Navigate the complex world of motor carrier regulations with our comprehensive glossary. Find clear definitions for IFTA, IRP, DOT, and other trucking compliance terms.
Apportioned Registration
A vehicle registration system under IRP that distributes registration fees among jurisdictions based on the percentage of miles traveled in each. Vehicles receive apportioned plates valid in all IRP member jurisdictions.
Base Jurisdiction
The U.S. state or Canadian province where a motor carrier has an established place of business, maintains operational control, and bases the majority of its fleet. Your base jurisdiction is where you register for IFTA and IRP.
BOC-3
A form filed with FMCSA to designate process agents in each state. Process agents accept legal documents (service of process) on behalf of motor carriers. Required for all carriers with DOT/MC authority.
Cab Card
The registration document issued under IRP that must be carried in the vehicle. Shows the vehicle's registration details and which jurisdictions it's authorized to operate in.
CDL (Commercial Driver's License)
A special driver's license required to operate large or heavy vehicles, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, or vehicles transporting 16+ passengers. Issued by individual states but recognized nationwide.
CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle)
A vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property that meets specific weight, passenger, or hazmat criteria requiring federal or state regulation.
CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
FMCSA's enforcement and compliance program that measures motor carrier safety performance. Uses inspections, violations, and crashes to assess safety risk.
DOT Number (USDOT Number)
A unique identification number assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to companies operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Required for safety monitoring and compliance.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
A device that electronically records a driver's hours of service and duty status. Required for most commercial drivers to ensure compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating the trucking industry and improving commercial motor vehicle safety.
For-Hire Carrier
A motor carrier that transports goods or passengers for compensation. Requires MC authority in addition to DOT number. Opposite of private carrier.
Form 2290 (HVUT)
IRS tax form used to report and pay the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax. Required annually for highway vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. See also HVUT.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The total weight of a single vehicle plus its load. Used to determine registration fees, tax liability, and regulatory requirements.
Gross Combination Weight (GCW)
The total weight of a combination of vehicles (truck plus trailer) plus their load. Used to determine if a vehicle meets CMV definitions.
HVUT (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax)
A federal tax on heavy vehicles operating on public highways, reported annually on Form 2290. Applies to vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. Tax rates range from $100 to $550 annually based on weight.
IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
A cooperative agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that simplifies fuel tax reporting for interstate motor carriers. Carriers file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base jurisdiction instead of filing in each state traveled.
IFTA Decals
Stickers issued to IFTA-licensed carriers that must be displayed on both sides of the cab for qualified motor vehicles. Valid for the license year and identify the vehicle as IFTA-registered.
IFTA License
The authorization issued by your base jurisdiction allowing you to report fuel taxes under IFTA. Must be renewed annually and requires quarterly fuel tax returns.
Interstate Commerce
Trade, traffic, or transportation between states or crossing state boundaries. Triggers federal regulations including DOT registration, IFTA, IRP, and FMCSA requirements.
Intrastate Commerce
Trade, traffic, or transportation conducted entirely within a single state. May be subject to state regulations but not federal interstate requirements.
IRP (International Registration Plan)
A registration reciprocity agreement for commercial vehicles operating in multiple jurisdictions. Allows carriers to register vehicles once in their base jurisdiction and receive apportioned plates valid in all member states and provinces.
Jurisdiction
A state, province, or territory with authority to enforce its own transportation regulations. In IFTA and IRP contexts, refers to member states and provinces.
MC Number (Motor Carrier Number)
Operating authority number issued by FMCSA that authorizes for-hire carriers to transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce. Required in addition to DOT number for for-hire operations.
MCS-150
The form used to apply for a DOT number and provide carrier information to FMCSA. Must be updated every two years (biennial update) or the DOT number becomes inactive.
Motor Carrier
A person or company that provides motor vehicle transportation for compensation. Includes both for-hire and private carriers operating commercial motor vehicles.
Operating Authority
Permission granted by FMCSA to for-hire carriers to operate in interstate commerce. Evidenced by MC, FF (freight forwarder), or MX (Mexico-domiciled carrier) number.
Owner-Operator
An independent truck driver who owns and operates their own commercial vehicle. May operate under their own authority or lease to a motor carrier.
Private Carrier
A company that transports its own goods using its own vehicles. Not for-hire. Requires DOT number but not MC authority.
Process Agent
A person or company designated to accept legal documents on behalf of a motor carrier in a specific state. Required BOC-3 filing designates process agents in all states.
Qualified Motor Vehicle
Under IFTA: A vehicle with two axles and gross vehicle weight over 26,000 lbs, OR three or more axles regardless of weight, AND used in interstate commerce. Requires IFTA license.
Safety Rating
FMCSA's assessment of a motor carrier's safety performance. Ratings include Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory. Impacts insurance rates and operating authority.
Schedule 1 (Form 2290)
The proof of payment document attached to Form 2290. Must be stamped by the IRS and kept with vehicle registration. State DMVs require stamped Schedule 1 to renew registration.
Suspended Vehicle
Under Form 2290, a vehicle expected to travel 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for agricultural) during the tax period. No HVUT tax due, but Form 2290 must still be filed reporting the suspension.
Taxable Gross Weight
For Form 2290 purposes, the total weight of a vehicle and any trailers customarily used with it, plus maximum load carried. Determines if Form 2290 filing is required and the tax amount due.
UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
An annual registration and fee program for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies operating in interstate commerce. Fees based on fleet size. Replaced the Single State Registration System (SSRS) in 2007.
USDOT Number
See DOT Number. The official name for the identification number assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. Required for Form 2290 filing, IRP registration, and vehicle titling. Used to identify specific vehicles in all regulatory filings.
Confused by trucking terminology and regulations? Consultran's team has over 50 years of experience helping Minnesota motor carriers navigate compliance requirements.
Call us today: (651) 482-1124
Email: consultran@consultran.com
Visit us: 2353 Rice Street, Suite 232, Roseville, MN 55113
Or visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions.
