From “no-touch freight” to “the zipper,” knowing what these mean can save time, avoid confusion and make your day go smoother. Here’s a quick refresher on driving terms to keep in your back pocket.
OTR (Over the road)
Definition: Long-haul trucking across regions or states.
Driver Example: “I’ve been OTR three weeks straight– ready for some home time!”
No-touch freight
Definition: Freight the driver isn’t required to load or unload.
Driver Example: “It’s no-touch freight, which is perfect – I just back in and let the dock crew handle it.”
Lane
Definition: A specific route or corridor commonly traveled.
Driver Example: “I’ve got a solid lane running Chicago to Dallas. Pays decent and keeps me moving.”
The Zipper
Definition: Slang for the dashed center line of the road.
Driver Example: “This four-wheeler swerved right over the zipper – nearly clipped my bumper!”
Rubbernecking
Definition: Slowing down to stare at roadside incidents.
Driver Example: “Traffic jam’s all ‘cause of rubberneckers staring at a fender bender. Keep it moving, folks.”
Gator on the road
Definition: A blown tire or piece of tire tread on the roadway – named for its resemblance to an alligator’s back.
Driver Example: “Watch out for that gator on the shoulder – could wreck your axle if you hit it.”
This industry’s got its own language – and being in the know can make a big difference on the job.
These five terms are just the start. Want to sharpen your freight lingo? Head over to the CRST blog for five must-know freight terms every driver should keep in their toolkit.
