What is a dromedary?

There are many trucking terms that the average person doesn’t understand, but one that can be difficult to understand is “dromedary.” The reason for this is that it is also the name of a single-humped Arabian camel. Now, obviously the truckers aren’t tying camels to their trucks (although I’ll let you imagine that for a moment), but they are doing something reminiscent of camels.

Each state has its own limit on the length of trailers, so having extra storage space can be key for truckers so they can maximize each and every haul they take. For properly designed trucks, an addition to the tractor trailer can allow for additional storage without increasing what the state counts as the length of the trailer. So what can allow you to do this?

The great thing about dromedaries is that they can be modified to do a variety of things depending on the needs of the trucker and the cargo they are hauling. In some cases, Droms (as they are colloquially called) can be converted into living spaces to allow the driver to cook, sleep, and even shower during long-distance journeys, while saving on hotels. This allows drivers to maximize their time on the road without having to work with hotel and motel schedules with set check-in and check-out times.

In the case of cargo, they are even more versatile. Droms have been used to transport non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration when the primary trailer is a refrigerated unit filled with perishable foods. In the case of cattle, Droms can be used to transport hay and feed to feed cattle over long drives without having to organize stops to feed the cattle. The droms can even house fuel tanks, allowing drivers to haul even more cargo while staying within the length limits of the states they’ll be driving through.

While the dromedary may get its name from a camel, and with good reason, they have quickly become an integral part of truckers’ ability to maximize every trip they take. Whether they allow for the carriage of additional cargo, supplies for the cargo, or simply provide the driver with a place to sleep and cool off at a rest stop, Droms are a great addition to the trucking industry and will be around for years to come. coming. .