Expedited Trucking Key Terms

Read up on the important terminology associated with expedited trucking

By Catherine Ryan

When you find yourself in need of expedited trucking, make sure to brush up on several key terms to help you find the right services for your business. Expedited trucking services are imperative to any company that has large shipments that need to reach their destinations under tight deadlines.

Before you seek out an expedited trucking service, make sure to familiarize yourself with the following terms: Just-In-Time, ETA Warning System, straight truck, gross weight, 49 CFR, and bill of lading.

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Just-In-Time trucking is part of an inventory control process in which items are shipped only on an as-needed basis. This method of trucking saves storage space and costs, and relies heavily on the services of expedited trucking companies.
Try: Copybook Solutions' Freight International glossary provides an excellent definition of Just-In-Time. You can also learn the definitions of many other expedited trucking-related terms in the site's comprehensive glossary.

ETA tracking system

An ETA tracking system uses GPS tracking to determine an expedited shipment's location throughout transit. It is a great tool for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of your most important expedited shipments.
Try: Express-1 provides an in-depth explanation of its tracking system, the ETA Warning System.

Straight truck

Straight truck is a term used to describe a truck that has its cab and trailer mounted onto one chassis. Straight trucks are commonly used to transport expedited shipments.
Try: Go to ShipNorthAmerican Transportation's website for a definition of straight truck. The company also provides helpful links to many expedited trucking resources.

Gross weight

Gross weight describes the weight of the entire expedited shipment, including the truck, fuel and truck driver.
Try: Learn the definition of gross weight along with other important trucking-related terms at Expedited Services.

49 CFR

49 CFR is a federal regulation that governs the transport of hazardous materials set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you will be transporting hazardous goods, you will need to learn the rules associated with 49 CFR.
Try: Dangerous Goods Transportation Training explains 49 CFR in detail.

Bill of lading

A bill of lading is an important part of every expedited shipment. The bill of lading outlines the contents of the shipment in detail. Bill of lading forms can be provided by your company or the trucking company.
Try: TWNA provides a definition of bill of lading. The site is also an excellent resource for other trucking-related information.