TRUCK DISPATCHING TERMINOLOGIES (A–Z)
A
Accessorial Charges
Extra charges added to the base rate (detention, lumper, layover, stop-
off).
Appointment Load
A load that must be picked up or delivered at a fixed time.
Authority (MC Authority)
FMCSA permission that allows a carrier to haul freight legally in the USA.
B
Backhaul
A return load taken to avoid running empty.
BOL (Bill of Lading)
Document proving freight pickup and delivery.
Broker
Company that connects shippers with carriers (not the dispatcher).
Broker Credit
Broker’s payment reliability rating.
C
Carrier
Truck owner or trucking company hauling freight.
Carrier Packet
Set of documents required by a broker before assigning a load.
Chassis
Trailer frame used for hauling containers (intermodal).
Consignee
Receiver of the freight.
D
Deadhead
Miles driven without freight.
Detention
Payment for waiting beyond free loading/unloading time.
Dispatch Fee
Percentage or flat fee paid to dispatcher.
Dock High / Live Load
Freight loaded at dock / loaded while driver waits.
E
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
Tracks driver hours (HOS).
Empty Call
Driver informing dispatcher that truck is empty.
F
Factoring Company
Company that advances payment for loads.
Flatbed
Open trailer used for oversized freight.
Freight
Goods being transported.
FSC (Fuel Surcharge)
Extra pay to cover fuel cost.
G
Gross Revenue
Total amount earned before deductions.
H
HOS (Hours of Service)
Legal driving time limits.
Hotshot
Smaller truck hauling urgent or light freight.
I
Invoice
Bill sent to broker for payment.
Intermodal
Freight moved using multiple transport modes.
L
Lane
Common freight route (e.g., TX → CA).
Layover
Compensation for overnight delay not caused by carrier.
Linehaul
Base freight rate (excluding FSC).
Live Load / Live Unload
Driver waits during loading/unloading.
Lumper Fee
Payment for third-party unloading service.
M
MC Number
Carrier’s operating authority number.
Miles (Loaded / Empty)
Distance travelled with or without freight.
N
No Touch Freight
Driver does not load/unload.
Net 30 / Net 45
Payment terms in days.
O
Owner-Operator
Individual who owns and operates a truck.
OS&D
Over, Short, or Damaged freight.
P
POD (Proof of Delivery)
Signed delivery confirmation (part of BOL).
Power Only
Truck hauling broker’s trailer.
Prepass
Electronic weigh station bypass system.
Q
Quick Pay
Broker pays faster for a fee.
R
Rate Confirmation (RC)
Written agreement confirming load rate and terms.
Reefer
Refrigerated trailer.
RPM (Revenue Per Mile)
Total revenue ÷ total miles.
S
Shipper
Company sending the freight.
Stop-Off
Additional pickup or delivery.
Straight Truck / Box Truck
Truck with fixed cargo box.
T
TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used)
Payment when load cancels after truck dispatch.
Tracking
Monitoring truck location during transit.
Trailer
Non-powered freight container.
U
Unloading Time
Time taken to remove freight.
W
Wait Time
Time driver waits beyond free time.
Weigh Station
Truck weight inspection location.
Y
Yard
Truck parking or loading area.
🔑 MOST IMPORTANT TERMS (Dispatcher MUST KNOW)
Rate Confirmation (RC)
Deadhead
Linehaul
Detention
Layover
TONU
BOL
RPM
Factoring
HOS
FSC
How to Use This List
Train new dispatchers
Include in SOP handbook
Use for interview tests
Create flashcards for staff
