The process of reporting, tracking, and resolving fleet accidents, including insurance claims and repairs.
A small engine installed on trucks to provide power for heating, cooling, and electrical needs without idling the main engine.
A shipping company that owns and operates its fleet of trucks.
The gradual reduction in a vehicle’s value over time due to use, age, and market conditions.
Measures how effectively a company uses its equipment to generate output, comparing actual use against maximum potential capacity, often expressed as a percentage.
Guidelines that define which employees can access vehicles, under what conditions, and for how long.
Technology that uses GPS and telematics to automatically record and transmit a vehicle’s location in real time.
Structural component to which wheels, brakes and suspension are attached.
Trailers built to reduce shock from roads traveled in order to secure product safety. Trailers of this type are generally used to haul fragile items such as light bulbs. The suspension system on this trailer supports the load on air-filled rubber bags rather than steel springs.
Return trip of a vehicle from the original destination point back to the home base of the carrier or driver.
A transportation document that is the contract of carriage containing the terms and conditions between the carrier and shipper. Required for all LTL shipments; Shipper must give the BOL to the driver at pick up.
The party responsible for paying freight charges, which may differ from the shipper or consignee.
A term used when our client requests that the shipper and/or consignee do not know about each other. The client who requests a blind load is a third party (middleman or broker). The shipper is the supplier and the consignee is the customer. If the consignee and shipper knew about each other they may cut out the middleman.
An accessorial charge assessed when the third-party, responsible for moving the shipment, is instructed by one stakeholder to withhold sensitive information about who they are from the other. ($100-$200). This term refers to wood or other supports used to keep shipments in place on trailers or in containers throughout the shipping process. This technique is widely used by expert shippers to secure their freight shipment. LTL will generally not provide this service, only Partial and Full Truck carriers will provide this service.
Operating a tractor unit with no trailer.
An outside company that brings together shippers in need of transportation of goods and carriers looking for backhauls together. Learn more here.
Freight that is not packaged or containerized. Freight normally hauled via tanker truck.
The area where a truck driver sleeps during longer hauls.
The place where the driver sits when hauling a shipment.
The ratio between the number of loads to trucks in a given area.
The entity in charge of carrying a shipment from its starting point to its destination.
The calculation of a shipment’s cost per mile. Commonly used in conjunction with RPM.
A common method for the securement of freight on an open deck trailer.
A charge made against a carrier for loss, damage or overcharge.
The collection of payment on the freight being shipped upon its arrival. Usually outlined in a shipment’s BOL.
The license that is required to drive any truck with a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds or a GVWR of greater than 10,000 pounds.
An official document which is used to indicate, among other things, the name and address of the buyer and seller, the products being shipped, and their value for customs, insurance or other purposes.
Transportation available to the public under regulated rates and liability.
The party receiving the goods.
The party sending the goods (shipper).
A standard,sized box used for intermodal transport.
A company that carries their customers’ freight as stipulated by a written agreement.
The rate that a transportation provider agrees to charge for a set lane over a period of time.
A flatbed trailer with a soft, retractable cover.
A warehouse operation where freight is transferred directly from one truck to another without storage.
A U.S. DOT safety program that scores carriers and drivers based on inspections and violations.
A firm that handles import/export paperwork and customs clearance.
The total interior carrying capacity of equipment, measured in cubic feet.
Miles a driver moves empty without a load.
A truck that is dedicated to a specific customer’s freight and no one else’s.
A shipment’s declared value is the monetary value of a shipment as reported by you, the shipper. It serves as a basis for determining shipping charges and can also act as a tool to limit carrier liability for damage and loss.
A charge applied when a truck driver has to wait to be loaded or unloaded after arriving at the pick-up or delivery site. Industry standards stipulate that the first two detention hours are provided free of charge ($50-$75 per hour).
Time a driver waits at a facility beyond the agreed loading,or unloading time.
The process of changing the destination while the shipment is en route. An additional charge for the excess miles will be charged.
The warehouse facility that holds inventory from manufacturing pending distribution to the appropriate stores.
The scheduling and control of truck pick up and delivery. A critical link in the dispatching process is communication with the drivers through phone, pages, radio, satellite etc.
The U.S. government agency regulating transportation safety and compliance.
A flatbed with the lowest deck. Featuring a raised step at the front. where the trailer attaches to the fifth wheel, and at the back, where the wheel wells are located. Normally used for oversized/overweight items.
