermediaries, matching loads with available trucks. Independent truckers also relied on personal networks and word of mouth, dispatch services, and direct solicitation of businesses. These methods, while varied, all had limitations in terms of reach and efficiency.

In 1978, a significant innovation emerged with the launch of the Dial-A-Truck service at the Jubitz Truck Stop in Portland, Oregon.

Dial-A-Truck allowed truckers to view available loads on monitors that displayed detailed information about available loads, allowing them to quickly find and select jobs that suited their routes and schedules.

The success of Dial-A-Truck led to its rapid expansion. Nine other truck stops along the Interstate 5 corridor, from Washington to California, added Dial-A-Truck monitors. This network made it easier for truckers traveling this busy route to find loads efficiently.

By 1985, within just seven years, Dial-A-Truck monitors were installed at more than 200 truck stops in 42 states. This widespread adoption made Dial-A-Truck one of the earliest and most successful load-matching services.

Today, sophisticated internet platforms and mobile apps connect truckers with loads in real-time, offering features like automated matching, route optimization, and digital payment processing.

Dial-A-Truck stands as a testament to the importance of innovation in the trucking industry. By improving the efficiency of load matching, it helped independent truckers thrive and set the stage for the digital advancements that continue to drive the industry forward.

14/06/2024

28/05/2024

how would you like to start your truck this way? This is a 1946 Dodge cab over.

21/03/2024

How could one man transform the way goods are transported across the globe? Discover the groundbreaking story of Malcolm McLean and McLean Trucking's impact on transportation in the latest issue of ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine Explore how their innovative use of intermodal containers transformed freight transport, revolutionizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Don't miss out on this compelling narrative of industry evolution.

Read the full story in the March/April edition of American Truck Historical Society!

Drive into trucking history with our $24 Annual Online Membership Deal! Join the American Truck Historical Society for just $2 a month and gain access to the digital ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine. Enjoy captivating content, member-only perks, and connect with fellow enthusiasts anytime, anywhere. Upgrade to our full membership to receive the printed magazine at your doorstep. Visit aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

03/02/2024

Our January/February cover story spotlights Kevin Cimmiyotti's 1966 Peterbilt 281, a large car truck that has undergone a stunning transformation. Kevin breathed new life into this vintage vehicle by adding a 1992 Double Eagle sleeper—a symbol of luxury and personalization in open road.

Kevin meticulously transformed the truck, stretching its frame to a 276" wheelbase and adding an 18" bumper, chrome visor and LED headlights. Inside, modern amenities such as power steering, air-conditioning, tilt wheel, and a Bluetooth stereo ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The crown jewel of this restoration is the Double Eagle sleeper, which provides ultimate convenience on long-haul journeys with a generator, AC, heat, and even a shower.

"Having a Double Eagle in the late '70s and '80s meant you were at the top of your game," Kevin notes. "It was more than a sleeper; it was a sign of success, showing you were doing well as an owner-operator.

Read the full story and MORE in the Jan/Feb issue of ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine. Become a member to get WOT delivered to your mailbox 6X a year and read the virtual version now! aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

23/01/2024

history making history

Be sure and like/follow ATHS Wheels of Time for more original trucking content!

Meet Carl, a 1962 Kenworth LW 924 standing at the forefront of a revolution in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). While sleek, eco-friendly passenger EVs are capturing consumer interest, Edison Motors led by visionary Founder & CEO Chace Barber, is trailblazing in heavy-duty transportation. Their mission? To revitalize classic trucks for a sustainable future in trucking.

Edison Motors is not just building electric trucks; they're envisioning a future where they are the norm. These electric trucks promise environmental benefits like reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and regenerative braking and instant torque for heavy loads. Barber sees these trucks as key players in a future where sustainability and efficiency drive the heavy-duty transportation industry.

“We aim to keep trucks running longer," Barber says. "An old truck with a solid frame, but a failing motor, is perfect for an electric upgrade, offering a cost-effective alternative to buying new."

Read this story and MORE in the Jan/Feb issue of ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine. Become a member to get WOT delivered to your mailbox 6X a year and read the virtual version now! aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

11/01/2024

what is the meaning of the term "chicken lights"?

11/01/2024

Wienermobile drivers get paid a base salary of $35,600 to tour the country in one of the most iconic and rare vehicles.

01/11/2023

When you can’t decide whether you want to be a truck driver or a train engineer

01/11/2023

Spotted going over Snoqualmie Pass in Washington state today… the ride might be a little lopsided, but at least they don’t have to worry if they get a flat :-)

13/08/2023

Got axles?

JNB Heavy Haul

27/07/2023

Everything is bigger in Texas, and Equipment Express Inc. exemplifies that spirit. With a remarkable 20-year history in heavy haul, they have mastered the art of handling the most challenging and demanding cargo. Their specialized fleet comprises an impressive array of equipment, including lowboys, removable goosenecks (RGN) lowboys, multi-axle lowboys, steerable dolly systems, step decks, stretch trailers, turn table combinations, and double drop Ag trailers.

27/07/2023

Waymo Shifts Gears: From Self-Driving Trucks to Ride-Hailing Focus

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle pioneer, has made a significant strategic move, shifting its focus from self-driving trucks to doubling down on ride-hailing services. This decision was revealed in a company blog post, marking a pivotal moment in their development journey.

The journey to this point began six years ago when Waymo initially experimented with its self-driving technology in Class 8 trucks. However, the allure of commercial opportunities in the ride-hailing sector has prompted the company to change course.

Robotaxis, the concept of ride-hailing using driverless vehicles, have always been a core aspect of Waymo's plans. While many autonomous vehicle developers leaned towards logistics and delivery as a more immediate revenue source, Waymo too joined the race and invested in delivery and trucking development. Now, the company is repositioning its focus squarely on ride-hailing.

In a joint statement from co-CEOs Dmitri Dolgov and Tekedra Mawakana, they explained, "Given the tremendous momentum and substantial commercial opportunity we're seeing on the ride-hailing front, we've made the decision to focus our efforts and investment on ride-hailing." They highlighted their commitment to rapid technological advancements, with a strong focus on AI/ML, and pointed out significant business growth and rider demand in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

This shift in focus means Waymo will postpone its commercial and operational efforts in the trucking sector, as well as most of the technical development related to that business unit. Nevertheless, the company maintains its intent to apply its autonomous vehicle system to trucking in the future. However, specific details regarding the timeline for renewing the trucking program or launching a commercial trucking service were not disclosed.

By concentrating their capital, resources, and talent on ride-hailing, Waymo is betting on the immense potential of the transportation service industry. With ongoing advancements in their autonomous technology and a growing demand for ride-hailing, the road ahead looks promising for Waymo as it continues to shape the future of mobility.

24/07/2023

Put your observation skills to the test this -- can you spot the differences between these two photos? Comment below.

18/07/2023

Tuesday Teaser: Spot the Differences in These Two Pictures and Share Your Answers!