Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

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. 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. Cabover (Cab-Over-Engine, COE) Truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. LTL Carrier company which consolidates less-than-truckload cargo for multiple destinations on one vehicle. 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) 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. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Sliding Tandem (Slider) Mechanism that allows a tandem axle suspension to be moved back and forth at the rear of a semitrailer, for the purpose of adjusting the distribution of weight between the axles and fifth wheel. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load.

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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.