Authority (Operating Authority): Legal authorization granted by a regulatory body (like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the U.S.) that allows a company to operate as a motor carrier. This comes in various forms, such as MC, FF, or MX numbers, depending on the type of operation.
Axle Weight: The weight transmitted through one axle, which includes both the cargo and the vehicle. This is crucial for adhering to weight restrictions and regulations on roads and highways.
APU (Auxiliary Power Unit): A device on a truck that provides energy for functions other than propulsion. It's used to power accessories like air conditioning and heating systems when the main engine isn't running, helping to reduce fuel use and engine wear.
Air Ride Suspension: A type of vehicle suspension powered by an engine-driven or electric air pump. This system provides a smoother ride compared to traditional spring suspension and is particularly beneficial for transporting fragile or sensitive cargo.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): A safety system that prevents the wheels of a truck from locking up (and the vehicle from skidding) during braking. It provides better control and helps to shorten stopping distances.
Aerodynamics: In trucking, this refers to the design aspects of a truck that reduce air resistance (drag) and improve fuel efficiency. Modifications can include side skirts, roof fairings, and other streamlined design elements.
Asset-Based Carrier: A transportation company that owns the physical assets (trucks and trailers) used to transport goods. This is in contrast to non-asset-based carriers who may subcontract with others for equipment and drivers.
Aggregator: In trucking, an aggregator is a company or platform that gathers (or aggregates) freight rates and availability from different carriers, often for comparison or booking purposes.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): A type of transmission in trucks that combines aspects of manual and automatic transmissions. It uses a traditional clutch and gear setup but automates the action through electronic control, making it easier to drive.
ATA (American Trucking Associations): A major trade association in the United States representing the interests of the trucking industry, including policy advocacy, public relations, and industry research.
Appointment: In trucking, an appointment refers to a scheduled time arranged for picking up or delivering a load. These appointments are critical in logistics to ensure efficient operation, as they help manage the flow at shipping and receiving facilities. Missing an appointment can lead to delays, additional charges, or rescheduling, impacting the overall efficiency of the transportation process.
Accessorials: These are additional charges that may apply in trucking for services beyond the standard pick-up and delivery. Accessorial fees cover extra tasks or services that a carrier may provide, such as loading and unloading, liftgate service, inside delivery, storage, detention (if a truck is held up at a pick-up or delivery point beyond a specified time), layovers, and re-delivery attempts. These charges are typically outlined in the carrier's tariff and can significantly affect the total cost of shipping.
