Available 24/7
Available 24/7
As a nationwide trial lawyer with decades of experience, Law.net Attorney David P. Willis understands how challenging it can be to decipher the complex terminology used in the trucking industry. To help accident victims, their families, and legal professionals, he has compiled this comprehensive glossary of trucking terms.
From Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to technical terms like “jackknifing” and “cargo securement,” this resource is designed to make navigating the intricacies of truck accident cases easier and more accessible.
From Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to technical terms like “jackknifing” and “cargo securement,” this resource is designed to make navigating the intricacies of truck accident cases easier and more accessible.
Air Brake System
A braking system commonly used in large trucks, relying on compressed air to apply pressure. Improper maintenance or failure can lead to serious collisions. See FMCSR Part 393 Subpart C for regulations.
Axle Weight
The total weight supported by a specific axle, critical for avoiding overload fines and ensuring proper weight distribution for road safety.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
A hybrid transmission that combines manual gear control with automated shifting technology, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing driver fatigue.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
A safety feature that prevents wheel lockup during emergency braking, enhancing vehicle control and reducing the risk of skidding or accidents. A safety feature required on commercial trucks to prevent wheel lockup during sudden braking, enhancing control and reducing accident risks. This is mandated under FMCSR Part 393.55. Trucks without functioning ABS may lead to accidents involving jackknifing or loss of control. Learn more about legal recourse after a truck accident.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper, providing details about the shipment and serving as both a receipt and a contract.
Blind Spot
Areas around the truck that are not visible in the driver’s mirrors, requiring extra caution when turning or changing lanes to avoid collisions.
Bobtailing
Operating a tractor without a trailer attached, often resulting in reduced stability and increased stopping distances due to the truck’s altered weight distribution.
Bridge Formula
A regulation that determines maximum weight limits for vehicles crossing bridges, calculated based on axle spacing and gross vehicle weight. Federal Bridge Formula, FMCSR Part 658.
Cargo Securement
Techniques and equipment like straps, chains, and tarps used to prevent cargo from shifting or falling during transport, ensuring safety and compliance. These rules are specified in the FMCSR, Part 393, Subpart I.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
A license required to operate large or heavy vehicles, ensuring that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge. The standards for CDLs are established in the FMCSR, Part 383.
Coupling
The process of connecting a tractor to a trailer using a fifth wheel, allowing the truck to tow and maneuver the attached cargo.
Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA)
A program managed by FMCSA that monitors and rates motor carriers based on safety performance, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
Deadhead
Driving a truck without carrying any cargo, which is inefficient for fuel costs and often results in reduced revenue for the trip.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
The federal agency responsible for regulating transportation, ensuring safety, and enforcing rules for commercial drivers and motor carriers.
Drive Axle
The axle responsible for transferring engine power to the wheels, playing a key role in vehicle traction and movement.
Driver Qualification File
A file that motor carriers must maintain for each driver, containing records of their qualifications and compliance with regulations. The requirements are outlined in the FMCSR, Part 391.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
A required inspection report completed by drivers to document any mechanical issues with the vehicle, ensuring it is safe to operate. FMCSR Part 396.11.
Drop and Hook
An operation where a driver drops off one trailer and hooks up another, minimizing wait times and increasing overall operational efficiency.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Mandatory testing programs for commercial drivers to prevent substance abuse, enhancing road safety. The regulations are detailed in the FMCSR, Part 382.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
A device mandated for commercial drivers to electronically record driving hours, ensuring compliance with HOS regulations. The requirements for ELDs are specified in the FMCSR, Part 395, Subpart B.
Empty Miles
Miles driven without carrying cargo, which contributes to wasted fuel and operational inefficiencies for trucking companies.
End Dump Trailer
A trailer designed to unload materials by tilting its bed, typically used for hauling loose materials like sand, gravel, or debris.
Engine Brake
A system that slows the vehicle by reducing engine power, often used on steep descents to save wear on traditional brakes.
