Bobtailing

Category: science

The operational state of operating a semi-tractor or cab without any trailer attached behind it.

A tractor bobtails when it is traveling to pick up its initial trailer at a fleet yard or moving to an assignment after dropping a load. Bobtailing presents unique safety and performance characteristics: without the weight of a loaded trailer over the rear drive axles, the vehicle features significantly reduced braking traction, making operation on wet or storm-damaged roads highly hazardous.

Common Examples

• The safety director reminded drivers that bobtailing requires increased following distance due to the reduced traction signature of an unweighted tractor chassis.
• Our commercial insurance plan breaks down our fleet risk profile by separating active line-haul miles from non-revenue bobtailing intervals.