What Is an LCV System in the Trucking Industry?
A longer combination vehicle, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is a tractor connected to two or three trailers, and weighing more than 80,000 pounds. Two-trailer systems--called "doubles"--and three-trailer systems--"triples"-- allow one tractor to haul larger loads.
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Components of LCV
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A trailer set up to haul another trailer must have a pintle hook, an electrical connection, and an air connection at its end. A converter dolly connects the first trailer to the second. This is basically a frame with a set of wheels, suspension, fifth wheel, hitch (or draw bar) and electrical and air hoses attached to it. The draw bar loop is placed on the pintle hook, locked in, and the dolly is pushed under the following trailer and attached to it on the fifth wheel. The air and electrical hoses are then attached between the front and rear trailers.
Where Doubles Run
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The Interstate Surface Transportation Efficiency Act froze the maximum length and weight of doubles and triples allowed in each state to the sizes permitted in 1991 by each state. A system consisting of two 48-foot trailers ("turnpike doubles") are generally restricted to limited access toll roads in both the eastern and western states. A system consisting of a long trailer and a short trailer ("Rocky Mountain doubles") are allowed on interstates and many state roads in the Western states, and on limited access toll roads in the East.
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Where Triples Run
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Triples consisting of three pup trailers run on both interstate and state roads in many Western states, but are only allowed on limited access toll roads in the Midwest and are not permitted in the East.
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References
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Rules and Regulations; definitions
- American Trucking Association: More Productive Truck Combinations video
- California Commercial Carrier Driver Handbook: Doubles and Triples
- National Transportation Library: ISTEA Summary, page 28
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Trucks over 80,000 pounds on the interstate system and trucks over STAA lengths on the national network
