Heavy-Duty Trucks Key Terms

Learn heavy-duty trucks key terms before you lease or buy one

In a world where trucks deliver many of the goods we use for day-to-day life, the demand for truck drivers and owner-operators remains high. Knowing the key terms of heavy-duty trucks will help you understand the industry and the possibilities it provides.

If you are considering a related occupation, the heavy-duty truck key terms will come in handy. You may be interested in maintenance of diesel engines, chassis, tires, electrical systems including computers and GPS, or you may wish to work as a dispatcher, to name a few of the opportunities.

 

GVWR

GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating as defined by the U.S. Government. The rating includes the truck with all its components plus the maximum allowed load. GVW, as used by the trucking industry, does not include cargo. You will find heavy-duty trucks classified by the GVWR, and most fall into the Class 7 category for GVWR.
Try: Changin' Gears explains GVWR, GVW and categories of trucks and clarifies the various classifications.

Wheelbase

Wheel base refers to the length of the truck as measured by the distance between the wheels from front to rear. The overall length of the truck uses the measurement from the front to the rear of the chassis. For trailers, wheelbase is measured from the kingpin, which connects the trailer to tractor, to the rear wheels.
Try: For a diagram and explanation of terms used in measuring truck sizes, see FleetWatch Magazine. It explains the measurement process when the rear end of the truck has more than one axle.

Tandem

Heavy-duty trucks and trailers often have two rear axles, referred to as a tandem axle. On the truck, the first rear axle will utilize power, and in some cases, both will.
Try: Roscommon Equipment Center illustrates a typical tandem axle and how to figure wheelbase for purposes of determining weight distribution for each axle. For an illustration of several axle configurations go to Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

OEM

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) refers to the companies such as International, Isuzu, Mack or Volvo that make heavy-duty trucks. OEM usually refers to replacement parts for repairing trucks. The alternative would be aftermarket manufacturers that make parts to fit trucks, usually for a cheaper price.
Try: Gibbs International Truck Centers is a typical supplier of OEM parts and includes a list of OEM companies. Just-auto.com covers aftermarket replacement parts for heavy-duty trucks, concentrating on the outlook for parts suppliers.

Suspension

The suspension system supports the truck chassis on the wheels and frame of the truck. The driver's seat may also have a separate suspension system.
Try: Hendrickson U.S.A. lists and pictures air, rubber, spring-mount and solid suspension systems. For everything you want to know about seat suspension, go to ExpediterOnline.com.

Over-the-road

You can divide truck driving jobs into two classifications, over-the-road, or long-haul jobs, where you will be gone for several days at a time and short-haul jobs where you will drive in a local area that allows you to stay at home.
Try: Davis Cartage provides information detailing the job responsibilities for long-haul truck drivers.

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