Backhaul: A return trip of a transportation vehicle, especially a truck, carrying cargo back to its point of origin, utilized to avoid empty miles and improve efficiency.

Backhoe: A piece of excavating equipment, usually mounted on a tractor or front loader, used for digging and material movement, common in construction.

B-Double: A truck configuration where two trailers are connected by a fifth wheel, primarily used to maximize load capacity within legal limits.

Beacon: A signaling light often used on trucks for safety or warning purposes, especially when transporting oversized loads or in low-visibility conditions.

Bead Seat: The area of a tire where it sits and seals on the wheel, crucial for tire safety and performance.

Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being transported and serving as a receipt.

Binder: A device used for tightening chains on a load to ensure cargo security during transport.

Binders: Tools used for securing heavy loads with chains during transportation, essential for safety and compliance.

Blind Shipment: A shipment arrangement where the shipper doesn't know the destination, and the receiver doesn't know the origin, often facilitated by brokers for privacy reasons.

Block and Brace: Techniques used to secure cargo inside a trailer to prevent movement, involving blocks (supports) and bracing (straps or chains).

Blowout: A sudden loss of air pressure in a tire, often causing loss of control or damage to the vehicle, posing a significant safety risk.

Bobtail: Operating a truck without its trailer, common when a driver drops off a trailer and travels to pick up another.

Bobtail Liability: Insurance covering a truck when it is operated without a trailer, important for independent truckers and owner-operators.

Boom Lift: An aerial work platform used for reaching high places, seen in construction, maintenance, and warehouse operations.

Box Truck: A truck with a large, rectangular cargo area for shipping goods, also known as a cube truck or van.

Breakaway System: A safety feature on trailers that activates brakes if the trailer disconnects from the towing vehicle, preventing runaway trailers.

Breakbulk Cargo: Cargo loaded individually, not in containers, including goods like bags, boxes, and barrels, requiring special handling.

Bridge Formula: A formula used to determine the maximum weight a truck can carry over a bridge, preventing damage to infrastructure.

Bridge Law: Regulations governing the weight distribution and axle spacing on trucks to avoid road and bridge damage.

Broker Bond: A surety bond required by freight brokers as a financial guarantee for their operations, ensuring compliance with agreements.

Broker Packet: A collection of documents and information provided by a freight broker to a carrier, outlining policies, insurance requirements, and load details.

Bulk Load: Large volumes of loose material (like grains or gravel) loaded directly into a trailer, often requiring specialized equipment.

Bulkhead: A partition in a truck or trailer that separates and secures cargo, preventing it from shifting during transportation.

Bunk: The sleeping compartment in a truck, also known as a sleeper, allowing drivers to rest during long hauls.

Bunk Heater: A heating unit in the sleeping compartment of a truck, providing comfort without idling the main engine.

B-Train: A configuration of trailers in which a shorter trailer is connected to a longer one, commonly used for maximizing load capacity.