European truckers often have to cross multiple countries. I don't know how the EU truckers' avg distance per trip compares with US truckers. However, I do know that EU regulations limit the maximum length of a truck - including the cab. The US regulates maximum truck length - excluding the cab. Hence the differences in cab designs. Source: personal experience working with Scania for several years. I also double-checked wikipedia :-)
Average distance of journeys performed in road freight transport in the EU-28 was 131 kilometres (81 miles) in 2017. Dividing overall ton-miles moved by tons moved indicates that the average distance traveled for all freight in the United States is 244 miles, the average distance moved by truck is 128 miles (206km).
As best as I can tell the average long haul truck driver in the US does between 500-600 miles (805-966 km) a day. In the EU that distance is milestone but not usual. typically only 400-500 miles (644-805 km )a day. So the distances are not that different but there are more limitations on distance and time in the EU. Combine that with the size regulations and it easy to see why the difference in rigs comes about. Plus in the US many companies aren't going to shell out for stays hotels and want their drivers on the road as soon as possible hence the cabs have living space for sleeping and whatnot.
The reason cabins in TIR trucks are flat-faced and over the engine is because it gives the driver better visibility around corners and maneuvering in urban environments (i.e. Europe). The snout-fronted big rigs in the US were made for wide open roads, rather than ancient old cityscapes.
Addendum: for the life of me, I've never seen a Volkswagen truck like this one. I've seen Volvo (Sweden), MAN (German), IVECO (Italy), Renault (France), Scania (Sweden), and Mercedes (Germany). Never, ever, have I seen a VW TIR truck. But my German brethren might disagree.
As best as I can tell the average long haul truck driver in the US does between 500-600 miles (805-966 km) a day. In the EU that distance is milestone but not usual. typically only 400-500 miles (644-805 km )a day. So the distances are not that different but there are more limitations on distance and time in the EU. Combine that with the size regulations and it easy to see why the difference in rigs comes about. Plus in the US many companies aren't going to shell out for stays hotels and want their drivers on the road as soon as possible hence the cabs have living space for sleeping and whatnot.
Addendum: for the life of me, I've never seen a Volkswagen truck like this one. I've seen Volvo (Sweden), MAN (German), IVECO (Italy), Renault (France), Scania (Sweden), and Mercedes (Germany). Never, ever, have I seen a VW TIR truck. But my German brethren might disagree.