Trucking Glossary

Legal permission granted by the FMCSA for carriers to operate commercially in interstate commerce. Also known as MC trucking authority, MC number, trucking authority.

License plates under the IRP allowing trucks to operate in multiple jurisdictions.

FMCSA program assessing carrier safety performance.

Technology used to record driving hours electronically for HOS(hours of service) compliance.

Agreement for reporting fuel use by carriers operating in multiple states or provinces.

Annual registration for commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce.

Initial safety review for carriers entering interstate operations.

Driver background check report for employment history in trucking.

Special authorization for vehicles exceeding standard weight limits on roads.

A company that transports its own goods using its own fleet of trucks, rather than offering transportation services to other businesses. These carriers do not operate for-hire and focus solely on their internal logistics needs.

An individual who owns and operates their own truck or trucking business. They may contract their services to larger carriers or work independently to transport freight.

A type of trailer designed for freight transport, which lacks a front axle and relies on a tractor unit for support and mobility.

A refrigerated trailer designed to transport perishable goods that need temperature control, such as food, pharmaceuticals, or flowers.

A vehicle where the cab and cargo area are built on the same frame, commonly used for local deliveries or smaller loads. Example: Box Truck, Dump Truck, Pickup Truck

The powered unit in a truck combination that pulls a semitrailer; it houses the engine, cab, and controls needed to operate the vehicle.

A combination of a tractor (the powered unit) and a semitrailer used for transporting goods. The tractor provides power and controls, while the trailer carries the cargo.

A record-keeping system, either paper or electronic, that tracks a commercial driver's hours of service (HOS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

A specialized license required to operate large or heavy vehicles, such as trucks or buses, typically over 26,000 pounds GVWR.

Short for "hazardous materials," referring to substances regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation due to their potential risks during transport, such as flammables, corrosives, or explosives.

Fuel Permits are temporary permits that allow a commercial or private carrier to travel in a state. This is used by carriers who do not have IFTA registration or IFTA stickers yet.

A trip permit is a temporary permit that allows a commercial vehicle without apportioned plates to travel in another state.

A bill of lading is a document with outlines the details of a shipment, including the type and quantity of goods being transported, the origin and destination of the shipment. It's important for trucking companies because it shows proof that you delivered your load.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that a vehicle, including its cargo, passengers, and any other items, is rated to safely carry by the manufacturer. It's important to follow GVWR because going over can damage your vehicle and break laws in regards to requiring CDLs and overweight permits.

A freight broker is a third party company that is hired by shippers to move the shipper's products. Freight brokers then find carriers to move those products. Freight brokers do not physically transport goods themselves.

A shipper is a person or company that ships goods to another person or company.

A receiver is a person or company that receives goods that have been shipped.

Freight factoring is a financial service in which a trucking company sells its invoices to a factoring company, in exchange for immediate cash. This allows trucking companies to receive payment for their services right away instead of waiting 30 or more days.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for regulating the trucking industry and ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles and the general public.