Trucking Glossary

A bill of lading is a document with outlines the details of a shipment, including the type and quantity of goods being transported, the origin and destination of the shipment. It's important for trucking companies because it shows proof that you delivered your load.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that a vehicle, including its cargo, passengers, and any other items, is rated to safely carry by the manufacturer. It's important to follow GVWR because going over can damage your vehicle and break laws in regards to requiring CDLs and overweight permits.

A freight broker is a third party company that is hired by shippers to move the shipper's products. Freight brokers then find carriers to move those products. Freight brokers do not physically transport goods themselves.

A shipper is a person or company that ships goods to another person or company.

A receiver is a person or company that receives goods that have been shipped.

Freight factoring is a financial service in which a trucking company sells its invoices to a factoring company, in exchange for immediate cash. This allows trucking companies to receive payment for their services right away instead of waiting 30 or more days.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for regulating the trucking industry and ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles and the general public.