The Evolution of the Semi-Truck, Part 1: Winton Motor Carriage Company

When looking into the history and evolution of the semi-truck, or tractor-trailer, credit must be given to more than one individual. There were many who contributed to the creation of the various big rigs we use today. One such person is Alexander Winton.

Alexander Winton was a Scottish immigrant and bicycle shop owner living in Cleveland, when he started Winton Motor Carriage Company in 1897. In 1898, Winton sold 22 of his automobiles to various customers throughout America. At this time, he needed to figure out a better way to distribute the motor cars to his customers, without causing any wear and tear on the product. This was when he came up with the concept of what became the very first tractor trailer, which became then-known as an "automobile hauler".

It was such a success that Winton began making these for his own use, as well as manufacturing them for distribution. His very first semi trailer had an engine on the back, of which the platform (flatbed) sat on top. It was only able to haul one automobile at a time, and the car was wheeled onto the platform using a retractable ramp. The modern-day RGN (removable gooseneck) flatbed trailers use the same basic concept as this original "automobile hauler".

Up Next: Detroit businessmen create the semi-trailer.