# Driverless semi-tractor-trailer rigs **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [May 2, 2025, 3:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086 "2025-05-02T15:16:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 1:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/61 "2025-05-12T13:16:54Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > Many years ago, I remember being surprised that so many of the 18-wheelers in Europe don’t have solid metal sides. Most lumber is shipped on either open flatbeds or trucks trailers like this. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 1:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/62 "2025-05-12T13:35:24Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > I remember being surprised that so many of the 18-wheelers in Europe don’t have solid metal sides. They also tend to have more axles (more tires) then US trucks do… ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 1:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/63 "2025-05-12T13:43:19Z")
> [@MikeInNH](#): > > Most lumber is shipped on either open flatbeds or trucks trailers like this. Most lumber is longer than a standard pallet sized load and has to be loaded from the side… Plus it s easier to “fill in” open spots from the sides while loading… Also lumber can be/is loaded/off loaded with much bigger forklifts then will fit inside of a closed boxed truck or trailer… ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 5:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/64 "2025-05-12T17:37:16Z")
Yeah I’ve always wondered why the sides on th3 trucks. Maybe weight but I nothiced a lot of deliveries made in the street and not at a dock so thought maybe that’s why. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/65 "2025-05-12T19:09:05Z")
I’m thinking wind resistance. The rear panels/doors are quite a wind foil. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 10:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/66 "2025-05-12T22:17:02Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > Most lumber is longer than a standard pallet sized load and has to be loaded from the side… Plus it s easier to “fill in” open spots from the sides while loading… In cities like Boston where they have very narrow streets and very little parking - these type of trailers are very common for almost any kind of delivery. Lumber is probably the most common, but I’ve seen them with furniture inside. Just so much easier when there are options for the driver. ---
**Author:** ![johnlump\_191311](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/47e85d/32.png) [@johnlump\_191311](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnlump_191311)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2025, 8:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/67 "2025-05-13T08:38:00Z")
Really? I see side curtains a lot now on semi trucks in the Chicago area. ---
**Author:** ![johnlump\_191311](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/47e85d/32.png) [@johnlump\_191311](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnlump_191311)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2025, 8:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086/68 "2025-05-13T08:42:19Z")
You mean CAHSR or Brightline west? CAHSR LA to SF is a mess but privately owned Brightline west La to LV will be running 2029 with 185 mph speeds. Can’t wait to ride it. Brightline east MIA to ORL has been a total success although slower as it runs on freight tracks. Just 125. Very nice trains. I’ve ridden them. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-semi-tractor-trailer-rigs/200086.md?page=3)