Glossary of Key Dispatch Terms

Glossary

The following terms are commonly used in the dispatching industry, particularly in

trucking and logistics:

Backhaul A return trip with a load after delivering the primary load, often at a lower

rate to avoid empty travel.

Bobtail Operating a truck without a trailer attached, typically after a delivery or en

route to pick up a load.

Broker An intermediary who arranges transportation of goods between shippers and

carriers for a fee.

Deadhead Driving a truck with no load or cargo, often to reach a pickup location, re-

sulting in no revenue for the trip.

Detention Time Time a driver spends waiting at a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed-

upon loading/unloading time, often compensated.

Drayage Short-distance transport of goods, typically within a port or terminal area.

Freight Bill A document detailing the shipment, including weight, destination, and charges,

used for billing purposes.

Layover Time a driver spends away from home, typically overnight, due to scheduling

or delays, often with additional pay.

Linehaul The movement of freight between cities or terminals, excluding local pickups

or deliveries.

Rate Per Mile The compensation rate paid to a driver or carrier based on the distance

traveled, typically expressed in dollars per mile.

Shipper The party sending goods, responsible for preparing and loading the freight.

Spot Market A marketplace where carriers and shippers negotiate immediate freight

transport without long-term contracts.

T.O.N.U Abbreviation for ”Truck Ordered Not Used,” referring to a situation where a car-

rier is dispatched but the load is canceled, often with compensation.

This glossary provides a foundation for understanding key terms used in dispatching

operations.