Category: FMCSA

Interstate (HM) Transportation of any amount of hazardous material: (1) across State lines, including international boundaries; or (2) entirely within one State as part of a through movement that originates or terminates in another State or country.  

Interstate (Non-HM) Transportation of passengers or property: (1) across State lines, including international boundaries; or (2) within one State as part of a through movement that originates or terminates in another State or country.

Driveaway/Towaway Operation An  operation in which an empty or unladen motor vehicle with one or more sets of wheels on the surface of the roadway is being transported: Between a vehicle manufacturer’s facilities; Between a vehicle manufacturer and a dealership or purchaser; Between a dealership, or other entity selling or leasing the vehicle, and a… Continue reading TERM FMCSA Definition – “Driveaway/Towaway Operation”

Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP) Any person who interchanges intermodal equipment with a motor carrier pursuant to a written interchange agreement or has a contractual responsibility for the maintenance of the intermodal equipment.

Cargo Tank Facility An entity that: Manufactures, repairs, inspects, tests, qualifies, or maintains a cargo tank to ensure that the cargo tank conforms to 49 CFR part 178, subpart J, and 49 CFR part 180, subpart E; Alters the certificate of construction of cargo tank; Ensures the continuing qualification of a cargo tank by performing… Continue reading TERM FMCSA Definition – “Cargo Tank Facility”

Government Entity A U.S. Federal Government agency, State Government agency, local Government agency or Indian Tribe.

Freight Forwarder An entity that holds itself out to provide transportation of cargo belonging to others, using for-hire motor carriers subject to the commercial registration requirements to provide the actual interstate transportation. In the ordinary course of business, freight forwarders: (1) assemble and consolidate shipments, (2) conduct break bulk and distribution operations, and (3) assume… Continue reading TERM FMCSA Definition – “Freight Forwarder”

Property Broker An entity that arranges for the interstate transportation of cargo belonging to others, using for-hire motor carriers subject to the commercial registration requirements to provide the actual transportation.

Private Motor Carrier Interstate Transportation by commercial motor vehicle, not for compensation, as defined in 49 CFR part 390. Property (Hazardous Materials) – transports any amount of hazardous materials. Property (Non-Hazardous Materials) – does not transport any hazardous materials. Passengers (Business) – A private motor carrier engaged in the interstate transportation of passengers which is provided in the furtherance… Continue reading TERM FMCSA Definition – “Private Motor Carrier”

For-Hire Motor Carrier Transportation by a motor carrier for compensation, including: Property – Transportation of general freight, hazardous materials or household goods. This category includes transportation exempt from the commercial registration requirements in Title 49 U.S.C. chapter 139. These exemptions can be found in 49 U.S.C. chapter 135. Passengers: Charter & special operations – Charter service is… Continue reading TERM FMCSA Definition – “For-Hire Motor Carrier”