Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

Container (Shipping Container) Standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway. International shipping containers are 20 or 40 feet long, conform to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and are designed to fit in ships' holds. TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. Tandem Axle (Tandems) Pair of axles and associated suspension usually located close together. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery LTL Carrier company which consolidates less-than-truckload cargo for multiple destinations on one vehicle. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacturer. Includes both the weight of the axle and the portion of a vehicle's weight carried by the axle. Semitrailer trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle.

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	Did You Know?
	There Are Exceptions To The Hours-Of-Service Rules. Vehicles used in ground water well-drilling operations, utility service, and transporting construction materials and equipment retain the current 24-hour restart provision. However, these drivers are required to comply with the new 10-hour off-duty and 11-hour driving limitations, as well as the prohibition on driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty.