European Trucks VS. American Trucks

Truck driving, a ubiquitous profession globally, exhibits stark differences in regulations and designs between the United States and Europe. American trucks prioritize spacious cabs with the engine situated in front, while European counterparts adopt a cabover design, conserving space atop the engine.

Dimensions and Weight

The size regulations differ considerably, with European trailers reaching a length of up to 18.6 meters, while American trailers - up to 21.3 meters. Despite this, a maximum payload of 36,000 kilograms applies to both regions.

Height Restrictions

The regulations are very similar here. The height limits in Europe and America are around 4 meters.

Speed Limits

The speed limits vary greatly. In Europe, speed limits of up to 90 km/h apply, while on American highways, speeds of up to 137 km/h are permitted in some states, depending on the size of the truck and the type of road

Cabin

In Europe, the rides are not as extremely long as in America. For this reason, some cabs are suitable for sleeping, but it is not as much of a necessity as in America. American trucks emphasize driver comfort with wider wheelbases, while European models are particularly maneuverable on narrow roads.

Design Differences

European trucks have a flat front due to their cab design, in contrast to the protruding front of American trucks. This design variant reflects the different needs of American long-haul drivers compared to European short-haul drivers.

Popularity

American trucks are unsuitable for the European trucking system, where the profession is seen more as a job than a lifestyle. The compact form of European trucks and the focus on shorter working hours are better suited to the infrastructure and driver preferences in this region.