Trucking Compliance Glossary
Plain-English glossary for common trucking compliance terms including IFTA, IRP, USDOT, MC number, BOC-3, UCR, ELD, and HOS.
Apportioned plate: A registration credential used under IRP for qualified interstate commercial vehicles.
Base jurisdiction: The jurisdiction where a carrier establishes eligibility for IFTA or IRP reporting.
BOC-3: A designation of process agents filing associated with certain FMCSA operating authority applicants.
Cab card: An IRP registration credential listing jurisdictions and registered weights.
ELD: An electronic logging device used to record driver hours of service data when required.
HOS: Hours of service rules governing commercial driver driving time, duty time, and rest periods.
IFTA: International Fuel Tax Agreement, a framework for reporting fuel use taxes through a base jurisdiction.
IRP: International Registration Plan, a framework for apportioned registration of qualified interstate vehicles.
MC number: A docket number associated with certain types of FMCSA operating authority.
UCR: Unified Carrier Registration, an annual registration program for covered interstate carriers and other entities.
USDOT number: An FMCSA identifier used for safety monitoring and registration records.
Official Sources
- Do I Need a USDOT Number? Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · federal-government · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for educational summaries of when USDOT registration may generally apply.
- Get Operating Authority (Docket Number) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · federal-government · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for FMCSA operating authority concepts, timing caveats, and official fee references when current.
- IFTA, Inc. Carrier Information International Fuel Tax Association, Inc. · official-organization · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for IFTA educational pages and prompts to contact base jurisdiction.
- IRP Registration International Registration Plan, Inc. · official-organization · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for IRP overview pages and terminology.
- Unified Carrier Registration Plan UCR Plan · official-organization · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for UCR overview, registration, and annual renewal prompts.
- Summary of Hours of Service Regulations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · federal-government · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for HOS educational summaries with eCFR cross-reference.
FAQ
Are glossary definitions legal definitions?
No. They are plain-English educational definitions and should be checked against official sources.
Why are terms simplified?
The glossary is designed for orientation before reading official agency material.
Can terms vary by program?
Yes. Similar terms may be used differently across FMCSA, IFTA, IRP, UCR, and state programs.