Terms & Definitions

This list provides a definition of terms used by the Elite Way Express. For the current charge amounts, please contact us.

A Load: Any load weighing between 0 - 500 lbs. that can be delivered in an A unit. No pallets.
A Unit: Minivan or car capable of hauling at least a 500 lb. payload.
Airport Load: Class A loads will not pickup or deliver to airports. Loads that would normally be class A loads that pickup or deliver to an airport will be billed as a class B load.
B Load: Any load weighing between 501 - 2,500 lbs. or requiring a B unit.
B Unit: Cargo van with at least a 8' 6" cargo length capable of hauling at least a 2,500 lb. payload.
C Load: Any load weighing between 2,501 - 5,000 lbs. or requiring a C unit.
C Unit: Straight truck with a box 12' - 18' in length capable of hauling at least a 5,000 lb. payload.
Co-Driver Charge: A co-driver is required by law for trucks driving over the maximum driving time allowed according to the hours of service rules without taking time off. A co-driver charge will be applied to any load that requires more than the maximum driving time without being able to take the required time off duty.
Customs Clearance Charge: Any load that crosses international borders will be assessed this charge for the extra time and paperwork of crossing through Customs.
D Load: Any load weighing between 5,001 - 13,000 lbs. or requiring a D unit.
D Unit: Straight truck with a box 20' or longer capable of hauling at least a 13,000 lb. payload.
Detention Time Charge: This is the charge if the driver is detained at either the pickup or delivery point or any intermediate stops required (including border crossings). Detention time is billed by the quarter hour or any part thereof.
Direct Delivery or Deliver Direct: Once the load is picked up, it will be taken to its point of delivery directly without delay or unnecessary stops. Delivery time is guaranteed and is based on equipment type.
Dry Run: The dry run charge refers to a load that was cancelled. The charge will only be for the miles the driver drove before the load was cancelled.
E Load: Any load weighing between 13,001 - 44,000 lbs. or requiring an E unit.
E Unit: Tractor trailer capable of hauling at least a 44,000 lb. payload.
Fuel Surcharge: This charge accurately reflects the driver's additional cost for fuel. We use the standard mileage-based method of calculating the fuel surcharge. The driver receives this amount for reimbursement.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): Weight of the trailer fully loaded.
Hand Loading & Unloading Charge: Hand loading and unloading is billed by the quarter hour or any part thereof. It must be pre-approved by the office. The driver receives this charge as payment for their services.
Interstate: Relating to or existing between two or more states.
Intrastate: Relating to or existing within the boundaries of one state.
Layover Charge: A layover charge is assessed for extended detention time such as overnight stays or if the charge for the detention time would exceed the charge of a layover. The base layover charge covers 10 hours of the driver's time. Additional time exceeding 10 hours will be billed in quarter-segments of the layover charge. The driver gets this amount for the inconvenience and to use for a hotel stay if they choose.
Liftgate Charge: Liftgate service must be requested when scheduling a load. We charge a flat fee per load for liftgate service.
Linehaul Charge: This is the charge for driving the freight from the pickup point to its destination. The mileage is calculated to the tenth of a mile using PC*MILER practical miles and charged according to the mileage rate for the applicable load class and distance. The linehaul charge is subject to the minimum charge for the applicable load class.
Mileage Rate: This is the charge per mile determined by the load class and distance from pickup to delivery.
Minimum Charge: Each load class has a minimum charge. A minimum charge will apply to any load where the linehaul charge would be less than the minimum charge for that load class.
New York City Metro Charge: Any load that picks up or delivers within New York City (ZIP codes 10000 - 10299) is subject to this charge.
Night Charge: The night charge only applies to minimum charge loads. If a minimum charge load is picked up or delivered between 11:00 PM and 5:59 AM Eastern Time, a night charge will be applied. The driver gets this amount for their inconvenience. Also, if the load is a minimum charge class A load, it will be billed as a class B load.
Pickup & Stop-Off Charges: We charge a flat fee for each additional pickup or stop-off in addition to mileage. The loaded mileage inclusive of all pickups and stop-offs is reflected on the orignal load's invoice.
Protect Time: This is the time by which a delivery absolutely must be made. Usually the load can be delivered before this time, but it must be delivered by this time.
Return Load: A return load is any load delivering within 50 miles of pickup of the original load. The linehaul charge will be half of the normal charge. The fuel surcharge and any applicable accessorial charges will remain at regular rates. Return load pricing is only applied when the original load is not a minimum charge load.
Tarp Charge: This is the charge for tarping a flatbed load or using the side of a curtainside. Loads are only tarped at the request of the customer. We charge a flat fee per load for tarping.
Tongue Weight (TW): Weight exerted by the trailer coupler on the hitch ball.
Weight Carrying (WC): Tow rating capacity of a hitch without a WD system.
Weight Distributing (WD): Tow rating capacity of a hitch when using a WD system.