So the escape velocity deals with objects that once released have nothing to exert a force on them. With the truck/ladder examples you still have something to push against to propel you forward. If you're firing something into space that doesn't have propulsion, that's when you need the escape velocity.
Consider also that the space shuttle, despite being an impressive feat of engineering (and physics!
) does not reach 11.2km/s on the launch pad, but still manages to go up.