Abrasion – The mechanical wearing of one surface from contact with another object or surface.

Aggregate Working Load Limit – The summation of the Working Load Limit (WLL) of all tie downs used to secure an article of cargo.

ALUM (Aluminum) –Aluminum material.

Anchor Point – The location to which a tie down is attached to a vehicle or article of cargo. If the anchor point is inadequate to support the force of the tie down system, then the load rating of the tie down will be limited to the strength of the anchor point.

ASS’Y (Assembly) – Describes an item that is fabricated by combining raw materials, purchased items and/or weldments through a joining process such as bolting or riveting.

Auxiliary Equipment (Dimension from the front Axle) – The distance from the centerline of the front axle to the horizontal center of gravity of any auxiliary equipment.

BBC Dimension (Bumper to Back of Cab) – Distance from the bumper to the back of cab.

BC Dimension (Back of Cab to End of Frame) – Distance from the back of cab to the end of frame.

BL (Body Length) – The distance from the foremost point of the body to the rearmost point of the body.

Breaking Strength – The tensile load in pounds or kilograms at which any part of the securement assembly fails.

Bridge Formula – A formula used to determine the maximum gross weight permissible on any group of axles.

CA Dimension (Cab to Axle) – Distance from back of cab to centerline of rear axle on a single-rear-axle chassis.

Cargo – All articles or material carried by a vehicle, including those used in operation of the vehicle.

Case Harden – Hardening of outer layer of an iron-based alloy through heat treatment.

CB (Cab to Body) – Distance between cab and body.

Chassis – The framework of a vehicle including all parts necessary for its operation.

Chassis Weight (Front and Rear) – The distribution of bare chassis weight, including all options, fuels, lubricants and coolant, on the front and rear axles.
Clearing Path –

C.G. (Center of Gravity) – Center of gravity or point within the length and width of a vehicle about which all the vehicle weight is balanced.

COE – Cab-over-engine chassis

Combination – Truck coupled to one or more trailers; one or more components

Combination Body – A dump/sander body used to spread materials such as sand, salts and gravel.

Component – A single-function unit, such as a transmission

Cramp Angle – Maximum turn of steering wheels in either direction, measured in degrees.

Cross Member – Structural shape tying in side rails of frame.

CT Dimension (Cab to Trunnion) – Distance from back of cab to the centerline mid-way between the axles on a tandem-rear-axle chassis.

Curb Weight – The weight of a motor truck with standard equipment only, with maximum capacity of oil and coolant.

Cycle – A series of events, operations or movements that repeat themselves in an established sequence.

Design Factor – The ratio of the breaking strength to the Working Load Limit (WLL).

Desired Loaded Weight (Front, Rear, pusher, Tag) – The total weight of chassis, body, equipment and payload that you wish to carry on each axle or group of axles not to exceed federal, state, provincial or local weight regulations, the vehicle’s gross axle weight ratings and gross vehicle weight ratings.

Die – Mating metal part containing desired form impressions.

Direct Tie Down – A tie down that is attached directly to the cargo.

Drop-deck Trailer – A drop deck trailer, also known as a step deck trailer, is a type of flatbed trailer designed to carry taller loads than standard flatbeds

Dual Axle – Tandem axle or two axles in combination

Dump Body – Metal body generally hinged at the rear and dumped by hydraulic means. Size is usually given in cubic yard water level capacity.

Elongation – The measurement of stretch at a specifically applied load, expressed as a percentage of the original length.

Fish-Plate – Plate attached to web of frame running along frame length for the purpose of reinforcement.

Frame – The backbone structure around which the vehicle is assembled.

Front Hitch (Plow Harness) – Describes the component which acts as the connecting member between the vehicle chassis and front mounted snowplow. Various models exist such as the Power-tilt, Hydraulic Detach and/or Standard Low-mount.

Front Mast (Front Post) – Component assembled to the front harness to facilitate installation of a wing plow.

Full-floating Axle– Axle shaft that transmits torque only and carries no vehicle load.

