Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

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 Semitrailer trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly. 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. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a 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. 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. Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo.

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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.