Drop-and-Hook
A trucking arrangement in which a driver drops off a loaded trailer at a facility and picks up a pre-loaded trailer without waiting for unloading.
Full Definition
Drop-and-hook (also written drop and hook) is a transportation practice designed to minimise driver detention time at shipper or receiver facilities. Instead of waiting for their trailer to be unloaded (a 'live unload'), the driver unhooks their loaded trailer and immediately connects to a pre-staged, loaded or empty trailer. This method improves driver utilisation and reduces detention charges. Editors should note that the term is hyphenated as a compound modifier or noun in most industry style guides. It is distinct from 'live load' or 'live unload', where the driver waits while the trailer is loaded or unloaded.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate in all nominal and attributive uses. Distinct from 'live unload', where the driver waits. May also appear as 'drop-hook' in informal usage.
In Context
- "The shipper transitioned to a drop-and-hook model to reduce carrier detention charges at the loading dock." — Transportation efficiency report
- "Hyphenate 'drop-and-hook' as a compound noun or modifier throughout the document." — Style guide note