You are here: Home » Entertainment » Video: Photos of Trucking Throughout The 40s-60s

Video: Photos of Trucking Throughout The 40s-60s

Sadie | August 13, 2012 | 8 Replies

At CDL Life, we love old trucks. Who doesn’t, right. Sure, the trucks of today are more comfortable and offer more conveniences than the trucks of the past, but who wouldn’t love to go back to the days of trucking free with less regulation?

LIFE Magazine has taken many great shots of trucks over the years, and someone has finally put them all together in this great video.

Check out trucking through the 1940 to 1960 in photos. Do any of you remember trucks like these?

For a closer look at some of these photos, follow this link.

Check out some other videos and articles about trucking in the past.

Photo Set: Vintage Truck Stops

Truck Photos: Vintage & Modern

Trucking In the 70s – Cannonball Run

Trucking in the 70s – “CHiPs”

Videos: Photos of Trucks from the Past

Tags: Videos

Category: Entertainment

What's Your Opinion?

Ron Carr says:

December 1, 2012 at 5:32 pm

Back in the day, route 95 thru Ma, RI, Ct and beyond did not exist. We had no choice but old Route 1 from Northern Maine to NYC, Route 6 to Newburgh, Route 2, 9, or 20 to Albany and beyond. And these runs were done in those old Autocars and Macks, A/C, Power steering, Air Ride had not even been made for trucks (or cars) back then. Interstate highways did not exist , just think about it. One other thing, Piggyback Trailers and overseas containers didn’t exist either, but yet freight was moved…

Harold Bolden says:

November 30, 2012 at 10:02 am

I look at these old trucks and think my GOD those guys that drove them had to be tough as nails but these guys was the pioneers of trucking to day I go rolling across this land on big 4 lanes interstates with a 53 foot trailer grossing 80,000# with A/C power steering air ride sleeper XM radio the list goes on except the wages bigger trucks more products same wages or less thanks for the walk down Memories lane.

John Long says:

November 24, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Ahhh the good old days, no A/C, powersteering, and NO comforts at all, but it was fun. Nothing like today with all the modern conveniences. I just wonder how many driver today would last more than one trip driving a 1951 Autocar with an old brownie 5 & 4 transmission. I cut my teeth on one like that. Memories

Lloyd Brightbill says:

August 20, 2012 at 6:23 am

This was when truck drivers were tough..These old trucks had some tricky transmissions in them and some even had no power steering also air ride or any other devices to make it a more comfortable ride were non existent back then..I would love to see some of todays drivers climb in the cab of a 40s 50s or even 60s truck and drive it cross country..My Dad drove and I had Uncles in the business always enjoy the storys of the truckers from the 50s and 60s and there trucks..These guys are a dyeing breed.

John P. Conrad Jr. says:

August 23, 2012 at 10:32 am

my grandfather would not believe the size,safety,and comfort the modern drivers have he drove 6 cylinder gas engine with a 4 speed trans and a 32 foot trailer i’d like to be able to take him for a ride in todays equipment … the only thing that didnt change is the ignorant grocery warehouse checkers..especially on the east coast.