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 trailer length, so having extra storage space can be key for truckers to maximize each and every haul they take. For properly designed trucks, an addition to the towing end of the truck can allow for additional storage without increasing what the state counts as trailer length. 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 carrying. 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 trips, while also saving on hotels. This allows drivers to maximize their time on the road without having to work around 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 need refrigeration when the main 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 distances without having to organize stops to feed the cattle. Droms can even house fuel tanks, allowing drivers to haul even more cargo without going over the length limits of the states they’ll be driving through.
While the dromedary may get its name from a camel, and rightly so, they have quickly become an integral part of truckers’ ability to maximize every trip they take. Whether they enable the hauling of additional cargo, cargo supplies, 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 available for years to come. to come. .