Automotive: 17 Commonly Used Trucking Terms To Know About
The trucking industry is always buzzing with new orders, freight movement, and upcoming delivery requirements. The sector never sleeps to ensure every order placed reaches its destination on time and makes further processes as seamless as possible.
To achieve this, the trucking company and its team of experts must actively and promptly communicate any potential problems. This helps to avoid delays or damage to the goods being transported.
Truckers and other involved parties commonly use terminology exclusive to the industry to make conversations swift, clear, and direct. If you are wondering how to start a trucking company, becoming familiar with these terms will make communication and processes hassle-free. These terms are used at all stages of the freight delivery process, regardless of the nature of the products being transported.
Here are some terms to grow familiar with and make your operations in the trucking industry more efficient.
1. AFV (Alternative Fueled Vehicle)
It refers to the type of vehicle that uses fuel other than gasoline or diesel. The alternate fuels can include electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, or biodiesel.
2. Backhaul
A type of freight load that often results in the driver returning to their home city or near the area where the company’s home terminal is located.
3. Bunny Hopper
A vehicle that constantly switches lanes creates a driving risk. This type of driving is often adopted to reach a destination quickly, but it is not safe as it causes unexpected disruptions in the lane.
4. CAT Scales
A type of private scale that is usually available at truck shops. Truckers use these to weigh the load or vehicle combinations to make sure the weights are legal.
5. CB Radio (Citizens Band Radio)
It refers to a two-way radio system that can operate without a license. Truckers and other drivers often use it to report any emergencies, road conditions, and other forms of conversation to make the time on the road easy and hassle-free.
6. Detention/Demurrage
A charge under which a carrier seeks compensation for the additional time and equipment the trucker uses. It usually happens due to delays in the loading and unloading process.
7. Dunnage
The filler material is often used to pack unoccupied space in the loaded trailer. This keeps the load inside the vehicle from moving or unnecessarily shifting during transit. The dunnage is usually made of lumber, foam padding, inflatable bags, or any other material that properly positions the load.
8. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
A robust computer-to-computer data exchange system is used to share important data files like bills of lading, build tickets, and other logistics files. It’s often a secure and well-connected network, allowing businesses to share information with each other for a smoother process.
9. Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
An ELD is an electronic device that truckers actively use to track factors like drive time, speed, mileage, and other freight-related information.
10. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
It’s the body that is responsible for managing, controlling and conducting construction activities on the national highways, tunnels, and other infrastructure. They are also responsible for the maintenance of these structures.
11. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Freight quantity that is less than the required quantity for a full truckload rate. To avoid losses or empty freight spaces, multiple LTL shipments are often put together.
12. National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)
A designated comparison of characteristics establishes a load’s ability to be transported. Parameters like density, handling, and liability are some of them.
13. Proof of Delivery (POD)
A document confirming the load has been successfully delivered to the destination address.
14. Runaway Truck Ramp
An emergency area that is located next to a steep downgrade. It absorbs the excessive energy present in the truck.
15. Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
It’s a 2-4 letter code used for identification purposes of transportation and trucking businesses.
16. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
It’s a necessary credential for truckers who work closely with Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)-regulated facilities.
17. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It’s a unique number assigned by the vehicle’s manufacturer. This number is also mentioned on all registration and other paperwork documents.
The Bottom Line
These trucking terms are commonly used in the industry, and by becoming familiar with them, you can ensure that all processes are handled seamlessly. These terms are also popularly used in documentation, making them a standard way to communicate efficiently across different interstate and intrastate networks. If you are starting a new business, familiarize yourself with these terms to achieve a smooth and hassle-free communication process