A tractor and two semi trailers connected in tandem by converter dolly.
Movement of a container or trailer to or from the railroad intermodal. terminal to or from the customers facility for loading or unloading.
An Axle that is driven by the engine; legal axle weight is 34k lbs.
If a driver is required to help offload cargo, this charge is applied ($100-$150).
A flatbed with a lowered deck, featuring a raised step at the front, where the trailer attaches to the fifth wheel.
A service where a truck driver will “drop” or leave a trailer at the receiver’s facility so that they can load or unload at their convenience.
When a draymen is required to assist in the loading and unloading of a container/trailer.
A simple, enclosed non-climate controlled rectangular trailer that carriers general cargo, including food and other products that do not require refrigeration. Usually loaded and reloaded through rear doors, requiring elevated access for forklifts to enter the trailer.
Pieces of lumber used to protect a product from damage during transport. The lumber is nailed to the floor around the freight to prevent it from shifting.
A federally mandated device that records driver Hours of Service (HOS) electronically.
Miles driven by a truck without freight (also called non,revenue miles).
When a vehicle is dedicated to one shipper’s freight.
Any shipment spanning more than 1200 miles.
The branch of the Department of Transportation that is dedicated to overseeing the trucking industry.
Refers to a shipper’s or receiver’s priority in the order of arriving trucks to be loaded or unloaded.
An open trailer with no sides or roof, used for oversized or heavy cargo.
A railcar with a flat deck for containers or large items.
The stipulation in shipping contracts that removes a party’s liability if they are unable to perform due to an unpredictable disruption.
A powered vehicle used for loading and unloading freight.
An invoice from a carrier for transportation services.
The intermediary between a shipper and the carrier (trucking company).
Freight classes are a measurement that allow for standard prices across all LTL freight carriers and businesses. Freight classes are determined by the NMFTA, or National Motor Freight Traffic Association.
Facilitates the shipment of goods for a third party.
Unpaid freight bills awaiting settlement.
An extra fee added to freight costs to cover fluctuating fuel prices.
A shipment that fills an entire trailer by weight or space.
The loaded trip from origin to delivery point.
A glad hand on a truck is a coupling device used in the air brake system. It connect the service and supply lines of the truck’s trailer to the truck itself, allowing for the transfer of pressurized air needed for the braking system. They are essential for both service and emergency brakes, ensuring safe operation of the vehicle.
The total weight rating of combination vehicles, such as that of a semi-tractor and its trailer.
The total weight of the vehicle and its load.
The maximum safe operating weight of a vehicle as set by the manufacturer.
A charge for the transportation of hazardous materials. ($150-$500 depending on hazmat class and the lane)
A metal barrier positioned behind the cab of a semi-tractor to prevent freight from shifting forward.
Freight moving away from a carrier’s home base, typically higher paying.
The term given to a load that exceeds governmental restrictions in some way (weight, length, width or height).
Using smaller, expedited trucks for urgent deliveries.
Legal limits on the number of hours a driver can operate in a 24 hour period.
A system where goods are routed through central hubs before reaching destinations
The time a truck’s engine runs while not moving, increasing fuel costs.
Commonly used for LTL shipments, this fee is applied if a driver needs to pick up or deliver freight not inside the specified loading zone ($100 – $600).
Coverage for cargo and accident liabilities.
Shipping that involves multiple modes of transport (e.g., truck, rail, ocean).
A situation where a tractor and trailer fold toward each other at an acute angle, usually during skids or hard braking.
A logistics strategy where goods are delivered exactly when needed to reduce storage costs.
Freight deliveries made directly to a construction or field site, often with specialized vehicles.
A delivery method where drivers deliver freight outside of business hours, often using secured access.
A mileage based rate used in countries operating under the metric system.
The hitch located at the front of a trailer that slides into the 5th wheel of a truck.
The support system that is deployed while a trailer is detached from a truck.
The route a shipment takes from origin to destination.
When a driver is delayed overnight or longer waiting for loading/unloading.
The time from order placement to shipment pickup.
A shipment that doesn’t fill a full trailer; carriers consolidate multiple LTL shipments.
A hydraulic platform used to raise/lower freight between street and trailer.
The long distance transport portion of a trip between cities.
A telescoping bar used to secure cargo and prevent shifting in a van trailer.
