Common Trucking Terms Every Driver and Shipper Should Know

The trucking industry is filled with unique terminology that can be confusing for newcomers and even seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a truck driver, dispatcher, freight broker, or shipper, understanding these terms is essential for smooth operations.

In this blog, we go over some of the most common trucking terms and industry slang to help you navigate the road with confidence.

General Trucking Terms

• Bill of Lading (BOL) – A legal document detailing the shipment’s contents, origin, and destination.  
• Broker – Also called a freight broker or brokerage, a broker acts as a middleman who connects shippers with carriers.  
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) – Required license to operate commercial vehicles hauling over 26,000 pounds.  
• Detention/Demurrage – When a driver is delayed at a shipper/receiver, often leading to fees.  
• DOT (Department of Transportation) – Regulates trucking safety and compliance.  
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) – The digital tracking device truckers use for drive time, speed, mileage, etc. to ensure compliance with HOS rules.  
• Freight Broker – A company that arranges freight transportation between shippers and carriers.  
• Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) – Dangerous goods requiring special handling (TriState Hazmat specializes in this).  
• LTL (Less Than Truckload) – Smaller shipments that don’t require a full trailer. 

While general trucking terminology keeps the conversation lively, hazardous materials (hazmat) trucking comes with its own set of specialized terms—critical for safety, compliance, and clear communication. Whether you’re hauling flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, or explosive materials, understanding hazmat terminology ensures you follow regulations and avoid dangerous mishaps. 

Below, we break down key hazmat trucking terms every driver, dispatcher, and safety manager should know.

Hazmat Trucking Terms

• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) – Federally controlled materials that can only be transported by a commercial driver with a hazmat endorsement on their CDL.
• Placard – Diamond-shaped warning signs that denote whether a truck is hauling any sort of hazardous material like explosives, gasoline, etc.
• Security Seal – Tamper-proof locking mechanism for trailers  
• FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) – A regulatory agency formed under the Department of Transportation to enforce safety provisions that prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks, buses and other commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on the road. 
• PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) – Regulatory agency that develops and enforces the transport of energy and HazMat. PHSMA oversees all modes of transportation across land, air and sea. 

Trucking isn’t just about gears and freight—it’s a culture with its own language. From Citizens Band (CB) radio chatter to roadside nicknames, truckers have developed a colorful vocabulary that keeps conversations quick, lively, and full of personality. 

Whether you’re a rookie driver or just curious about life on the road, knowing these slang terms helps you blend in, crack a smile, and maybe even avoid a “bear in the air.” Here’s a rundown of the most common—and entertaining—trucking slang you’ll hear out there.

Other Industry Slang

• Bobtail – A truck without an attached trailer
• Alligator – A blown-out tire or piece of tire on the road
• Bear – Law enforcement, usually state trooper or highway patrol
• Chicken Coop – A weigh station or inspection point
• Bumper Sticker – Another vehicle tailgating or driving too close
• Deadhead – Driving an empty truck (no cargo). Drivers often do this on their way to pick up an order.  
• Meat Wagon – An ambulance

Understanding these trucking terms can improve communication between drivers, dispatchers, and shippers. Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran, staying familiar with these words helps ensure smoother operations and fewer misunderstandings.

Interested in a career as a hazmat truck driver? Learn more about how you can earn more by visiting The Tri-State Motor Transit career page.