Trucking Terms
Be informed on trucking Terms. Definitions came from the TWA.org. I tried to list the most trucking terms that are used the most. I have a couple of links to explain items in more detail as you read through the list.
ABS (Antilock Braking System) Computer, sensors and solenoid valves which together monitor wheel speed and modulate braking force if wheel lockup is sensed during braking. Will prevent lock up.
ATC (Automatic Traction Control) Usually an optional feature based on ABS, it prevents spinning of the drive wheels under power on slippery surfaces by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine throttle. On the above subject on ABS I go more indepth on this Trucking term at truck brake inspection click here
AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery. (see IVHS)
Bill of Lading Itemized list of goods contained in a shipment. Bobtail Tractor operating without a trailer. Bridge Formula A bridge protection formula used by federal and state governments to regulate the amount of weight that can be put on each of a vehicle's axles, and how far apart the axles (or groups of axles) must be to legally carry a given weight. Bunk A area behind the drivers and passengers seat that is approx 72 inch wide. enough room for a mattress enabling a driver to lay down and sleep. Also know as sleepers Cabover (Cab-Over-Engine, COE) Truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. CB (Citizens Band Radio) Two way radio used by truckers to communicate down the road to advise of road conditions and use just for small talk Chassis Weight (Curb Weight, Tare Weight) Weight of the empty truck, without occupants or load. Container (Shipping Container) Standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway. International shipping containers are 20 or 40 feet long, conform to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and are designed to fit in ships' holds. Containers are transported on public roads atop a container chassis towed by a tractor. Domestic containers, up to 53 feet long and of lighter construction, are designed for rail and highway use only. Container Chassis Single-purpose semitrailer designed to carry a shipping container. Converter Dolly (Dolly) Auxiliary axle assembly equipped with a fifth wheel (coupling device), towed by a semitrailer and supporting the front of, and towing, another semitrailer. Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo. Dolly See Converter Dolly. Fifth Wheel Coupling device attached to a tractor or dolly which supports the front of a semitrailer and locks it to the tractor or dolly. The fifth wheel's center is designed to accept a trailer's kingpin, around which the trailer and tractor or dolly pivot in turns. To leave trucking terms click here for home page If you would like a complete list of terms from TWA. click here
twa.org
