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. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot. Tandem Axle (Tandems) Pair of axles and associated suspension usually located close together. Landing Gear legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. 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. LTL Carrier company which consolidates less-than-truckload cargo for multiple destinations on one vehicle. Semitrailer trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly. 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)

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	Did You Know?
	Off-Duty Time At A Yard For Oil-Field Equipment Is Not Excluded From The 14-Hour Calculation. Off-duty time at a yard for oil-field equipment is counted toward the calculation of the 14-hour rule. Only waiting time at a natural gas or oil well site may be excluded from on-duty time.