The trucking industry is a vast and intricate network that keeps the wheels of commerce turning across nations.

Integral to global trade, the trucking industry relies on a specific language to ensure smooth operations, clear communication, and effective service delivery.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a newbie just starting out, or someone curious about the transport sector, understanding trucking terminology can be immensely beneficial.

From the basic anatomy of trucks to the intricacies of shipping logistics, each term carries with it a wealth of meaning.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most commonly used trucking terminologies

Trucking Terminology

1. 18-wheeler

A common nickname for a standard semi-truck. It consists of a tractor (the front portion with the engine) and a trailer. Combined, they typically have 18 wheels.

2. Bobtail

When the tractor of a semi-truck is operating without its trailer attached, it’s said to be “bobtailing.”

3. Cargo

The items or goods that are being transported by a vehicle.

4. Carrier

Any individual or company engaged in the business of transporting goods.

5. Deadhead

When a truck travels without carrying any cargo.

6. Dispatch

The coordination process where loads are assigned to drivers.

7. Drop and Hook

A method to speed up the loading and unloading process.

8. Freight

Another term for goods or cargo being transported.

9. Fuel Surcharge

An added fee to offset increased fuel costs.

10. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The combined weight of the vehicle and its cargo.

11. Intermodal

A multi-faceted approach to shipping.

12. Lane

In the trucking world, this refers to specific, frequent routes or corridors that a driver or carrier regularly operates within.

13. LTL (Less Than Truckload)

When the cargo being shipped doesn’t fill an entire truck, it might be shipped LTL, typically sharing space with other shipments.

14. OTR (Over the Road)

Refers to long-haul trucking, where drivers are on the road for extended periods and often travel across multiple states.

15. Owner-Operator

These are truck drivers who own their trucks and operate independently.

16. Permits

Special permissions are required for transporting certain goods or for oversized loads.

17. Reefer

A trailer equipped with refrigeration units for transporting perishable items.

18. Scale

Large scales at truck stops or weigh stations that trucks drive onto to ensure they’re within the legal weight limit.

19. Shipment

The batch of goods being transported, typically under a single bill of lading.

20. Sleeper Cab

A truck cab equipped with sleeping quarters for long-haul drivers.

21. Tarping

Covering a shipment with a large tarpaulin for protection or safety.

22. Team Driving

A method where two drivers share the driving responsibilities for longer distances.

23. Terminal

Locations where cargo is loaded onto or unloaded from trucks.

24. Trailer

The detachable, typically unpowered unit that carries the cargo.

25. Tractor

The front part of a semi-truck that houses the engine and where the driver sits.

26. Transit Time

The duration it takes for goods to be transported from their origin to their destination.

27. Turnpike Double

A specific type of trucking setup where the tractor pulls two 48-foot trailers.

28. Weight Distribution

Refers to how the weight of the cargo is spread out within a trailer.

29. Bill of Lading (BOL)

A legal document between the shipper and carrier detailing the transported goods.

30. Blind Shipment

When the shipper and receiver are unaware of each other’s identities.

31. Broker

An individual or firm that arranges transportation services for a shipper.

32. Bulk Freight

Cargo that is transported in large quantities without packaging.

33. Cabover

A type of tractor design where the cab sits over the engine.

34. Consignee

The person or location designated to receive the shipment.

35. Consignor

Another term for the shipper, or the person sending the shipment.

36. Detention Time

The time a driver waits beyond the scheduled time for loading or unloading.

37. Dry Van

A standard, enclosed trailer for transporting non-perishable goods.

38. ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

A digital device that automatically records a driver’s driving time.

39. Fifth Wheel

A coupling mechanism is used to connect a tractor to its trailer.

40. Flatbed

A type of open trailer with no roof or sides for transporting oversized loads.

41. For-Hire Carrier

A company that offers its transportation services to the public for a fee.

42. Freight Class

A standardized classification system for commodities transported by LTL.

43. Hazmat

An abbreviation for “hazardous materials.”

44. Hotshot

A trucking system that uses smaller trucks for quick and direct deliveries.

45. Jackknife

A situation where the trailer pushes the tractor from behind until it forms a V-shape.

46. Landing Gear

The retractable legs support the front of a trailer when it’s detached.

47. Logbook

A record where drivers manually track their hours of service and other essential data.

48. P&D (Pickup and Delivery)

Refers to the local transportation of goods from transportation hubs to their final destination.

49. Power Only

When a carrier provides only the tractor and not the trailer.

50. Yard Jockey

An individual is responsible for managing and moving trailers in the yard of a warehouse or distribution center.