Heavy Haul Trucking Terminology to Know

Terminology is important throughout a number of industries, and one of the single best examples is within the broad sector of industrial construction. One specific area where knowing a few terms and forms of jargon can be very helpful is within any kind of heavy haul trucking or transport need your project may have.

At Redi, heavy haul trucking is one of numerous industrial construction solutions we offer to clients around Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. And while we handle all of these tasks on your behalf, it often pays for clients to have a basic understanding of a few of the terms they might hear or see. Here are some of the most common.

Deadhead

One of the more common terms you’ll hear when it comes to heavy haul trucking is “deadhead.” This essentially refers to a truck travelling empty after dropping off its cargo at the destination, or on its way to pick up new cargo.

There are many situations where a truck will deadhead back to its origin point or to another site after dropping off a load. Deadheading should not be confused with bobtailing, which refers to driving a freight truck with no trailer.

It’s important to note that while deadheading is sometimes unavoidable, it’s risky and should be avoided wherever possible. Accident risks are higher when driving an empty truck, as there’s less weight and thus less stability.

Lowboys

When referring to specific types of trailers, the term “lowboy” can be used. Lowboy trailers are typically flatbeds with two drops in the middle, allowing them to carry taller cargo as well as extremely heavy items.

Lowboys generally come with anywhere from three to twelve axles, depending on the size and weight of the load being transported. Lowboys are used for items like large construction equipment, transformers and other pieces of machinery that may require special transport.

Goosenecks

Down similar but different lines, a “gooseneck” is a type of trailer connected to the back of a pickup truck, allowing for more cargo to be transported. The name comes from the fact that it looks like the neck of a goose when connected, hence the term.

Goosenecks are also extremely useful for hauling heavy items, as they allow for the loading of much taller items than would be able to fit in a standard box truck. They are used in industrial construction projects all across the country, and at Redi we provide gooseneck trailer solutions as part of our services.

Not Otherwise Indicated (NOI)

Most forms of heavy haul trucking fit into one of several classes defined by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), but there are situations where the items being transported don’t fit into one of these classes. In such cases, Not Otherwise Indicated (NOI) is used as a blanket term to classify and rate freight objects that are outside of the NMFC system.

NOI is often used in special cases where an item needs to be moved but isn’t a fit for any other class. It is important to note that NOI shipments are often more expensive than traditional ones, due to the amount of paperwork and added complexity involved in transporting them.

Liftgate Solutions

In many cases, freight carriers will offer liftgate solutions to their clients. This is useful when it comes to loading and unloading heavy items, as the “lift gate” mechanism allows for a truck’s cargo bed to be lowered or raised in order to safely move heavier objects.

This kind of solution can be very helpful when dealing with large industrial construction projects, as it allows for loading and unloading of items that may be too heavy to move by hand. Redi offers liftgate solutions to our clients, giving them the ability to move larger items in a safe and efficient manner.

Stretch

While this one is relatively self explanatory, it is important to understand the concept of “stretch” when discussing industrial construction projects. The term refers to flatbeds and other trucks that have longer bed lengths than normal.

This is useful when dealing with items that are long, heavy or otherwise difficult to transport without the added length of a “stretched” truck bed. At Redi, we offer stretch solutions for those needing longer haul transportation services.

By understanding some of these key terms and solutions, you’ll have a much better grasp on how to plan and execute your next industrial construction project. Knowing what solutions are available, and being aware of the details involved in heavy haul trucking, can help you get the job done right.

Redi offers all of these services and more, so contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next project.