GlossaryGuide

Motor Carrier Census Database A database on the USDOT mainframe computer containing information identifying interstate and intrastate commercial carriers. A unique USDOT Number is assigned to each carrier in the database and is used to link records in the Inspection Database to the appropriate carriers in the Census Database.

Mobile Inspection Facility A non-permanent inspection facility. Mobile facilities can be moved from one location to another, as conditions warrant. Sometimes called a “roadside” facility.

Location The U.S. State or Territory, Canadian Province, or Mexican State in which a specific inspection was conducted.

Intrastate Carrier A carrier who operates solely in intrastate commerce and, for the purposes of this report, never transports hazardous materials.

Motor Carrier Inspection Database A database on the USDOT mainframe computer containing records of inspections of interstate and intrastate carriers. State inspection records are uploaded to the mainframe using SAFETYNET.

Interstate Carrier A carrier who sometimes or always operates in interstate or foreign commerce. For the purposes of this report, “interstate carrier” is defined also to include carriers of hazardous materials who operate in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce.

Inspection The systematic examination of a commercial motor vehicle and its driver to determine their overall safety fitness.

Hazardous Materials Violation A violation discovered during the inspection which pertains to the transportation of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) Federal regulations governing the commercial transportation of hazardous materials. The HMR are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Subtitle B, Chapter I.