A chain tensioning device used to bind, clamp, anchor or tie down large cargo loads.
Wedge-shaped protectors used to prevent damage from securement devices.
Belts made of canvas used to secure a load onto the deck of a trailer.
The official offer extended to a carrier by a shipper.
The LOH associated with 801-1200 miles.
Third-party unloading services that charge a rate separate from the carrier ($50-$500+).
A unique identifier issued to motor carriers and brokers by the FMCSA.
Any shipment measuring between 250 and 400 miles in total length.
Freight costs calculated per mile.
A milk run in trucking is a logistics strategy where a single vehicle collects goods from multiple suppliers and delivers them to a common destination, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.
The number a carrier must possess to cross state lines.
Shipments that require multiple pickup or delivery points.
Weight of the cargo only, excluding the vehicle and packaging.
The freight classification system established by NMFTA.
The organization that sets LTL freight classifications.
Freight where the driver is not required to load or unload.
A charge applied when consignees request advance notice before delivery ($50).
A record of freight discrepancies such as extra, missing, or damaged items.
Freight exceeding standard legal size limits, requiring special permits.
A fee to cover permits and fees for oversized cargo.
Describes truck drivers who move freight for extended periods and distances.
A flat structure used to stack and move freight, usually 48×48 inches.
A shipment larger than LTL but smaller than FTL.
Vehicles that accompany Heavy Haul shipments.
A sign displayed on trucks carrying hazardous materials.
A transport option where a carrier provides the tractor but uses another company’s trailer.
A document signed at delivery confirming receipt of goods.
A short trailer, 26–29 feet long, often used in doubles.
A written agreement between shipper/broker and carrier outlining the load details and payment.
The pricing of a shipment on a per-mile basis.
The business / party receiving a shipment.
Changing the consignee or delivery location while the shipment is en route.
A refrigerated truck or trailer used for temperature-sensitive freight.
The process of substituting a new truck to haul a trailer.
A method where drivers hand off loads mid,route to keep trucks moving.
A tamper,evident device placed on a trailer to ensure freight security.
The business/party whose freight is being moved.
The route routinely served by a carrier specific to a start and end point.
Any shipment measuring 249 miles or less.
A flatbed trailer with detachable sides and tarp cover.
A 48×40 base similar to a pallet, accessible on two sides.
Pricing structure applied to freight based on the current market price.
Breaking down and counting freight at delivery to verify accuracy.
Freight that can be safely stacked to maximize trailer space.
A flatbed trailer with a lowered deck to allow taller freight.
A charge applied to every stop a driver must make to fulfill delivery requirements ($75-$100 per stop).
A large bag used for bulk commodities like grains or sand.
Trailer doors that swing outward before docking, allowing taller freight inside.
When freight is brought to the back of the trailer for unloading without a dock.
A charge applied when shipping 1,000 gallons of liquid or more in a dry van ($100-$1,000).
Charge for covering goods on open-deck trailers ($100-$150).
Two drivers who alternate shifts to keep a truck moving continuously.
A carrier facility where freight is sorted and transferred.
An outsourced provider managing some or all logistics operations.
Software used to plan, optimize, and execute freight operations.
A container used for packaging and shipping liquids or chemicals.
The truck/semi carrying the trailer.
Total time from pickup to delivery of a shipment.
Moving freight from one transport mode to another during a journey.
A charge when a shipper orders but does not use a truck ($200-$600).
Shipment distance range of 401-800 miles.
Safety equipment fitted on trailers to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath during collisions.
The weight of a vehicle without cargo or passengers.
Shipments too large for standard LTL but not big enough for a full truckload.
A unique code assigned to each vehicle for tracking and compliance.
A calculated weight based on cargo size rather than actual weight, often used in pricing.
A freight document listing shipment details but not serving as a contract like a BOL.
A checkpoint where trucks are weighed for compliance with legal limits.
Special handling for sensitive freight, often including inside delivery and setup.
Short for cross-docking, where goods are transferred between vehicles with little or no storage.
Currency conversion rates that affect international freight charges.
Software for tracking trailers, containers, and equipment within a yard or terminal.
Optimizing capacity and pricing based on demand and available truck space.
A shipping method that bypasses intermediate shipping zones to reduce costs and time.
A truck or van that produces no tailpipe emissions, often electric or hydrogen,powered.
The plate located at the back of a semi which is used to attach the truck to the trailer it will be hauling.
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