Definition:

A "truck" in railroading is a locomotive or railroad car wheel assembly usually having two or more axels. Railroad cars normally have two trucks, one at each end; however articulated railroad cars share a common truck where they are connected. And some locomotives may have more than two trucks. Diesel and electric locomotive trucks have powered driving axels.

Trucks rotate freely beneath locomotives and railroad cars in order to allow them to navigate turns.


Truck spacing is a factor in determining for the smallest radius of turn a railroad car can navigate.

In the UK and some other English speaking cultures outside North America trucks are frequently called "bogies". Conversely, in the UK the name "truck" is applied to what North Americans call freight cars.

Also Known As: bogie