Trucking terms starting with D
Day Cab A tractor without a sleeper compartment, often used for local or regional work. Deadhead Driving a truck without paying freight on board. Deadhead Miles Miles driven without a paying load on the truck. Debtor The broker, shipper, or customer that owes payment on a factored invoice. Dedicated Lane A recurring freight lane assigned to a carrier or truck on a planned basis. Deductible The amount the insured pays before insurance payment applies to a covered claim. DEF Diesel exhaust fluid, a fluid used in many modern diesel emissions systems. Delivery Appointment A scheduled time for a receiver to take delivery of a load. Detention Compensation requested when a truck is held too long at pickup or delivery after free time expires. Diesel Discount A reduction from a posted or benchmark diesel price through a fuel card or network. Dispatcher A person or service that helps assign loads, communicate details, and keep trucks moving. DOT Number A U.S. DOT identifier used for motor carrier safety tracking and registration. Double Nickel A CB phrase for 55 miles per hour. DPF Diesel particulate filter, an emissions component that captures soot from diesel exhaust. Dragon Wagon CB slang for a tow truck. Drayage A short truck move connected to ports, rail ramps, or containers. Drive Axle An axle powered by the drivetrain to move the tractor. Driver Assist A load requirement where the driver helps with loading, unloading, pallet jacks, or count checks. Driver Qualification File A carrier file containing required driver qualification records. Drop and Hook A trailer exchange where the driver drops one trailer and hooks to another instead of waiting through live loading. Drop Trailer A trailer left at a shipper or receiver to be loaded, unloaded, or picked up later. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse FMCSA's database for certain commercial driver drug and alcohol program records. Dry Van An enclosed non-refrigerated trailer used for many general freight loads. Duty Status A driver log category such as driving, on duty, off duty, or sleeper berth.