Abbreviations
Trucking abbreviations
Quick meanings for abbreviations that show up in rate confirmations, delivery paperwork, fuel statements, equipment notes, and dispatch messages.
Factoring
ELD and HOS
AOBRD Automatic onboard recording device, an older electronic log device category largely replaced by ELD rules. ELD Electronic logging device, equipment used to record driver hours-of-service data. HOS Hours of service, the rules limiting and tracking commercial driver work and driving time. RODS Records of duty status, the driver log record for work, driving, off-duty, and sleeper time.
Compliance
BOC-3 A filing that names process agents for a motor carrier or broker. CDL Commercial driver's license, the license class required for many commercial vehicle operations. CDL-A A commercial license class commonly required for tractor-trailer combinations. CMV Commercial motor vehicle, a regulated vehicle category used in trucking rules. CSA Score A common shorthand for FMCSA safety measurement data tied to carrier performance. DOT Number A U.S. DOT identifier used for motor carrier safety tracking and registration. FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the federal agency overseeing motor carrier safety. HMR Hazardous Materials Regulations, rules governing certain hazmat transportation. MC Number A motor carrier number tied to certain operating authority records. MCS-150 A motor carrier identification report used for registration and periodic updates. OOS Out of service, a status that can stop a driver or vehicle from operating until an issue is corrected. TWIC Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a credential used for access to certain secure facilities. UCR Unified Carrier Registration, an annual registration program for many interstate carriers and related businesses. USDOT United States Department of Transportation, often seen in trucking registration and safety records.
Freight Operations
BOL Bill of lading, the key shipping document that describes the freight and shipment details. CPM Cost per mile, a way to measure how much it costs to run the truck for each mile. FTL Full truckload, freight that uses or is priced as a full trailer. LTL Less than truckload, freight that shares trailer space with other shipments. OS&D Over, short, and damaged, a freight exception category for count or condition problems. POD Proof of delivery, the signed or recorded evidence that freight was delivered. RPM Revenue per mile, a way to compare how much money a truck earns per mile. TL Truckload, a freight move using a full trailer or priced like one. TONU Truck ordered not used, a charge requested when a truck is booked but the load is canceled after dispatch.
Insurance
Fuel Cards
Equipment
DPF Diesel particulate filter, an emissions component that captures soot from diesel exhaust. GAWR Gross axle weight rating, the maximum weight rating for a specific axle. GCWR Gross combined weight rating, the maximum rating for the power unit and trailer combination. GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating, the maximum loaded weight rating for a vehicle. PTO Power take-off, a system that transfers engine power to auxiliary equipment.
Dispatch
ETA Estimated time of arrival, the projected arrival time at pickup or delivery. ETD Estimated time of departure, the projected departure time from a location. TMS Transportation management system, software used to manage freight moves and records. W-9 A tax form commonly requested during carrier or vendor setup.