Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

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. 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. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. 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. Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot. Landing Gear legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor. 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?
	Raising The Number Of Driving Hours Save Lives. The longer off-duty time allows drivers to have more regular schedules and increases the potential for quality sleep. This is consistent with fatigue- and sleep-related studies considered in development of the rule that indicate the amount and quality of sleep a person receives has a strong influence on alertness.