A bobtail is a heavy-duty truck tractor operating on the road without pulling a trailer. Drivers often bobtail when traveling between a drop-off point and a new pickup location, or when heading home for the weekend. Driving in this configuration drastically changes the vehicle's braking dynamics, making the rear wheels prone to locking up when empty.
Heard on the job
I have to bobtail over to the rail yard to pick up a chassis before I can grab your container.
Insider tip
Bobtailing in wet conditions is notoriously dangerous for rookies, as the lack of weight over the drive axles severely reduces traction.
Also heard as
- deadhead
Do not mix it up with
- Deadleg: A deadleg is driving with an empty trailer, while a bobtail is driving with no trailer at all.