Back to Truckers Glossary
Equipment & Trailer Terms

Equipment & Trailer Terms Glossary

Plain-English definitions for truck equipment, trailer types, coupling parts, air lines, landing gear, reefer units, flatbeds, tandems, and common inspection-related components.

Searchable Terms

Truck & Trailer Dictionary

Tap “Full meaning” to open a longer explanation without leaving the page.

Dry Van

Enclosed trailer for non-temperature-controlled freight.

Reefer

Refrigerated trailer for temperature-controlled freight.

Flatbed

Open-deck trailer used for large or side-loaded freight.

Power Only

Tractor-only work where the trailer is provided.

Bobtail

Tractor moving without a trailer attached.

Fifth Wheel

Tractor coupling plate that connects to the trailer.

Kingpin

Trailer pin that locks into the fifth wheel.

Tandems

Paired trailer axle group used for weight distribution.

Tandem Slide

Moving trailer axles to adjust weight balance.

Landing Gear

Trailer support legs used when disconnected.

Glad Hands

Air connectors between tractor and trailer.

Pigtail

Electrical cord between tractor and trailer.

Air Ride

Suspension system using air bags for smoother ride.

APU

Auxiliary Power Unit used while parked.

PTO

Power Take-Off for auxiliary equipment.

Reefer Unit

Temperature-control machine on a reefer trailer.

Chassis

Trailer frame used to haul shipping containers.

Twist Lock

Locking device securing a container to a chassis.

Mud Flap

Splash guard behind tractor or trailer tires.

Dolly Legs

Another term for trailer landing gear.

Headache Rack

Protective rack behind the tractor cab.

ABS

Anti-lock Braking System.

Air Lines

Brake air connections between tractor and trailer.