Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. 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. LTL Carrier company which consolidates less-than-truckload cargo for multiple destinations on one vehicle. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Landing Gear legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor. TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo. 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. 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.

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	Did You Know?
	A Driver May Be On Duty For More Than 14 Hours. A driver may remain on duty for more than 14 hours; however, the driver cannot drive a CMV after the 14th hour after coming on duty. Also, the additional on-duty time will reduce on-duty time available under the 60/70-hour time limit.