What are road trains called in America?

Road Trains: Not Quite on the American Rails (or Roads)

The image of a “road train” immediately conjures visions of immense, multi-trailer trucks snaking their way across vast, desolate landscapes. This is a common sight in Australia’s Outback, where road trains are a vital part of the transportation infrastructure. But what are these behemoths called in the United States? The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple substitution.

While the concept of connecting multiple trailers to a single tractor unit exists in America, the term “road train” isn’t the standard vernacular. You’re less likely to hear a trucker talking about maneuvering a “road train” and more likely to hear about the specifics of their configuration.

There’s a historical precedent. The term “turnpike train” has been used in the past, especially in reference to experimental or less-than-successful attempts at longer combinations. However, “turnpike train” often carries a negative connotation, suggesting something unwieldy, perhaps even unsafe or impractical for widespread use. This perception might stem from early trials that faced challenges in maneuverability and braking.

The most common multi-trailer trucks you’ll encounter in the United States are legally defined and regulated configurations. A prime example is the STAA double, referring to trucks with two 28-foot trailers, permitted under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982. These are far more widespread and regulated than the more loosely defined and less prevalent Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs).

LCVs, which can encompass a variety of configurations exceeding the STAA limits, are largely confined to specific highways in western states. States like Nevada, Utah, and Montana, with their long stretches of open road and relatively low population densities, are more conducive to operating these longer vehicles. Their configurations can vary and require special permits due to the increased length and weight, demanding specialized driver training and equipment.

Therefore, the absence of a single, unifying term like “road train” highlights the more regulated and regionally specific nature of multi-trailer trucking in the United States. Instead of a blanket descriptor, American trucking relies on precise classifications like STAA doubles and LCVs, reflecting the legal and logistical complexities involved in moving freight across the country with multiple trailers. So, while you won’t hear “road train” echoing across American truck stops, be assured that the spirit of hauling immense loads across vast distances is alive and well, just under different names and regulations.