SHUNT TRUCK Meaning and
Definition
-
A shunt truck is a type of industrial vehicle that is primarily used for moving trailers and containers within a limited area, such as a yard or a loading dock. Also known as a yard truck, terminal tractor, or spotter truck, a shunt truck is specifically designed for maneuvering heavy loads in confined spaces.
Featuring a compact and powerful design, a shunt truck is characterized by a short wheelbase, a low profile, and excellent visibility from the cab. It is typically equipped with a fifth wheel at the rear, allowing it to connect to a trailer or a container. These trucks are commonly used in distribution centers, warehouses, shipping yards, and other locations where large quantities of freight need to be efficiently transported and organized.
Shunt trucks are known for their exceptional functionality and versatility. They are used to move trailers and containers within a limited distance, often in a repetitive manner. With their agile maneuverability, shunt trucks can easily position trailers into loading docks, sort and arrange containers, and perform various other tasks required for efficient material handling operations.
Due to their specialized features, shunt trucks are purpose-built and may offer additional functionalities such as automated lifting systems or attachments for specific tasks. They are typically operated by skilled drivers who have received specialized training to ensure safe and efficient operation in busy industrial environments.
Etymology of SHUNT TRUCK
The word "shunt" in "shunt truck" can be traced back to the Middle English term "shunten", meaning "to move suddenly or rapidly". In Old English, it was "scunian" meaning "to shy away or avoid".
The word "truck" is derived from the French term "troquer", meaning "to barter" or "exchange", which further evolved from the Latin word "trochlea", referring to a pulley or sheave for guiding a rope. It eventually came to be associated with a vehicle used for transporting goods.
Therefore, the etymology of "shunt truck" combines "shunt", meaning to move rapidly, with "truck", referring to a vehicle, to describe a type of truck used for rapid movement or quick shifting of cargo.
