Research Overview

Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) Core and Expanded Program is a collection of information systems and communications networks that are owned and operated by governments, motor carriers, and other stakeholders that support commercial vehicle operations (CVO).  The vision for this program is to implement core CVISN and Expanded CVISN to improve the safety and productivity of motor carriers and their drivers, and reduce regulatory and administrative costs for public- and private-sector stakeholders through improved data sharing, electronic credentialing, and targeted automated screenings and enforcement of high-risk carriers at the roadside. The objective of this research program is to support FMCSA in continuing the technology deployment and administrative oversight that has facilitated progress in establishing CVISN in fifty States and the District of Columbia. This partnership between the ITS JPO and FMCSA to fund and coordinate CVISN with the National ITS Architecture was established in previous legislations.
The focus of this project is to provide continued support in the following four key areas:

• Support for Core and Expanded CVISN Deployment Capabilities;
• External Support for the ITS/CVO CVISN Program;
• Technical Support for ITS/CVO Training and CVISN Deployment Workshops;
• Program, Research, and Policy Support for the ITS/CVO CVISN Program

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Research Goals

The research goals and outcomes include:

• To effectively facilitate the seamless exchange of critical information in support of efficient commercial vehicle operations (for instance, information on safety, credentials, and tax administration).
• To ensure deployment of Core and Expanded CVISN in support of a host of information exchanges that improve motor carrier safety, identify inspection priorities, and create operational efficiencies to result in carriers saving time and money and assuring more timely delivery of cargo.

Research Approach

Overview

CVISN is a framework or “architecture” that assists transportation agencies, motor carrier organizations, and other stakeholders in planning and deploying integrated networks and systems. Use of the CVISN Architecture for planning and deployment enables agencies and the motor carrier industry to integrate systems to share data. Working together in this manner greatly leverages the capability of the individual systems, allowing agencies and firms to accomplish more than they could independently, in a more cost-effective and timely manner.
As a flexible framework, CVISN allows FMCSA the ability to ensure that technological advances, updates to the National ITS Architecture and other research that might impact motor carriers are considered and incorporated.
There are two levels of CVISN functionality for States and motor carrier firms:

• Core CVISN functionality provides specific capabilities in three areas:
• Safety information exchange
• Electronic credentialing
• Electronic screening
• Expanded CVISN leverages the functionality of the Core CVISN systems to provide further capabilities for:
• Driver information sharing
• Enhanced safety information sharing and data quality
• Expanded electronic credentialing.

Program Tracks

Track 1 – Operational Support of SAFER database

A key activity within this track is operational support of SAFER to enable States’ CVISN deployed applications.

Track 2 – Technical Assistance to States

A key activity within in this track is plan for outreach/education/training. 

Research Contacts

For more information about this initiative, please contact:

Katherine K. Hartman
Program Manager, Truck and Program Assessment
ITS Joint Program Office
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
(202) 366-2742
kate.hartman@dot.gov

Jose Rodriguez
CVISN Technical Program Manager
FMCSA Technology Office
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(202) 366-3517
Jose.rodriguez@dot.gov