How it works
There are several key benefits to bobtailing that make it an important optimization strategy for the supply chain and trucking companies. One benefit is facilitating efficient pickup and dropoff logistics. Bobtailing enables drivers to retrieve and return tractors to terminals, distribution hubs and pickup points without having to haul unnecessary empty trailers back and forth. This saves time and fuel costs associated with loading and moving superfluous trailers.
Bobtailing also aids with maintenance and repairs. Tractors can be driven or transported to maintenance facilities for fixes and routine check-ups without a trailer attached. This is more convenient and maneuverable than dragging along a trailer just for tractor-only servicing needs.
Additionally, newly purchased tractors are often bobtailed directly to a buyer's location, as tractors may be sold separately from trailers. For trucking companies, bobtailing helps optimize transfers and rebalancing of assets. Tractors can be efficiently moved between regional terminals and dispatch centers to align with operational needs.
Finally, bobtailing provides maneuverability advantages in tight urban spaces, congested yards, and facilities without trailer access. By removing unnecessary trailers, tractors can be moved adeptly through cramped environments.
Overall, the strategic benefits of bobtailing allow supply chains and trucking companies to maximize asset use, improve logistics, gain flexibility, and promote better facility operations. Removing superfluous trailers drives optimization.
Bobtailing vs deadheading
There is an important difference between bobtailing and deadheading when it comes to operating semi trucks:
Bobtailing: Refers to driving only the tractor portion of the truck, without a trailer attached. This allows greater maneuverability as the driver operates just the tractor independently.
Deadheading: Refers to driving the full tractor-trailer combination without a loaded trailer. With deadheading, an empty or unloaded trailer is still attached to the tractor.
The key distinction is that bobtailing completely uncouples the trailer, leaving just the tractor by itself. Deadheading still has the trailer attached to the back of the tractor, it is just empty.
Reasons truck drivers might choose bobtailing over deadheading:
- Better maneuverability: Bobtailing allows tighter turns and backing into spaces not accessible with a trailer. Easier to navigate congested areas.
- Fuel efficiency: Bobtailing has lower fuel costs without hauling the weight of an empty trailer.
- Convenience: No need to hook up and drag along a trailer if it is not needed.
- Trailer availability: If a trailer is not at the pickup location, bobtailing allows flexibility to retrieve just the tractor.
- Tractor repairs/sales: Allows tractor-only service without a trailer present or delivery of new tractors.
Reasons for deadheading instead of bobtailing usually have to do with trailer logistics. For example, needing to reposition empty trailers for a future load or hauling an empty trailer back to a yard or terminal. Drivers may also prefer the handling of a full tractor-trailer even without a load.
Bobtail types
Day cabs
The most common type, these use a day cab tractor design without a sleeper berth. Day cab tractors are shorter and more maneuverable for bobtailing. Day cabs are designed without a sleeper berth, using just a single cab for the driver. Their shorter wheelbase allows for a tight turning radius, making them very maneuverable for bobtailing situations needing to navigate congested urban areas or facilities with limited space. Day cabs are also lightweight and provide better fuel economy compared to bulkier sleeper cab tractors. This makes them well-suited for short haul bobtailing or frequently repositioning tractors around local terminals and yards.
Sleeper cabs
Bobtails can also be done with sleeper cab tractors to reposition them. These offer more driver comforts but are longer. While not as handy for maneuvering in tight spots, sleeper cab tractors are also used for bobtailing operations to relocate trucks between longer distance dispatch centers and terminals. The full-size sleeper berth provides driver amenities and comforts for lengthy bobtail trips. However, their increased weight and length compared to day cabs reduces handling agility. Sleeper cab bobtails are useful for transiting down highways or interstates to shift assets where needed.
Cabovers
Older cabover engine design tractors are prized by some drivers for their visibility and turning radius when bobtailing. The historic cabover tractor design with its engine positioned above the front axle provides excellent front visibility for drivers. The very short wheelbase also makes cabovers highly nimble for urban bobtailing maneuvers. However, cabover stability can be compromised at higher speeds. Many drivers still prefer cabovers for their agile handling during low-speed bobtailing.
Conventional
The conventional hood tractor style with the engine out front remains popular for bobtailing. Their standard set-back axle design means conventional tractors handle normally and predictably when the trailer is detached. As an accustomed configuration, conventionals are commonly used for all types of bobtailing duties, whether short shuttles or long highway transits.
Custom
Some companies customize tractors specifically for bobtail work by modifying weight distribution and components. To optimize tractors for dedicated bobtail operations, manufacturers or third parties create custom modifications. These include reinforced frames, air ride suspensions tuned for bobtailing, and strategic weight distribution changes to offset the missing trailer. Specialized custom bobtails are purpose-built for maneuvering efficiency and stable handling in solo tractor operations.
Single axle
These specialized bobtail tractors have the rear drive axles removed for a shorter wheelbase. Improves maneuverability. Removing the rear drive axle creates an ultra-short wheelbase on single axle bobtails. This allows for excellent low-speed maneuverability in congested urban areas or facilities with very tight spaces. To compensate for just a single drive axle, added stability controls help single axle bobtails maintain safe handling.
Transitional
Transitional or convertible tractors provide flexibility by allowing the sleeper cab to be removed, converting to a day cab configuration. This creates a nimble day cab bobtail while still giving the option of sleeper capabilities for long hauls. The changeable design permits both comforts of a sleeper and maneuverable day cab bobtailing.
Flatbed bobtails
While less common, flatbed trailers can be detached to bobtail the tractor unit. However, flatbeds are often rear loaded. Flatbed trailers are not frequently used for bobtailing since their open design often requires rear loading. But in some situations with appropriate cargo, flatbeds can be detached to bobtail just the tractor portion. Unladen flatbed bobtails may shuttle tractors around yards or maintenance facilities. But their uncommon nature limits flatbed bobtail flexibility.
