- AQL
- Acceptance Quality Limit. A statistical sampling parameter used in an agreed inspection plan; it is not a promise that every unit is defect-free.
- DOT
- U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal department that includes agencies such as NHTSA and FMCSA.
- FAI
- First Article Inspection: measured verification that an initial production part matches the approved drawing and specification.
- FMVSS
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Applicability depends on the vehicle and equipment; for example, FMVSS 108 addresses lamps and reflective devices.
- FOB
- Free On Board, an Incoterm used only for sea or inland-waterway transport. The named port and current Incoterms version should be stated.
- GAWR
- Gross Axle Weight Rating: the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the load-carrying capacity of a single axle system.
- GVWR
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
- HTS
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Classification is based on the specific product and determines ordinary duty and potential trade-action treatment.
- Incoterms
- ICC trade terms that allocate defined delivery tasks, cost, and risk. They do not replace a complete sales contract or determine customs classification.
- MOQ
- Minimum Order Quantity. The lowest economic production or order quantity quoted for a specific configuration and release.
- PPAP
- Production Part Approval Process: a structured set of evidence used to show a supplier can repeatedly produce a conforming part. The required elements should be agreed by the buyer.
- Section 301
- A U.S. trade-law authority under which additional duties may apply to specific products and origins. Current treatment must be checked by HTS subheading and effective date.
- Service description
- A tire’s load index and speed symbol/category, used with size, inflation, and application requirements when approving a fitment.
- WLL
- Working Load Limit: the maximum load assigned to a component or assembly for the defined service. It must not be inferred from appearance or material grade alone.
These definitions are educational and may be simplified. Contract, engineering, customs, and regulatory meanings depend on the governing document and facts.