Know The Lingo: A Guide to Trucking Definitions, Terms, & Abbreviations

If you’re new to the trucking industry and are looking for a comprehensive trucking guide to help you understand trucking definitions, trucker terms, and trucking abbreviations, we’re here to help. We know just how confusing and frustrating it can be to learn the ins and outs of a new line of work, so here is a quick guide on getting a handle on trucking terminology.

If you want a table with all of these trucking terms and definitions handy, click here to view and download the PDF version.

• Backhaul
• Broker
• Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Carrier
• Consignee
• CPM
• Deadheading
• Detention
• Dispatcher
• Drayage
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
• Flatbed Trailer
• Full Truckload (FTL)
• Freight Class
• Governor
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
• Hours of Service (HOS)
• Less than Truckload (LTL)
• Load Securement
• Logbook
• Owner-Operator
• Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver
• Pre-Trip Inspection
• Reefer Trailer
• Runaway Ramp
• Shipper
• Split Sleeper Berth
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
• Transfer Company
• Weigh Station

Backhaul

Backhauling is when a truck picks up a load at its destination (point B) and brings it back to their origin (point A). This can increase the truck’s efficiency and reduce lost income that would result from deadheading.

Broker

Also known as a freight broker, truck broker, or load broker, brokers act as the go-between for carriers and shippers, connecting drivers with loads ready to haul.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A Bill of Lading an itemized list of goods contained in a shipment and is normally provided when a driver picks up a load. This document is essential for both domestic and international shipments.

Carrier

A carrier is a company or a person who transports goods by land, water, or air. Carriers work with shippers to move goods from one place to the other.

Consignee

The consignee is the party to whom a shipment is being delivered and are the ones who have paid for the goods. They may also be referred to as the recipient or receiver.

CPM

The abbreviation for cents per mile. The per-mile rate at which drivers are paid varies by company.

Deadheading

The practice of driving a semi-truck with an empty trailer (also known as deadhauling). A deadhead happens when a driver returns the empty container to the point of origin. Deadheading is not the same as bobtailing, which happens when a truck is driven without a trailer attached.

Detention

Most shippers and receivers have a scheduled, 2-hour window in which to load or unload freight from a truck. Any time after that window is considered detention time. During detention, a driver must wait over the allotted time to be loaded or unloaded, which can cause them to miss other pick-ups and cut into profits. Learn more about how detention and layover works here.

Dispatcher

A dispatcher directs the movement of trucks and freight. Usually, dispatchers communicate with drivers throughout their trips to monitor progress and address any issues or problems that may come up on the road.

Drayage

The transportation of goods over a short distance as part of a longer journey, often within a single urban area. This term also refers to transporting cargo from an ocean port to its final destination.

Electronic Loading Device (ELD)

An Electronic Logging Device is an automatic device that monitors and logs a moving truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has mandated that all trucks have an ELD installed and operate them at all times during their hours of service. In the event of an outage, drivers are required to keep paper logs.

Flatbed Trailer

A flatbed trailer is a flat, open trailer used to transport goods that either don’t need an enclosed trailer or can’t fit into one. They can vary from 48′-53′ in length depending on state regulations.

Full Truckload (FTL)

Full truckload shipments require an entire truck to be transported.

Freight Class

Freight classification is used primarily with LTL freight as a way to give standardized pricing to shipments based on characteristics like density, handling, stowing, and liability.

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Hazmat trucking is the transport of materials classified as hazardous, such as flammable or radioactive materials. Drivers must hold a HAZMAT certification in order to legally haul these loads. Learn more about how you can get a HAZMAT certification and increase your earning potential here.

Governor

A device that regulates the truck’s top speed. Large fleets use these to ensure their drivers stay within guidelines to improve fuel efficiency and safety.

Hours of Service (HOS)

This refers to the maximum time allotted for a commercial truck driver to be on duty. Typically, this means that truckers cannot drive more than 11 hours within a 14-hour period and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. You can learn more about HOS regulations in our blog.

Less than Truckload (LTL)

Less than truckload shipments don’t need a whole trailer to be transported and will often be combined with other shipments to save money and time.

Load Securement

Load securement refers to the process of securing cargo for transport in a way that prevents damage. Depending on the load and the trailer, this could include using straps or chains to tie down a load, adding dunnage to keep cargo from moving, or covering the load with a tarp to protect it from the elements.

Logbook

A logbook is a record of a trucker’s drive time and activities. These can be either paper logs or digital logs, but all drivers are legally required to keep an accurate record of their work day.

Owner-Operator

A self-employed trucker who both owns and operates their truck. Owner-operators are typically experienced truck drivers who decide to run under their own authority.

Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver

A truck driver who travels cross-country to deliver freight. These drivers are out for weeks at a time, and usually sleep within a berth in the truck cab.

Pre-Trip Inspection

A pre-trip inspection is performed by a driver before getting on the road to ensure their truck is working properly. Systems that need to be checked include lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, trailer, etc.

Reefer Trailer

A reefer trailer is short for refrigerated trailer, an enclosed trailer with cooling that transports perishable goods.

Runaway Ramp

Often seen on a steep grade, these are wide, soft areas a truck can pull into to slow down when its brakes lose power.

Shipper

A person or company who is the supplier or owner of the goods shipped, also called consignor.

Split Sleeper Berth

Split sleeper berth refers to a rule that allows truckers to split their mandated rest break into two segments. This allows drivers to tailor their schedules around their load without violating Hours of Service regulations as outlined by the FMSCA.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Also known as a 3PL, third party logistics companies arrange shipments by outsourcing transportation services to other companies.

Transfer Company

A firm that specializes in handling cross-border transactions, such as into Mexico.

Weigh Station

A weigh station is a stop located along a highway that drivers are typically required to stop at in order to verify their vehicle is under the legal weight limit.

While this guide contains the most essential trucker terms, definitions, and abbreviations, it is not comprehensive. However, it will provide you with a strong foundation to communicate clearly and confidently. If you want to learn more about being a trucker, you can view our flatbed trucking page for additional insights. If you’re a shipper and want to work with an experienced, reliable carrier, learn more about the services we offer on our flatbed trucking services page.