GCG – Gin-Cor Group

GCI – Gin-Cor Industries

Glider – Truck that has been rebuilt, particularly component-wise

Gradeability – Percent grade that a vehicle will negotiate.

Grille – Screen or protective structure located in front of radiator.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) – The value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the load carrying capacity of a single-axle system, as measured at the tire-ground interfaces.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – The maximum total vehicle weight, measured at the tire-ground interfaces, for which the vehicle components are designed by the chassis manufacturer to carry. It cannot exceed the sum of all gross axle weight ratings’.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – Total weight of fully equipped truck and payload.

Helper spring – Additional spring device permitting great load on an axle.

HTEN (High Tensile) – High tensile (Hardox) steel.

Indirect Tie Down – A tie down which passes over the cargo and is secured to the vehicle at both ends. Tension in the tie down increases the pressure of an article or stack of articles on the deck of the vehicle.

Insert (Frame) – Reinforcing steel or aluminum channel section usually pressed within the mainframe rails.

Integral – Combined to act as a single unit.

Keeper – A device used on a hook to prevent the hook from inadvertently releasing.

Lever Load Binder – A chain binder incorporating an overcenter locking action.

Live Bottom Trailer – A live bottom trailer is a type of semi-trailer designed for hauling and unloading loose materials like gravel, asphalt, or grain using a conveyor system on the trailer’s floor. Unlike dump trucks, it discharges material at a controlled pace through the conveyor, rather than tilting the trailer to dump. This method offers greater precision and stability, making it suitable for various applications, including road construction, agriculture, and aggregate hauling.

Loaded radius – The distance from the center of tire contact to the wheel center.

LTH – Left hand side, left-handed

Mold – The form from which an object receives its form when cast.

OEM – Original equipment manufacturer: Refers to chassis or equipment manufacturer.

One-way Plow – Plow which discharges in one direction only. It is angled to push snow to one side as vehicle advances.

Overhang, Dump body – In the context of dump bodies, overhang refers to the distance the dump body extends beyond the rear axle or axle group of the truck. It’s a critical dimension when designing and installing a dump body, as excessive overhang can lead to instability and damage to the vehicle.

Overhang, Front – Distance from centerline of front axle to front of vehicle or BA dimension.

Overhang, Rear – Distance from centerline of rear axle to rear of vehicle frame or AF dimension.

Payload – Actual weight of useful cargo carried by vehicle.

Pintle Hook – Coupling at rear of truck for the purpose of towing a trailer or other units.

Planetary Drive – Gear reduction system with sun gear transmitting reduction through planetary gears to main output shaft.

Plumbing – The pipes, hoses, fixtures and other apparatus concerned in the distribution and use of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Pneumatic Timing – The time required for transmission of air, to or from brake chambers, upon brake actuation or release.

Pony Pup – A Pony Pup, also known as a “pony” or “pup” trailer, is a type of trailer designed for hauling extra capacity, often used in conjunction with dump trucks. These trailers are typically shorter than standard semi-trailers, often ranging from 26 to 32 feet long. Pony pups are known for their maneuverability and ability to carry a significant payload, especially when used in tandem with a dump truck. Also known as Dump Trailers, Wagons, Pup Trailers, Dog/Pig trailers

Powertrain – Engine plus drive train.

PTO – Power take-off, used to transmit power from the engine to auxiliary equipment.

Proof Load Test: A non-destructive load test to some multiple of the working load limit.

Push Frame (Drive Frame) – A Push Frame, also known as a Drive Frame, is a structural component of a trailer or vehicle that provides a mounting point for a snow plow blade or other attachments. It typically features a quick-attach system for easy installation and removal of the blade, along with a lifting mechanism for adjusting the blade’s height and angle.

Pusher Axle – A non-driven auxiliary axle positioned ahead of the chassis drive axle(s) thus shortening the length of the wheelbase, to increase the permissible gross weight and consequently the payload.

Quick-Release Valve – Valve used to accelerate the release of air pressure to and from axle brake chambers.

Rear Mast (Rear Post) – Component assembled to the vehicle chassis to attach the rear of a wing plow to the chassis frame usually behind the cab.

