Trucking and CDL terms, A to Z

B

BOC-3

The filing that names a process agent in every state where you operate, so legal papers can be served on your company. It must be on file before FMCSA grants operating authority.

Source: 49 CFR 366 · checked Oct 2026

C

C/TPA (consortium/third party administrator)

A company that runs drug and alcohol testing programs for carriers: random pools, labs, medical review and Clearinghouse reporting. Owner-operators must designate one in the Clearinghouse.

Source: 49 CFR 382.705(b)(6) · checked Oct 2026

CDL downgrade

When a state removes the commercial privilege from a driver's license. Since November 18, 2024, states must do it within 60 days of learning from the Clearinghouse that a driver is prohibited from driving a CMV.

Source: 49 CFR 383.73(q) · checked Oct 2026

CDL skills test

The hands-on CDL test in a vehicle of the class you'll drive, in three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control and an on-road drive.

Source: 49 CFR 383.113 · checked Oct 2026

Class A CDL

Required for combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lb or more, towing a unit over 10,000 lb GVWR, such as a tractor-trailer.

Source: 49 CFR 383.91(a)(1) · checked Oct 2026

Class B CDL

Required for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or more, or towing a unit of 10,000 lb GVWR or less, such as a heavy straight truck or dump truck.

Source: 49 CFR 383.91(a)(2) · checked Oct 2026

Clearinghouse

FMCSA's online database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol violations. Employers query it before a driver's first job and every year, and report violations to it.

Source: 49 CFR 382.701(a), (b) · checked Oct 2026

Commercial learner's permit (CLP)

The permit that lets you practice driving a CMV with a qualified CDL holder beside you. You must hold it at least 14 days before taking the skills test, and it's valid for up to one year.

Source: 49 CFR 383.25(e) · checked Oct 2026

D

Deadhead

Miles driven with an empty truck, usually to reach the next pickup. They cost fuel and time but earn nothing, so they matter in every rate decision.

Doubles/triples endorsement (T)

The CDL endorsement needed to pull double or triple trailers. It takes a knowledge test.

Source: 49 CFR 383.93, 383.153 · checked Oct 2026

Driver qualification (DQ) file

The file a carrier keeps on every driver: application, driving record checks, road test, medical certificate and previous employer safety history.

Source: 49 CFR 391.51 · checked Oct 2026

E

ELD (electronic logging device)

The device that records a driver's hours of service automatically. Most drivers who must keep logs need one, with limited exceptions.

Source: 49 CFR 395.8 · checked Oct 2026

ELDT (entry-level driver training)

Federal minimum training, from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, required before a first Class A or B skills test and some endorsement tests.

Source: 49 CFR 380 Subpart F · checked Oct 2026

Endorsement

An extra privilege on a CDL for special vehicles or cargo: H hazmat, N tank, P passenger, S school bus, T doubles/triples, X tank plus hazmat.

Source: 49 CFR 383.93, 383.153 · checked Oct 2026

F

Factoring

Selling your freight invoices to a factoring company for cash now instead of waiting on broker terms. Typical fees run 1.5% to 4% of the invoice.

Source: AtoB, Freight Factoring guide (updated May 8, 2026) · checked Oct 2026

H

HVUT (Form 2290)

The federal heavy vehicle use tax, filed on IRS Form 2290 for trucks with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 lb or more.

Source: IRS Form 2290 · checked Oct 2026

I

IFTA and IRP

Fuel tax reporting (IFTA) and apportioned registration plates (IRP) for interstate trucks over 26,000 lb or with 3 or more axles, set up through your base state.

Source: IFTA Articles of Agreement R245; IRP · checked Oct 2026

L

Leasing on

Running your own truck under another carrier's authority and insurance. The lease must state your pay and list every chargeback.

Source: 49 CFR 376.12(c), (d), (h), (k) · checked Oct 2026

M

MC number

The operating authority number FMCSA issues to for-hire interstate carriers, alongside the USDOT number. It's still issued and used while FMCSA rolls out its new registration system.

Source: FMCSA registration · checked Oct 2026

Medical examiner's certificate (medical card)

Proof that a certified medical examiner found you physically qualified to drive a CMV. It's valid for up to 24 months; examiners can certify for less.

Source: 49 CFR 391.45 · checked Oct 2026

N

New entrant safety audit

FMCSA's review of a new carrier's safety controls within its first 12 months. Some violations, like having no drug testing program, fail it automatically.

Source: 49 CFR Part 385, Appendix A · checked Oct 2026

Q

Quick pay

A broker's option to pay an invoice early for a fee, often 1-5% paid in 1 to 7 days, instead of standard terms.

Source: RTS, The Difference Between Factoring and Quick Pay (Oct 2022) · checked Oct 2026

R

Random testing rate

The minimum share of a carrier's drivers who must be randomly tested each year. For 2026, FMCSA's rates are 50% for drugs and 10% for alcohol.

Source: U.S. DOT ODAPC, random testing rates (FMCSA, 2026) · checked Oct 2026

Rate confirmation

The broker's written agreement for one load: rate, pickup and delivery details, and terms. At LaneSprint it goes straight to the carrier, who confirms the load or says no.

Recourse and non-recourse factoring

With recourse, you buy back an invoice the broker never pays; non-recourse shifts some of that credit risk to the factor for a higher fee (typically 1-3% vs 3-5% or more).

Source: AtoB, Freight Factoring guide (updated May 8, 2026) · checked Oct 2026

S

SAP program (return to duty)

After a drug or alcohol violation, a substance abuse professional evaluates the driver and prescribes education or treatment. A negative return-to-duty test and follow-up tests come next.

Source: 49 CFR 40.307(d), (e) · checked Oct 2026

T

Third-party CDL tester

A school, carrier or other business a state authorizes to give CDL skills tests. The test must be the same as the state's, and the state inspects testers at least every 2 years.

Source: 49 CFR 383.75 · checked Oct 2026

U

UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

A yearly registration for interstate carriers, with the fee set by fleet size.

Source: UCR Plan · checked Oct 2026

USDOT number

The identifier FMCSA assigns to a carrier, used for safety records, audits and inspections.

Source: FMCSA registration · checked Oct 2026