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Learn about industry terms and definitions used in trucking and transportation.
Below, you will find a list of terms commonly used in our industry and their definitions. If you would like clarification, please feel free to contact us to learn more.
Jump to any letter to find the terms you're looking for.
An event involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that results in a fatality, an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the crash site, or one or more vehicles being disabled. The term "crash" can be used interchangeably with "accident".
Refers to a violation or violations that require a carrier to take immediate corrective actions, regardless of its overall safety posture.
The intoxicating agent found in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols such as methyl and isopropyl alcohol.
A safety review of a motor carrier's records conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The audit ensures the carrier complies with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
The requirement for motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers to update their information with the FMCSA every two years. Needed to receive a USDOT Number.
A crucial document in freight transportation that serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, a receipt for goods, and a document of title.
Any employee responsible for making sure that all brake inspections, maintenance, service, or repairs meet federal standards.
A carrier with combined annual interstate and intrastate revenues of $10 million or more.
A carrier with combined annual interstate and intrastate revenues between $3 million and $10 million.
A carrier with combined annual interstate and intrastate revenues of less than $3 million.
A threat or act by an individual to withhold business, work opportunities, or take an adverse employment action against another person to make them violate rules or regulations.
A type of driver's license necessary to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles for commercial purposes in the U.S. A CDL requires a higher level of knowledge, skills, experience, and physical ability than a non-commercial driver's license.
A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. A CMV meets one or more specific criteria including weight ratings, passenger capacity, or hazardous materials transport.
Adherence to the rules, regulations, laws, and standards set by institutions such as the FMCSA, the DOT, the DMV, and other governmental agencies. Areas of compliance include hours of service, vehicle maintenance, hazardous material transportation, and emissions standards.
Substances identified in 49 CFR 40.85. FMCSA rules require urinalysis testing for five specific drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
The government entity that handles driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related motor vehicle services.
The suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a CDL.
A federal database of CDL holders who have violated FMCSA drug and alcohol testing program requirements. This is critical for compliance.
An electronic hardware device that attaches to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) engine, or software for mobile phones and tablets, used to record driving hours and hours of service (HOS).
A unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to business entities in the U.S. for identification purposes. It is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX.
A driver who has less than one year of experience operating a CMV with a CDL in interstate commerce.
The organization within the DOT that works to prevent commercial vehicle-related injuries and fatalities through safety regulations and information systems.
A person or company that transports goods or passengers for compensation. For-hire carriers need to obtain an operating authority (MC number) in addition to a U.S. DOT number.
An annual federal tax imposed on heavy highway vehicles with a gross taxable weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This is a key compliance document.
The specific endorsement on a CDL required to transport hazardous materials.
The maximum amount of time drivers are allowed to be on duty, including driving time. HOS regulations also specify the number and length of rest periods to help ensure drivers stay awake and alert.
An agreement that provides a uniform way to administer motor fuel tax collection and laws for apportioned vehicles that travel in multiple member jurisdictions.
A program for licensing commercial vehicles that operate in interstate commerce among member jurisdictions. The IRP is a registration agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces.
Trade, traffic, or transportation between a place in a state and a place outside that state (including outside the U.S.), or between two places in a state through another state or outside the U.S.
Any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semi-trailers that operates on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. The gross vehicle weight must be greater than 80,000 pounds.
An identifying license granted to carriers by the FMCSA. Companies that operate as for-hire carriers, transport passengers in interstate commerce, or transport federally-regulated commodities or arrange for their transport, are required to have an MC number in addition to a DOT number.
Also known as a driving record, this is the history of your time behind the wheel as recorded by your state's department of motor vehicles. An MVR includes any moving violations, traffic tickets, and accidents you've had during a specific time period or throughout your entire driving history.
A motor carrier not based in Mexico that applies for a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number to start operations. A carrier is considered a new entrant for its first 18 months and must complete the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.
A formal notice indicating that violations are severe enough to warrant a civil penalty.
A formal notice that violations are severe enough to warrant formal action but not civil penalties. The carrier must take corrective action and provide evidence of it, or contest the violations, to avoid further intervention from the FMCSA.
Any time a driver is free of responsibility for a CMV, is not performing or expected to perform work, and is free to leave the premises to pursue other activities.
All time from when a driver begins compensated work, or is required to be ready to work, until they are relieved of all work responsibilities.
Dictates the type of operation a company can run and the cargo it can carry. Some carriers must obtain operating authority in addition to registering with the FMCSA (getting a U.S. DOT Number).
A person who operates a CMV under their own authority (U.S. DOT Number), serving as both a motor carrier and a self-employed driver.
A program that gives carriers, individual drivers, and industry service providers access to commercial drivers' safety records from the FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).
The paperwork that confirms a load has been delivered. It usually requires a legible signature from the accepting party, along with a date and time stamp.
A motor carrier's responsibility for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration after an accident.
A type of inspection that may be conducted at various locations, such as weigh stations, border checkpoints, bus terminals, or when a law enforcement official stops a CMV.
An examination of a motor carrier's operations to provide technical and educational assistance on safety and operational requirements. Safety audits are used to gather safety data to assess a carrier's safety performance and basic safety management controls.
An evaluation of a motor carrier's safety performance that is available to both the carrier and the public. The FMCSA issues one of three safety ratings: Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory.
A unique 2-4 letter code used to identify transportation and trucking companies.
The credential needed to access secure areas of facilities regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).
A federally mandated program enforced by participating states. Any motor carrier that operates in interstate or international commerce is subject to the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) fees.
According to the FMCSA, the USDOT Number is a unique identifier used to collect and monitor a company's safety information during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.
A unique number assigned by the manufacturer to each vehicle. The VIN appears on all registration and title paperwork.
Our compliance experts are here to help you navigate the complex world of trucking regulations and terminology.