Tag: FMCSA

New Entrant A motor carrier not domiciled in Mexico that applies for a United States Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number in order to initiate operations. A carrier is considered a new entrant for its first 18 months on the road, and must complete the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.

Material error A mistake or series of mistakes that resulted in an erroneous safety rating or Safety Audit.

Longer combination vehicle (LCV) Any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semi-trailers, which operate on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways with a gross vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds (36,288 kilograms).

LCV Driver-Training Certificate of Grandfathering This shows that the driver is exempt from the training requirements based on experience. (Note: Drivers may be grandfathered from June 01, 2004 to May 31, 2005 only.) See 49 CFR 380.111 for driver training.

Intrastate commerce Any trade, traffic, or transportation in any State which is not described in the term interstate commerce.

Intervention Refers to a variety of tools FMCSA uses to address carriers that are found in violation of Federal safety regulations. Interventions include warning letters, inspections, and investigations, among others. The interventions process evaluates why safety problems occur, recommends remedies, encourages corrective action, and when necessary, invokes strong penalties for carriers failing to comply.

Interstate commerce Trade, traffic, or transportation between the following: A place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States); Two places in a State through another State or place outside of the United States; or Between two places in a State as part of trade,… Continue reading Interstate commerce

Inspection An evaluation of a driver, vehicle, or both to ensure safe operations. The six levels of inspections conducted in North America are developed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The level of inspection refers to what is examined during the inspection. Level 1 is the most comprehensive type of inspection.

Hand-held mobile device Any mobile device that requires at least one hand to be fully operational. In order to comply with 49 CFR 392.82, drivers must utilize an earpiece or the speaker phone function and must initiate, answer, or end a call using voice-activation or one-button touch features.

For-hire carrier A person or company engaged in the transportation of goods or passengers for compensation. For hire carriers need to obtain operating authority (MC number) in addition to a U.S. DOT Number.