Reference
Plain-English definitions for the acronyms that run trucking. Updated for 2026, written by people who run loads — not lawyers.
Compliance
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
An ELD is the FMCSA-mandated device that automatically records a commercial driver's hours of service from the truck's engine.
Compliance
HOS (Hours of Service)
HOS rules limit how many hours a commercial driver can drive and be on duty before mandatory rest. They're enforced via the ELD.
Compliance
DOT Number
A DOT number is the unique identifier the FMCSA assigns to every interstate commercial motor carrier in the United States.
Compliance
MC Number
An MC (Motor Carrier) number is the FMCSA operating authority required to transport regulated commodities or passengers for hire across state lines.
Safety
CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
CSA is the FMCSA's safety scoring program. It rolls roadside inspections and crashes into seven BASIC categories that shape audits and insurance.
Finance
IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
IFTA simplifies fuel-tax reporting for interstate truckers by letting you file one quarterly return for all jurisdictions you operate in.
Compliance
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse is the FMCSA database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Carriers must query it before hiring and annually.
Compliance
Driver Qualification File (DQF)
The DQF is the federally required folder of documents proving a driver is qualified to operate a CMV. Auditors look at it first.
Operations
BOL (Bill of Lading)
A BOL is the legal contract and receipt issued by a carrier to a shipper, describing the freight being transported.
Operations
POD (Proof of Delivery)
POD is the signed document proving freight was delivered. It's the trigger for invoicing and the basis of OS&D claims.
Technology
EDI 214 (Shipment Status Message)
EDI 214 is the X12 transaction set carriers use to send shipment status updates — pickup, in-transit, delivered — back to shippers.
Technology
EDI 204 (Motor Carrier Load Tender)
EDI 204 is the electronic load tender — how shippers and brokers offer a load to a carrier under contract.
Technology
TMS (Transportation Management System)
A TMS is the software system carriers and shippers use to plan, dispatch, track, settle, and invoice freight moves.
Finance
Factoring (Freight)
Factoring is selling your accounts receivable to a third party for immediate cash, typically at a 1-4% discount.
Finance
Detention
Detention is the fee a carrier charges a shipper or receiver when a truck is held past the free loading or unloading window.
Operations
Deadhead
Deadhead miles are the unloaded miles a truck runs between a delivery and the next pickup. Lower deadhead = higher revenue per mile.
Recruiting
Owner-Operator
An owner-operator is a CDL driver who owns or leases the truck they drive, contracting with carriers under their own authority or a carrier's MC.
Recruiting
CDL (Commercial Driver's License)
A CDL is the state-issued license required to operate a commercial motor vehicle over 26,001 lbs GVWR or any vehicle hauling hazmat.
Operations
OS&D (Over, Short, & Damaged)
OS&D is the freight-claims category covering overage (extra freight), shortage (missing pieces), and damage at delivery.
Technology
YMS (Yard Management System)
A YMS tracks trailers, drivers, and dock doors inside a shipper or receiver yard to cut dwell time and detention.
Finance
TONU (Truck Order Not Used)
TONU is the fee a carrier charges when a shipper cancels a load after the truck is already dispatched.
Operations
Rate Confirmation
The rate confirmation is the written contract between a broker and a carrier for a specific load, listing pickup, delivery, rate, and accessorials.
Recruiting
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
An ATS is the software carriers use to source, screen, qualify, and onboard CDL drivers — from job posting to first dispatch.
Compliance
PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program)
PSP is the FMCSA report showing a CDL driver's 5-year crash history and 3-year roadside inspection history.
Compliance
MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
An MVR is the state-issued driving record showing violations, accidents, license status, and endorsements for a CDL driver.
Recruiting
DAC Report
A DAC report is a previous-employer-supplied driving history used in trucking driver background checks. It's the industry-standard employment-history doc.
Finance
Per-Mile Rate
Per-mile rate is the carrier's revenue divided by paid miles. It's the most common way trucking economics are quoted.
Finance
CPM (Cost Per Mile)
Cost per mile is total operating cost divided by total miles. It's how carriers know whether a load is profitable.
Operations
SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)
A SCAC is a 2-4 letter code that uniquely identifies a transportation provider. It's required for most EDI, ocean, and government freight.
Compliance
ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems. Carriers use it to win enterprise contracts and reduce process risk.