Commercial Trucking 101: Common Definitions and Acronyms

Commercial trucks are impressive and complicated machines. Take a look at the operator’s manual for any commercial truck and you’ll find all sorts of terms and acronyms that may or may not be familiar to you. We thought we’d take a minute and run through a few key terms you’ll run into often and explain exactly what they mean. Consider this blog a little cheat sheet.

Common Trucking Terms

Towing

This refers to the load in a trailer that is being “towed” behind a vehicle.

Hauling

In comparison to towing, hauling refers to a load being transported in the bed or back of a truck.

Payload

The weight of the cargo being hauled by a truck.

SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)

An important environmental system that injects a liquid-reductant agent into the exhaust stream. This system significantly improves a truck’s environmental footprint and fuel economy.

Conventional Design

A style of truck where the cab sits behind the engine compartment.

Cabover Design

A truck design which has the engine compartment situated underneath the cab.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacturer. This includes the weight of the axle and the portion of a vehicle's weight carried by the axle.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

The total weight of a vehicle. This includes the vehicle's weight and the contents of the trailer and tractor.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The total weight a vehicle is rated to carry by the manufacturer, including its own weight and the weight of the load.

If you have any questions about these definitions or anything else truck related, feel free to contact us anytime.