Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Total weight of a vehicle and everything aboard, including its load. Sliding Tandem (Slider) Mechanism that allows a tandem axle suspension to be moved back and forth at the rear of a semitrailer, for the purpose of adjusting the distribution of weight between the axles and fifth wheel. Semitrailer trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly. Tandem Axle (Tandems) Pair of axles and associated suspension usually located close together. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft TOFC (Trailer On Flatcar) Method of moving cargo which involves transporting semitrailers on railroad flat cars. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. Bobtail Tractor Tractor operating without a trailer. Also refers to straight truck. Bogie (also spelled bogey) Assembly of two or more axles, usually a pair in tandem. Brake Horsepower (bhp) Engine horsepower rating as determined by brake dynamometer testing. (see Horsepower) Container (Shipping Container) Standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway. International shipping containers are 20 or 40 feet long, conform to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and are designed to fit in ships' holds.

Contact our lawyer now If you have experienced personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of a truck accident in Illinois. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	There Are Exceptions To The Hours-Of-Service Rules. Vehicles used in ground water well-drilling operations, utility service, and transporting construction materials and equipment retain the current 24-hour restart provision. However, these drivers are required to comply with the new 10-hour off-duty and 11-hour driving limitations, as well as the prohibition on driving after the 14th hour after coming on duty.