Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

Bobtail Tractor Tractor operating without a trailer. Also refers to straight truck. Bogie (also spelled bogey) Assembly of two or more axles, usually a pair in tandem. Brake Horsepower (bhp) Engine horsepower rating as determined by brake dynamometer testing. (see Horsepower) Landing Gear legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor. AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. Hazmat Hazardous materials, as classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Transport of hazardous materials is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Yard Jockey Person who operates a yard tractor. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. LTL Carrier company which consolidates less-than-truckload cargo for multiple destinations on one vehicle. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Cabover (Cab-Over-Engine, COE) Truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis.

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	Did You Know?
	Trucking Carriers And Drivers Are Required To Comply With The New Hours-Of-Service Rules. Carriers and drivers were required to operate under the former rules through January 3, 2004. That allowed adequate time for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), regulated industry, and the enforcement community to be trained and make any systems changes required by the new rules. Compliance with the new rules was required starting January 4, 2004.