Trucking Industry Terms You'll Want to Know

If you are starting a new role in the trucking industry, work with the trucking industry or want to learn more about the industry that makes America move, here are some great terms to know.

Vehicle and Equipment Terms:

1. Bobtail: A tractor driving without a trailer attached.

2. Fifth Wheel: The coupling device on the back of a tractor that connects to a trailer.

3. Reefer: Short for "refrigerated trailer," used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

4. Jake Brake: An engine braking system that helps slow down heavy vehicles without using the wheel brakes.

5. Air Ride: A suspension system that uses air-filled bags instead of steel springs for a smoother ride.

6. Chassis: A trailer frame with wheels designed to carry shipping containers.

7. Sleeper: The compartment behind the driver's seat in a truck cab, used for rest and sleep.

8. Tandem: A truck or trailer with two rear axles.

9. Sliding Fifth Wheel: An adjustable fifth wheel that allows drivers to distribute weight between tractor and trailer axles.

10. Air Brake: A braking system that uses compressed air to stop large vehicles.

11. Bogie: Auxiliary axle with a fifth wheel used to haul additional trailers behind a power unit.

12. Kingpin: The pin on a trailer that connects to the fifth wheel of a tractor.

13. Power Unit: Another term for the tractor part of a tractor-trailer.

14. Tractor: The part of the truck that contains the engine and cab, used to pull trailers.

15. Trailer: The cargo-carrying unit pulled by a tractor.

Operational Terms:

16. Deadhead: Driving an empty trailer to pick up a load.

17. Backhaul: A return trip with a new load after delivering the original cargo.

18. Drayage: The transport of goods over a short distance, often as part of a longer overall move.

19. Intermodal: Shipments that use two or more modes of transportation (e.g., truck and rail).

20. LTL: Less Than Truckload, shipments that don't require a full trailer.

21. Tie-down: Equipment used to secure cargo during transport.

22. Lumper: A person hired to help load or unload freight.

23. Oversize Load: Cargo that exceeds standard legal size limits and requires special permits.

24. Team Driving: When two drivers share driving duties to keep the truck moving for longer periods.

25. Drop and Hook: When a driver drops off a loaded trailer and picks up a new one without waiting.

26. Live Load/Unload: When a driver waits while their truck is being loaded or unloaded.

27. Payload: The cargo carried by a truck.

28. Repo: Short for "repositioning," moving an empty trailer to where it's needed.

29. Truckload (TL): A shipment that fills an entire trailer.

30. Yard Jockey: A driver who moves trailers around a yard or terminal.

Regulatory and Documentation Terms:

31. Logbook: A record of a driver's hours of service, required by law to ensure compliance with driving time regulations.

32. DOT: Abbreviation for Department of Transportation, the federal agency that regulates the trucking industry.

33. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.

34. Bill of Lading (BOL): A document that serves as a receipt of freight services and a contract between a carrier and shipper.

35. ELD: Electronic Logging Device, used to automatically record a driver's driving time and hours of service.

36. FMCSA: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry.

37. Hazmat: Hazardous materials that require special handling and documentation.

38. Per Diem: A daily allowance for drivers to cover meals and other expenses while on the road.

39. Placard: A sign attached to a vehicle indicating the nature of hazardous materials being transported.

40. Weigh Station: A checkpoint where trucks are weighed to ensure they comply with weight restrictions.

41. Cab Card: A document carried in the truck showing registration and tax payment information.

42. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum weight of a tractor-trailer combination.

43. Hours of Service (HOS): Regulations that govern the working hours of anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle.

44. Pre-Trip Inspection: A mandatory safety check performed by drivers before starting their trip.

Industry Roles and Business Terms:

45. Owner-Operator: A driver who owns and operates their own truck.

46. Shipper: The person or company sending the freight.

47. OTR: hauling freight long distances, often across straight lines

48. Dock Lock: A device that secures a trailer to a loading dock for safe loading and unloading. 49. Fuel Surcharge: An additional fee charged to cover fluctuating fuel costs.

50. Pallet Jack: A tool used to lift and move pallets in warehouses or loading docks.

Understanding these terms will give you a solid foundation in the language of the trucking industry.

What other terms would you add?