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primitive maybe... but the feds also mandate that any aerodynamic extention from the rear of the trailer be less than five feet. The plates that are sold for the rear of the trailer mimic optimal pressure angles for normal highway speeds and are are easy and quick for drivers to fold back for docking while also being relatively cheap.
Automation would definetely be easier and quicker for the driver but many trucking companies look to their competition for examples, and will not pay for the expense of such a system when no one else is doing it and margins are so slim.
But back to trikkoncepts point... There is a lot of room for improvement for transport vehicles. And as far as trucks driving without trailers, the aerodynamics must be horrible.
pneumatic balloon boattail anyone? This seems to be the easiest way to get the ideal geometry- but the high volume air pump might prove expensive.
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