Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

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. 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. 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. TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo. Yard Jockey Person who operates a yard tractor. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot.

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	Did You Know?
	There Are Exceptions To The Hours-Of-Service Rules. Vehicles used in ground water well-drilling operations, utility service, and transporting construction materials and equipment retain the current 24-hour restart provision. However, these drivers are required to comply with the new 10-hour off-duty and 11-hour driving limitations, as well as the prohibition on driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty.