The development of the motor truck lagged behind that of the car, but by 1910 a number of companies that manufactured trucks had developed sturdy units that could handle heavy loads. Many of the early makers used chain-driven beam axles until the development of the heavy duty shaft-driven differential was worked out. The GMC Model H, 3 1/2 ton Truck seen in Philadelphia (above), is a perfect example.

According to the Company, the first trucks to wear the GMC logo were introduced at the 1912 New York Auto Show. Both the Rapid and Reliance truck companies were acquired by W.C. Durant as part of General Motors before 1910. The chassis of the $3500 Model H above was designed and built by Reliance in Owosso, Michigan, as early as 1908; a larger 5-ton Model K was also available. The photo is courtesy of the AACA Library that is having a sale on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Hershey.

At the Hillsborough Woolen Mill Company (below) a Nash Truck was being used for moving huge bags, presumably full of wool. At the time, the woolen industry was one of the largest in New England. The four-wheel drive Jeffrey Quad Truck was first built by the Company as early as 1913, and a two-wheel drive unit was first offered in 1914. The circa 1920 Two-Ton Nash Truck (below) was offered by Nash for $2250 shortly after World War I. The photo is courtesy of the Hillsborough Historical Society.