Flatbed Trailer
A trailer with an open platform and no sides, used for transporting oversized or oddly shaped cargo that cannot fit in enclosed trailers.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
A federal agency tasked with regulating and ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles, including trucks and buses.
Freight Forwarder
A company or individual that arranges the shipment of goods on behalf of shippers, often coordinating multiple carriers to complete the delivery.
Fuel Surcharge
An additional fee charged to offset fluctuating fuel costs, ensuring that carriers remain profitable during periods of high fuel prices.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle, including cargo, fuel, passengers, and the vehicle itself, as specified by the manufacturer.
Gradeability
A vehicle’s ability to climb steep inclines, determined by its engine power, weight, and transmission capabilities.
GVR (Gross Vehicle Revenue)
The total income generated by a commercial vehicle during a specific period, calculated from freight rates and mileage.
Gladhands
Couplings used to connect air brake lines between a tractor and a trailer, ensuring proper air pressure for braking systems.
Hazardous Material (HAZMAT)
Substances classified as dangerous by the DOT, requiring special handling, documentation, and training for transport due to safety risks.
Rules governing the transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety and environmental protection. The regulations are specified in the FMCSR, Parts 100-185.
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
Rules governing the transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety and environmental protection. The regulations are specified in the FMCSR, Parts 100-185.
Hours of Service (HOS)
Regulations that govern the working hours of commercial drivers to ensure safety by limiting driving time and mandating rest periods. These rules are outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), Part 395.
Hubometer
A mechanical or electronic device attached to a wheel hub that measures the distance a vehicle has traveled, often for maintenance or billing purposes.
Hydraulic Brakes
A braking system that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake pads, commonly used in smaller commercial vehicles.
Idle Time
The period a truck’s engine runs without the vehicle moving, often monitored to minimize fuel waste and reduce environmental impact.
Interstate Commerce
The transportation of goods across state lines, regulated by federal laws and agencies such as FMCSA to ensure safety and compliance.
Intrastate Commerce
The transportation of goods within a single state, subject to state-specific regulations and licensing requirements for carriers and drivers.
Intermodal Shipping
A method of transporting freight using multiple modes, such as trucks, trains, and ships, to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Jackknife
A dangerous situation where a truck’s trailer swings out at an acute angle to the tractor, often caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions. Jackknife semi- truck accidents can be deadly.
JIT (Just-In-Time) Freight
A logistics method where goods are delivered exactly when needed to reduce storage costs, requiring precise scheduling and efficient transportation.
Jake Brake
An engine brake that redirects exhaust gases to reduce speed, commonly used on steep grades to save wear on traditional brakes.
Jockey Truck
A small truck or tractor used to move trailers in freight yards or warehouses, often called a yard goat or terminal tractor.
Kingpin
A central connecting point on the trailer that locks into the truck’s fifth wheel, enabling the tractor to tow and maneuver the trailer.
Kingpin Lock
A security device placed on the kingpin to prevent unauthorized coupling or theft of a trailer when it’s parked.
Knuckle Boom
A type of crane with articulated joints, mounted on trucks to load and unload heavy cargo in tight or confined spaces.
Key-Off Timer
A system that allows accessories, such as lights or air conditioning, to remain active temporarily after the truck’s engine is turned off.
Lane Departure Warning System
A safety system that alerts the driver when the truck unintentionally drifts out of its lane, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue or inattention.
Lift Gate
A hydraulic platform attached to the back of a truck that raises and lowers cargo for easy loading and unloading at ground level.
Logbook
A record maintained by truck drivers to track hours of service, mileage, and duty status, either on paper or electronically through ELDs.
Lowboy Trailer
A semi-trailer with a low deck height designed for hauling oversized or heavy equipment, such as construction machinery or vehicles.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate
A certificate confirming that a commercial driver meets the physical qualifications to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The standards are detailed in the FMCSR, Part 391, Subpart E.
Motor Carrier
A company or individual that provides transportation services for goods, often operating fleets of trucks to serve shippers and customers.
