Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. 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. 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) Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot. Yard Jockey Person who operates a yard tractor. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. 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.

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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.