Logistics Terms for Transportation Modes

Bobtail/Bobtailing
Driving a tractor without a trailer attached
Reefer
A trailer used to transport temperature-sensitive goods. Includes a refrigeration unit and corresponding insulating material.
Van (48’ or 53’)
A standard semi-trailer used to transport non-temperature sensitive freight. A basic van trailer is 53’ feet long, though 48’ trailers are not uncommon and frequently used in local and LTL deliveries.
Bulk & Bulk Trailer
A type of cargo that is transported unpackaged in large quantities and requiring of a trailer designed to such cargo.
Shipping Container
A large standardized freight container designed for intermodal freight transport. Shipping containers are easily transition from ship to rail to truck without the need to unload the container.
Lane
The route routinely served by the carrier.
Backhaul
A route or shipment that returns a carrier to its primary area of operations. A backhaul shipment generally cost less to secure as it is the preferred shipment for most carriers.
Head haul
The highest revenue generating shipping lane from shipper to receiver.
Drayage
The transport of freight over a short distance, typically from a rail yard or port to the final destination.
Drop & Hook
When a driver “drops” their trailer at a designated location and “hooks” to another trailer.

Freight & Facilities

Freight
Generally, refers to cargo that is palletized for shipment.

Shipper
The origin location of a shipment. The shipper is not necessarily the freight owner.
Consignee
The destination location of a shipment. The consignee is not necessarily the freight owner.