What Is a Bobtail Truck?

Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall

Bertrand Russell Parnall Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm

Trucks are a big part of how we move things around our country, but not all trucks look the same. There are many different types of trucks on the road, and each one can cause different kinds of accidents.

A truck accident lawyer will help you understand your rights and get the compensation you need if you’re involved in a truck accident.

What Is Bobtail in Trucking?

In the world of trucking, “bobtail” means something specific. A bobtail truck is a big truck that’s driving without its trailer.

Picture a semi-truck, but without the long back part where the cargo usually goes. That’s a bobtail truck.

Normally, these trucks pull heavy trailers full of stuff. But sometimes, they need to drive without the trailer. Maybe they just dropped off a load and are heading to pick up a new one. Or maybe they’re done for the day and going back to their parking spot.

When a truck is driving like this – just the front part without a trailer – we call it “bobtailing.”

Why Is a Bobtail Truck Dangerous?

You might think a truck without its heavy trailer would be safer. But that’s not always true. Bobtail trucks can actually be quite dangerous for several reasons:

They’re harder to stop: Truck brakes work best when the truck is pulling a heavy load because the weight helps the brakes function effectively. Without the trailer, the truck lacks the necessary weight. This makes it harder to stop quickly, which can be especially dangerous in sudden-stop situations.
They can be bouncy: The back of the truck is designed to carry weight, which stabilizes the vehicle. Without a trailer, the back end can bounce around significantly. The truck becomes harder to control and increases the risk of losing control, particularly on uneven or rough roads.
Less weight means less traction: The back wheels of a truck don’t grip the road as well without the weight of a trailer. This reduced traction can cause the truck to slide more easily, especially in bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice, making driving more hazardous.
Drivers might not be used to it: Truck drivers spend most of their time driving with a trailer attached, so they are more practiced and comfortable with that setup. Driving without a trailer feels different and can be more challenging, as they might not be as skilled or experienced in handling the truck under these conditions.

Bobtailing vs. Deadheading

Deadheading is when a truck is pulling an empty trailer. The trailer is there, but there’s nothing inside it. This is different from bobtailing, where there’s no trailer at all.

Deadheading can also be dangerous but for different reasons. An empty trailer is lighter and can bounce around more, making the truck harder to control.

However, the truck still has some weight on its back wheels, which helps with stopping and traction compared to bobtailing. Despite this, the instability caused by the empty trailer can lead to accidents, especially in poor weather or on rough roads.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Santa Fe, NM

If you or a loved one have been in an accident with a bobtail truck, talk to a lawyer who knows about truck accidents. These accidents can be complicated, and a lawyer can help you understand your rights and what to do next.

A Parnall Law truck accident lawyer can investigate if the truck driver followed all the rules if the trucking company maintained their trucks properly, and if road or weather conditions contributed to the accident. They will ensure you are treated fairly and receive the help you need after the accident.

Bertrand Russell Parnall

Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm

“Though my firm has grown quickly to fill the legal needs of our community, it has retained its focus on providing excellent service to clients. I believe what sets the firm apart from others is the way we treat our clients.”
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall