🎣 Trucks 101: A Freight Broker’s Guide to Semi-Trucks

If you're a freight broker or dispatcher, you've probably found yourself wondering, "What exactly are tandems?" or "What’s the difference between a flatbed and conestoga?" You’re not alone.

Despite working with trucks every day, many of us in the freight world aren’t intimately familiar with the vehicles we’re booking freight for. Let’s fix that.

Here’s a crash course in semi-trucks and what freight brokers should know about them:

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The Meme That Sparked This Newsletter

Last week, we posted a video meme of a broker asking a driver if they slid their tandems after saying they were overweight. It was both hilarious and relatable.

If you're reading this, you probably know most of what we’ll cover today. But it’s a good chance to refresh yourself and share these insights with someone new to the industry.

Some of the comments on the post:

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1. Types of Semi-Trucks

• Day Cab: These trucks have no sleeper compartment, making them ideal for local or short-haul routes. They’re lightweight and can haul heavier loads since they don’t carry the extra weight of a sleeper.
• Sleeper Cab: Equipped with a sleeping compartment behind the driver’s seat, these trucks are designed for long-haul routes. Sleeper cabs vary in size and typically have amenities like beds, mini-fridges, and TVs.
• Dry Van: Fully enclosed and weatherproof, ideal for general freight.
• Flatbed: Open and versatile for oversized freight but requires tarping. Comparison with Other Open Deck Trailers:
  • Conestoga: A flatbed trailer equipped with a rolling tarp system, offering the protection of a dry van with the versatility of a flatbed. Ideal for loads that need quick access but also require protection from the elements.
• Step Deck: Similar to a flatbed but with two deck levels. The lower deck allows for taller loads without exceeding height restrictions.
• Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers): These come with built-in refrigeration units to haul perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals.

2. Weight Limits and Dimensions

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Federal law caps the maximum weight for a truck and its cargo at 80,000 pounds. Anything heavier requires special permits.
• Axle Weights: Each axle has its own weight limit:
  • Steer axle: 12,000 lbs
  • Drive axle (tandem): 34,000 lbs
  • Trailer axle (tandem): 34,000 lbs
• Bridge Formula: Used to determine how weight is distributed across a truck’s axles to ensure safety and compliance.
• Height and Length: The standard height for most trucks is 13 feet, 6 inches, while the trailer length is usually 53 feet.

3. What Are Tandems?

Tandems refer to a pair of axles located close together, typically at the back of the truck or trailer. Adjusting tandem positions allows drivers to distribute the weight more evenly across the axles, which can help meet legal weight limits and improve balance.

What About the 5th Wheel?

The 5th wheel is the connection between the truck and the trailer. You can slide it forward or backward to shift weight between the front (steer axle) and back (drive axle). Each move usually shifts about 500 lbs, but this can vary depending on the truck.

Why it matters for brokers: If your load exceeds weight limits or isn’t properly distributed, it could cause delays, fines, or even safety issues.

Adjusting Truck Weight by Sliding the 5th Wheel or Trailer Tandem Axle

Truck weight restrictions can be a headache to deal with. Knowing to shift the 5th wheel and trailer tandems can help you adjust loads to keep you legal.

Blue Ink TechMike Riegel

4. Fun Facts Brokers Should Know

• Fuel Efficiency: Semi-trucks average about 6.5 miles per gallon. Every gallon counts when you’re driving cross-country.
• Truck Brands: Popular brands include Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, and Mack.
• CB Radio Lingo: CB radios are still a thing. Common terms include:
  • "10-4": Message received.
  • "Bear": Police officer.
  • "Breaker 1-9": Requesting to use Channel 19 (the trucker’s go-to channel).

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FREIGHT MEME OF THE DAY