Motor Carrier Liability
Trucking companies are held to strict standards of safety, and they are liable for accidents caused by negligence. The FMCSR governs these responsibilities, particularly under Part 387.
Mud Flaps
Flexible panels attached behind a truck’s wheels to prevent debris, mud, and water from being thrown onto other vehicles on the road.
Maximum Load Limit
The highest weight a truck can legally carry, including cargo and the vehicle itself, determined by federal and state regulations.
Multi-Stop Load
A shipment that requires delivery to multiple locations, often requiring careful route planning to minimize delays and fuel costs.
No-Zone
The blind spots around a truck where smaller vehicles are not visible to the driver, posing significant risks for collisions if not avoided.
Non-CDL Truck
A vehicle that does not require a Commercial Driver’s License to operate, typically smaller trucks used for local or lighter cargo.
North American Standard Inspection
A comprehensive safety check of commercial vehicles, including equipment, driver credentials, and cargo securement, performed by certified inspectors.
Non-Skid Coating
A textured surface applied to truck floors or ramps to reduce the risk of slipping during cargo loading and unloading.
Owner-Operator
A truck driver who owns and operates their own vehicle, often contracting with larger carriers or working independently for shippers.
Overdimensional Load
Cargo that exceeds standard legal size or weight limits, requiring special permits and often escorts to ensure safe transportation.
Overweight Permit
A legal document allowing trucks to carry loads that exceed standard weight limits, typically issued on a temporary or case-by-case basis.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
A federal agency that sets workplace safety standards, including regulations for trucking operations to protect drivers and other workers. OSHA Trucking Safety Standards.
Payload
The weight of the cargo being transported by the truck, excluding the weight of the vehicle itself, used to calculate revenue and compliance.
Pre-Trip Inspection
A mandatory safety check conducted by drivers before beginning a trip, ensuring the truck and trailer are in proper working condition.
Permits
Official documents required for oversized, overweight, or specialized cargo, granting legal permission to operate on specific routes.
Power Unit
The truck or tractor portion of an 18-wheeler, which houses the engine and driver’s cab, and is responsible for pulling the trailer.
Quota Compliance
Meeting specific regulatory or performance quotas, such as freight delivery goals, safety standards, or inspection requirements for trucking companies.
Qualcomm Device
A communication and tracking tool used in trucks to monitor location, exchange messages, and gather operational data in real-time.
Quick Coupler
A mechanical device that allows for fast and secure attachment of trailers, often used in drop-and-hook operations for efficiency.
Quarterly IFTA Filing
The submission of fuel tax reports under the International Fuel Tax Agreement, required quarterly for trucks operating in multiple states or provinces.
Rear Underride Guard
Mandatory devices designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding under a truck during collisions. The requirement is specified in FMCSR Part 393.86.
Reefer Trailer
A refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods, such as food or pharmaceuticals, that require temperature-controlled environments.
Retarder
A supplemental braking system that slows the truck by reducing drivetrain speed, often used to enhance safety on long downhill grades.
Relay Load
A shipment that is transferred from one driver to another during a route to comply with Hours of Service rules or improve delivery efficiency.
Rear Underride Guard
A safety feature installed at the rear of trailers to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath during a collision. FMCSR Part 393.86.
Sleeper Cab
A compartment in the truck’s cab equipped with a bed, allowing long-haul drivers to rest during extended trips away from home.
Steer Axle
The front axle of a truck responsible for steering, which also supports part of the vehicle’s weight and affects maneuverability.
Securement Straps
Heavy-duty straps used to tie down cargo and prevent it from shifting or falling during transport, ensuring safety and compliance.
Side Underride Protection
Safety barriers installed along the sides of a trailer to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath in the event of a side collision.
Tandem Axle
A pair of axles positioned closely together, designed to support heavier loads and distribute weight more evenly for safer transportation.
Tandem Axle Weight Limits
Federal regulations set weight restrictions for tandem axles to protect roadways and bridges from excessive wear. FMCSR Part 658.17.
Tarping
The process of covering cargo with heavy-duty tarps to protect it from weather or debris, commonly used with flatbed trailers.
Tractor Trailer
A combination of a truck (tractor) and a trailer, commonly referred to as an 18-wheeler, used for hauling goods over long distances.
Truck Safety Inspections
Federal rules require regular inspections to ensure trucks meet safety standards. These rules are outlined in FMCSR Part 396. A failure to inspect or repair can result in severe accidents.
Turn Radius
The minimum space required for a truck to make a complete turn, affected by vehicle length and critical for navigating tight spaces.
Underride Accident
An underride car-truck collision is where a smaller vehicle slides under a truck or trailer, often resulting in severe damage and injuries, addressed by underride guards.
Uncoupling
The process of disconnecting a trailer from a tractor, typically performed when switching trailers or completing a delivery.
USDOT Number
A unique identifier assigned by the Department of Transportation to commercial carriers, used for tracking safety records and compliance.
Unladen Weight
The total weight of a vehicle without any cargo, often used for calculating registration fees or determining fuel efficiency.
Vehicle Maintenance Standards
Requirements ensuring that commercial vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained for safe operation. These standards are outlined in the FMCSR, Part 396.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
A metric used to measure the total distance traveled by a truck over a specific period, often used for planning and maintenance.
Vertical Clearance
The minimum height required for a truck to safely pass under bridges, tunnels, or other overhead structures, crucial for route planning.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A unique code assigned to each vehicle for identification, containing details about its manufacturer, model, and specifications.
Visual Inspection
A routine check of the truck and trailer for visible damage, leaks, or safety issues before, during, and after a trip.
Waybill
A document accompanying a shipment that lists details about the cargo, destination, and delivery instructions, often used for tracking and accountability.
Wheelbase
The distance between a truck’s front and rear axles, influencing turning radius, stability, and load distribution.
Wide Turns
Large-radius turns required by 18-wheelers due to their size and length, often needing extra caution to avoid collisions or curbs.
Work Zone Safety
Practices and regulations to ensure safe navigation through construction zones, protecting workers and minimizing risks for drivers.
X-Dock (Cross Docking)
A logistics practice where goods are unloaded from one truck and immediately loaded onto another, minimizing storage time and improving efficiency.
XPO Logistics
A prominent transportation and logistics company specializing in freight services, often referenced in the industry for best practices.
XL Loads
Oversized cargo that exceeds standard dimensions or weight limits, requiring special permits and equipment for safe transportation.
Exhaust Brake
A braking system that uses exhaust backpressure to reduce engine speed, enhancing control during downhill descents and reducing wear on standard brakes.
Yard Jockey
A driver who moves trailers within a freight yard or warehouse, ensuring they are positioned correctly for loading, unloading, or storage.
Yield Signs (in Trucking Context)
Traffic signs that indicate when a driver must allow others to proceed, especially important for trucks due to their longer stopping distances.
Yaw Rate Sensor
A device that measures the rotational movement of a truck, used in stability control systems to prevent rollovers and improve handling.
Year-to-Date Mileage
The total distance traveled by a truck from the beginning of the year to the current date, often tracked for maintenance and reporting.
Zoning Regulations
Local laws governing where trucks can operate, park, or make deliveries, often requiring permits for access to restricted areas.
Zero-Defect Inspection
A meticulous pre-trip inspection aiming to identify and fix all potential issues, ensuring the truck is in perfect working condition before departure.
Zigzag Loading
A method of arranging cargo in a staggered pattern to distribute weight evenly and improve stability during transportation.
Zipper Merge
A traffic merging technique where vehicles alternate entering a lane, often used in construction zones to optimize flow and reduce delays.
WILLIS LAW FIRM 5005 Riverway Drive #160 Houston, Texas 77056 Principle Place of Business | Toll-Free (1-888-LAW-2040) – Free Case Review – All Meetings By Appointment Only
Copyright ©2025 law.net All Rights Reserved
Truck Accident Attorney – Nationwide Help Call 24/7