Trucker's Dictionary
The Language Guide
Backhaul: The return trip of a truck transporting cargo or freight, especially when carrying goods back over part of the same route.
Bill of Lading: A legal document between the shipper and carrier, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being carried.
Bobtail: Driving a tractor (the front part of the truck) without an attached trailer.
Bunk: A bed found in the sleeper area of a truck cab.
Cabover (or COE, Cab Over Engine): A style of truck where the cab sits above the engine, as opposed to behind it.
CDL (Commercial Driver's License): A license that allows individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles.
Consignee: The person or location designated as the recipient of a shipment.
Consignor: The person or company shipping the goods.
Deadhead: Driving with an empty trailer, especially after making a delivery and returning without cargo.
Detention Time: The time a driver waits at a shipper or receiver beyond a scheduled appointment, often unpaid.
Drop and Hook: Dropping off one trailer and picking up another at a customer's location.
Dry Van: A standard, non-refrigerated trailer.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device): A digital record-keeping device that tracks driving hours, ensuring drivers follow hours-of-service regulations.
Fifth Wheel: A coupling device connecting the tractor to the trailer.
Flatbed: A type of trailer with a flat, open bed without sides or a roof, used for carrying large or irregularly shaped loads.
Full Truckload: A shipment that occupies the entire truck.
HOS (Hours of Service): Federal regulations determining how many hours a truck driver can operate in a given period.
Jake Brake (or Engine Brake): A braking mechanism using the engine's compression to slow the vehicle.
Logbook: A record of a driver's work activity, including driving hours, rest breaks, and on-duty time.
LTL (Less Than Truckload): A shipment that doesn't fill up an entire truck; often combined with other LTL shipments.
OTR (Over The Road): Refers to long-haul truck drivers who travel significant distances, often cross-country.
Owner-Operator: A truck driver who owns and operates their truck, with on their own authority or leased on to another carrier.
Reefer: A refrigerated trailer used for transporting perishable goods.
Rig: Another term for a truck or a tractor-trailer.
Tandems: A set of two axles, each with dual wheels. Their position can be adjusted to distribute weight.
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