Trucking Key Terms

Understanding common terminology in the trucking industry

By 2018, the trucking industry will likely haul 70% of all U.S. freight tonnage. Trucks haul everything from food and clothing to electronics, cars and medical supplies. Even though companies within the industry are suffering like those in so many other industries, trucking does have a future. If you're thinking of starting your own trucking company or a different career within the trucking industry, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the terminology that goes along with the job. This guide focuses on six terms pertinent to trucking itself and to the overall industry.

 

ATA

ATA refers to both "actual time of arrival" and the American Trucking Association. The American Trucking Association, in business for more than 75 years, works as an advocate for the trucking industry, offers educational programs and industry research and promotes safety and security among drivers and on highways.
Try: Bookmark the American Trucking Association website to keep up with all the latest trucking news, issues and events.

Backhaul

Backhaul is a truck's return trip from its original destination to its point of origin. If the truck doesn't carry any freight on its backhaul, it's referred to as "deadhead" or "empty miles" or "gap lanes."
Try: Scroll down to the “Reduce Deadhead and Out-of-Route Miles” paragraph, and read more about the significance of reducing empty backhaul miles and other tips for improving a trucking company's success at the Focus Management Group website.

Fifth wheel

In the trucking industry, a fifth wheel refers to a coupling device that's attached to a tractor or dolly; it supports the front of a semi-trailer and locks it to the tractor or dolly.
Try: Learn more about one of the newest fifth wheels available on Freightliner's long-haul and heavy-duty trucks.

Automated Broker Interface (ABI)

Automated Broker Interface is the voluntary program under the U.S. Customs Service that's used to automate the flow of customs-related information among customs brokers, importers and carriers.
Try: Learn more about ABI and its features, user requirements and benefits on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA)

Established by federal law within the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement is a reciprocity contract among states within the U.S. It requires individuals and companies operating commercial motor vehicles to register their business with their home state and pay an annual fee based on fleet size. Companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders or leasing companies must also pay a fee.
Try: Keep up with the latest information on the UCRA and fee enforcement through articles such as the one at Oregon.gov.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

The International Fuel Tax Agreement is a fuel tax contract among the 48 contiguous states and 10 Canadian provinces. It promotes and encourages efficient use of the highway system via uniform procedures for the administration of motor fuel taxation for motor carriers that operate in several member jurisdictions. The agreement reduces paperwork and compliance burdens for fuel tax reporting.
Try: Learn more about how the IFTA works from Truckers Bookkeeping Service.

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