Reversible Plow – Plow which discharges either to the left or right by changing the blade angle through manual or hydraulic means.

RTH – Right hand side, right handed

Sander – Device for supplying chemicals and abrasives such as sand and salt, through the use of side and/or rear mounted spinner(s) and/or chute(s), to the road surface to increase traction.

Section Modulus – Measure of beam strength in frame rails; must equal the bending moment imposed.

Selvage – The woven or knitted edge of synthetic webbing.

Semi-trailer – A semi-trailer is a trailer that lacks a front axle and is designed to be coupled to a tractor unit (also known as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer) at a point where a significant portion of its weight rests upon the tractor.

Shoring Bar – A structural bar placed transversely between the walls of a vehicle to prevent cargo from tipping or shifting.

Single Drive (Single Axle) – Single drive axle

Solenoid – Electric magnetic device for push-pull operation used as a switch or on controls.

Specific Gravity – The weight of a given volume of substance compared to the weight of an equal volume of water.

Spline – Series of parallel keys cut along the driveshaft that mate with corresponding slots in a hub or fitting.

Spring – flexible or elastic member supporting sprung weight, with recovering properties of returning to original shape when released after being distorted.

Spring Clip – U-bolts anchoring spring to axle.

Spring Rate – Rate at which spring force grows as deflection increases (pounds per inch). Also referred to as “spring stiffness”.

Spring Seat – Seat or support on which spring is anchored.

Sprung Mass – Includes body, frame, powertrain, payload and driver.

Sprung Weight – Total weight supported by the suspension, including portions of suspension weight.

SSTL (Stainless Steel) – Stainless steel.

Stabilizer – Device used to stabilize vehicle during turns, sometimes referred to as a sway bar.

Stake Body – Flat platform-type body with removable stakes around body.

Step Deck Trailer – A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer, is a type of flatbed trailer designed with a two-level platform to accommodate taller cargo that exceeds the height restrictions of standard flatbeds.

Tag Axle – A non-driven auxiliary axle positioned behind the chassis drive axle(s) thus lengthening the wheelbase, to increase the permissible gross weight and consequently the payload.

Tag Trailer (Tag-a-Long) – A tag trailer, also known as a tag-a-long trailer, is a type of trailer designed to be towed behind a vehicle, typically to haul heavy equipment or other payloads.

Tail Plate (Cheek Plate) – Component used to attach plow harness to vehicle chassis, as well as transfer plowing forces to vehicle frame rails.

Tandem Drive (Tandem Axle) – Two drive axles in combination

Track, Axle – Distance between centerlines or tire tread at ground on front or rear axles.

Traction Limited Grade – Steepest negotiable grade where traction is the limiting factor.

Tread – The rubber portion of the tire that meets the road. The area of contact is called the “footprint” or “contact patch”.

Trunnion – Journals allowing pivoting or turning: such as tandem axle spring or walking beam assembly.

Ultimate Test – A load test of a securement assembly tested to failure.

Unsprung Mass – Includes axles, spindles, brakes, wheels and tires.

Unsprung Weight – Vehicle weight not supported by springs such as tires, wheels and axle assemblies.

Warp – A longitudinal load bearing yarn in webbing.

WB (Wheelbase) – Horizontal dimension from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of the rear axle on a single-rear-axle truck chassis (CA), or measured from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline mid-way between the axles on a tandem-rear-axle chassis (CT).

Weight of Rear, Pusher and tag Axle(s) – The individual weight of each complete axle assembly including suspension, sub-frame, wheels and tires.

Weld – Fusion of metal by electric arc or gas heat.

WELD’T (Weldment) – Describes an item that is fabricated by combining raw materials and/or purchased items through a welding process.

Winch – A device for tensioning a webbing or wire rope tie down that is fitted with means to lock the initial tension.

Wing Plow – Plow mounted on side of vehicle used to provide additional clearing width, clear accumulations of snow from road shoulders and lower or remove snow banks and drifts.

Working Load Limit (WLL) – The maximum load a component or assembly should be subjected to during routine use.

Zerk (Grease) – Lubrication fitting