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The trucking industry has a language all its own, filled with slang, codes, and technical terms that keep communication on the road fast and efficient. For drivers, learning the proper lingo isn’t just about fitting in: it’s about safety, professionalism, and staying informed.

A solid understanding of common trucking vocabulary helps drivers communicate clearly with dispatchers, other drivers, and customers, ensuring smoother operations and fewer misunderstandings amidst time-critical work. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned hauler, brushing up on industry terms can help you feel more confident behind the wheel and more connected in the trucking community.

Essential Trucking Terms Glossary

10-4:

A common CB radio code meaning “message received” or “understood.” It’s one of many “ten-codes” used for quick radio communication.

Backhaul:

A return load taken on the way back from a delivery to avoid running empty miles.

Bill of Lading (BOL):

A legal document between a shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported. It serves as both a receipt and a contract.

Blind Spot (No-Zone):

Areas around a truck that are not visible to the driver through windows or mirrors. Other motorists are advised to avoid driving in these zones.

Bobtail:

Driving a tractor without a trailer attached. Handling is different when bobtailing, so extra caution is needed.

Cabover:

A style of truck with the cab positioned directly above the engine. They are shorter in length and often used for city driving.

Cargo:

Goods or commodities transported by truck, train, ship, or aircraft.

Carrier:

A company or individual responsible for transporting goods, which can include trucking companies, airlines, and shipping lines.

Deadhead:

A truck operating without a load. For example, when a driver returns with an empty truck after a delivery. Minimizing deadhead miles is key to maximizing efficiency and earnings as a driver.

DOT Number:

A unique identification number assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to act as an ID and record for commercial motor carrier vehicles.

Drop and Hook:

A common practice where a driver drops off a loaded trailer and hooks up to a new pre-loaded one. This saves the driver time compared to live loading or unloading.

ELD (Electronic Logging Device):

A device that automatically records a driver’s hours of service (HOS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):

The maximum allowable weight of the truck, trailer, cargo, fuel, and driver combined. It is set by the manufacturer and is found on a label in the vehicle, often on the driver's side door jamb. Overloading beyond this weight can lead to mechanical damage, poor handling, and safety risks, and may result in fines or other legal penalties for the driver.

Hazmat:

Hazardous materials are substances or items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. Truck drivers who transport hazardous materials must have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME or Hazmat Endorsement) on their CDL.

HOS (Hours of Service):

Rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit how long a driver can be on duty and driving to prevent fatigue.

Jake Brake:

A compression-release engine brake that helps slow the truck without using the service brakes. It’s useful on steep descents and prevents regular brakes from overheating due to friction, but it’s also often restricted in residential areas due to noise.

Landing Gear:

Two retractable legs on a trailer that provide support when it’s not attached to a truck.

Layover:

When a driver must wait overnight or longer between loads, often due to scheduling or loading delays.

Line Haul:

Line haul trucking involves driving goods over a fixed route between locations in a larger transport network, providing a predictable and consistent schedule with home time for drivers.

Logbook:

A physical record that tracks a driver’s hours of service (HOS). Most drivers now use ELDs instead of old-school paper logbooks.

LTL (Less Than Truckload):

A shipment that does not require a full truckload; it shares transportation space with other cargo from different companies

Manifest:

A detailed list that outlines all cargo on board a truck. It is essential for record-keeping and legal compliance.

Over-the-Road (OTR):

Long-haul trucking that takes drivers across multiple states or regions, often keeping them on the road for weeks at a time.

Owner Operator:

A commercial truck driver who owns and operates their own truck. Instead of working as an employee for a carrier, an owner-operator works under their own authority, either hauling freight independently or contracting with trucking companies.

Payload:

The total weight of the cargo or goods a truck can transport, i.e., the revenue-earning load carried by a truck. Payload = Gross Vehicle Weight – Curb Weight

Pre-trip Inspection:

A mandatory inspection a driver performs before starting a trip to ensure the vehicle is safe and compliant with regulations.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer used to transport temperature-sensitive goods like produce or pharmaceuticals.

Shipper vs. Receiver:

The shipper is the party sending the freight, while the receiver (or consignee) is the one accepting the delivery.

Tandems:

The dual set of axles on a trailer that can be slid forward or backward to help balance the weight of a load.

Yard Driver / Yard Jockey:

A driver who moves trailers around a freight yard, warehouse, or other facility, usually with a specialized yard truck.

These are just a few of the terms you will come across in a truck driver position. Familiarity with industry-specific terminology is more than just a matter of professionalism for truckers: it enhances safety and efficiency in a high-pressure job.

Whether you’re an experienced hauler or a new CDL holder, mastering trucking terminology gives you an edge in a competitive and fast-moving industry. The more fluent you are in trucking vocabulary, the smoother your miles (and your career) will roll.