Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

Tandem Axle (Tandems) Pair of axles and associated suspension usually located close together. Cabover (Cab-Over-Engine, COE) Truck or tractor design in which the cab sits over the engine on the chassis. 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) Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot. 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. Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. 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.

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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.