Trucking is an industry with its own language. If you’re new to the world of trucking, you might find yourself struggling to understand some of the terms and phrases that truckers use. Below we’ll go over some of the most common trucker slang terms and provide examples of how they’re used. Whether you’re a trucking industry veteran or a newcomer, this glossary is sure to help you navigate the language of the road.
Trucker slang is a unique and colorful language that has evolved over many years of trucking. Here are some of the most commonly used trucker slang terms and phrases:
Commonly Used Slang and Jargon
- Alligator: A blown tire that’s left pieces of rubber on the road that resemble an alligator’s skin
- Bear – A police officer
- Bobtail – A tractor without a trailer attached
- Chicken coop – A weigh station
- Double nickel – 55 mph
- Hammer down – To drive fast
- Local yokel – A small-town police officer
- Parking lot – A highway with heavy traffic
- Rocking chair: A smooth and easy ride
- Smokey – A police officer
- Yard – A trucking company’s headquarters or terminal
CB Radio Slang for Truckers
CB radios are an essential communication tool for truckers. Here are some common CB radio slang terms and phrases:
- 10-4 – Yes, affirmative
- Breaker, Breaker – Requesting to speak on the CB radio
- Copy that – I understand
- Good buddy – A friendly way of addressing another driver on the CB radio
- Hammer lane: The far-left lane of a highway
- Jelly jar: A CB radio
- Negatory – No, negative
- Roger that – I understand
- Rubber duck – A CB radio
- Smokey Bear – A police officer
- Standby – Wait a moment
- What’s your 20? – What’s your location?
Trucking Industry Slang
The trucking industry has its own set of terms and phrases that are used among drivers, dispatchers, and other industry professionals. Here are some common trucking industry slang terms:
- Deadhead – Driving without a load
- Drop and hook – Dropping off one trailer and picking up another at the same location
- Georgia overdrive: Using neutral gear to coast downhill
- Pigtail: The electrical cable that connects the tractor to the trailer
- Reefer – A refrigerated trailer
- Sandbagging – When a driver deliberately drives slower to avoid arriving at their destination too early
- Super single – A single, wider tire on a truck instead of a traditional dual tire setup
- Tandems – The two rear axles on a tractor-trailer
- Wet line kit – A hydraulic system used to power auxiliary equipment
- 10-100 – A restroom break
Tips for Using Trucker Slang and Jargon in Communication
Using trucker slang and jargon can be fun and helpful, but it’s important to use it appropriately. Here are some tips for using it in communication:
- Know your audience: Only use trucker slang and jargon when you’re sure the other person will understand it. Otherwise, it could create confusion or frustration.
- Don’t overdo it: Using too much slang and jargon can make you sound unprofessional or difficult to understand.
- Be clear: Always make sure that your meaning is clear, even when using slang or jargon. If you’re unsure whether the other person understands you, ask for clarification.
Trucker slang and jargon can be a fun and unique way to communicate, but it’s important to use it appropriately. Whether you’re a trucker yourself or simply interested in the industry, understanding these terms can help you better communicate with those in the trucking community. By following these tips as a guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the language of the road.
