Industry Jargon Used By Semi Truckers

Those who are just entering a trucking career have a great deal to learn before they’ll become old hands at the job. One of the things you’ll want to pick up pretty quickly are the industry-specific terms that truckers use to communicate. If you can understand what your fellow truck drivers are saying to you about your semi truck or about the trucking life in general, you’ll be able to better get a grip on the basics of the job. Here are some terms to know.

Dispatcher/Fleet Manager

The person at a trucking company who communicates actively with their drivers. It will depend on the company how many roles the dispatcher or fleet manager takes on; some may perform many tasks, while some perform fewer and take a background role. Tasks may include filing requests, assigning freight, relaying messages between drivers and clients or management, informing customers of delays, and reporting information to load planners.

Logbook

A record of a driver’s duty status, which may either be a physical notebook or journal or an electronic file. Semi truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their logbooks to report how much time they spend driving, on-duty, off-duty, and sleeping.

Over the Road

An over the road driver is responsible for hauling freight throughout the company’s region. Typically, a driver who is over the road will be out on the road for two to three weeks at a stretch.

Tandems

The tandem axles of a truck which are spaced no less than 40” and no more than 96” apart. A great deal of weight is placed upon these axles.

Terminal

The facility out of which a trucking company will operate. Most major trucking companies have several different terminals around the country to serve their drivers. Most will include an office building, a trailer drop-off lot, and occasionally repair or washing facilities for trucks.

When you’re looking to buy a new or used semi truck, visit our dealership in Sanford, FL, to see what we currently have in stock. DeBary Truck Sales serves our Florida customers in greater Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, andTampa, as well as those coming from Atlanta, GA.