A bobtail fee is a trucking charge that may apply when a driver moves a tractor without a trailer or container attached. In container drayage and freight logistics, bobtail movement can happen when a driver drops a loaded or empty container, travels to another location to pick up equipment, or returns without a trailer after delivery. The fee helps cover driver time, fuel, mileage, equipment repositioning, and operational costs when the truck is moving without revenue-generating cargo.
A bobtail fee is charged when a truck tractor operates without a chassis or trailer, typically when returning empty equipment to a terminal after delivering a container.
- Returning an empty chassis to the terminal pool after delivery
- Moving a tractor between locations without a load
- Pre-positioning equipment for a future pickup
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Drayage, Chassis, Chassis Fee, and Pre-Pull.
