ABS (Antilock Braking System)

Computer, sensors and solenoid valves which together monitor wheel speed and modulate braking force if wheel lockup is sensed during braking. Helps the driver retain control of the vehicle during heavy braking on slippery roads.

Bobtail

Tractor operating without a trailer. Also refers to straight truck.

Cabover (Cab-Over-Engine, COE)

Truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Big Rig Wreck, please contact a Big Rig Wreck Lawyer call 1-888-762-5988 (1-888-ROCKY-88).

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

License which authorizes an individual to operate commercial motor vehicles and buses over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. For operators of freight-hauling trucks, the maximum size which may be driven without a CDL is Class 6 (maximum 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight).

Contract Carrier

Company that transports freight under contract with one or a limited number of shippers.

Dead-Heading

Operating a truck without cargo.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

The business-to-business interconnection of computers for the rapid exchange of a wide variety of documents, from bills of lading to build tickets at auto plants.

Fifth Wheel

Coupling device attached to a tractor or dolly which supports the front of a semitrailer and locks it to the tractor or dolly. The fifth wheel’s center is designed to accept a trailer’s kingpin, around which the trailer and tractor or dolly pivot in turns.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacturer. Includes both the weight of the axle and the portion of a vehicle’s weight carried by the axle.

Hazmat

Hazardous materials, as classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Transport of hazardous materials is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Jackknife

To place the trailer at a very sharp angle to the tractor can happen during an emergency stop.

Logbook

Book carried by truck drivers in which they record their hours of service and duty status for each 24-hour period. Required in interstate commercial trucking by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Owner-Operator

Trucker who owns and operates his own truck(s).

Pup Trailer

Short semitrailer, usually between 26 and 32 feet long, with a single axle.

Semitrailer

Truck trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly.

Sliding Fifth Wheel

Fifth wheel mounted to a mechanism that allows it to be moved back and forth for the purpose of adjusting the distribution of weight on the tractor’s axles. Also provides the capability to vary vehicle combination lengths.

Sliding Tandem (Slider)

Mechanism that allows a tandem axle suspension to be moved back and forth at the rear of a semitrailer, for the purpose of adjusting the distribution of weight between the axles and fifth wheel.

Trip Recorder (On-Board Computer)

Cab-mounted device which electronically or mechanically records data such as truck speed, engine rpm, idle time and other information useful to trucking management.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Big Rig Wreck accident, please contact a Big Rig Wreck Accident Lawyer call 1-888-762-5988 (1-888-ROCKY-88).