Category: FMCSA

Common Vehicle Configurations    

Walk-Around Inspection Follows most procedures of the Full Inspection, except those actions which can only be accomplished by climbing underneath the vehicle (e.g., to measure brake performance). This inspection type is a Level II inspection.

Vehicle Violation A violation of the FMCSR or HRM.

Vehicle Configuration Arrangement of the individual units – truck-tractors, trailers, etc. – comprising a commercial vehicle.

USDOT Number An identification number assigned to all interstate commercial carriers regulated by the FMCSA. The number is used to track the safety records associated with a given carrier.

Truck-Tractor A self-propelled motor vehicle designed and primarily used to draw other vehicles.

Triple A commercial motor vehicle consisting of a truck-tractor and three detachable trailers.

Terminal Inspection Examination of vehicles at carriers’ terminal facilities. Although the inspection methodology employed may vary, a Walk-Around technique is generally used. Terminal inspections normally focus only on the “vehicle” aspects of the inspection process. This inspection type is a Level V inspection.

Straight Truck A commercial motor vehicle in which the power unit and cargo box are non-detachable.

Special Study Ad hoc examination of particular items, usually inspected in support of a particular study or verification/refutation of a specific trend. This inspection type is a Level IV inspection.