Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and
Networks (CVISN) Core and Expanded Deployment Program

Research Plan

Led by the FMCSA, CVISN is a framework or “architecture” that assists transportation agencies, motor carrier organizations, and other stake- holders 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
• Smart roadside
• Expanded electronic credentialing.

The objective of this research program is to support FMCSA in continuing the grant funding and oversight that has facilitated progress in deploying CVISN applications in 50 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 legislation. Although the program is well on its way to meeting its stated goals, the funding will be continued through the new authorization when it is anticipated that the funding responsibility for the CVISN Architecture will be ceded to FMCSA. Until that transition, the key elements of this effort will include:

• Support for deployment of Core and Expanded CVISN capabilities;
• Support for the ITS/CVO CVISN Program; and
• Technical support for ITS/CVO training and CVISN Deployment Workshops.

Research Goals:

To effectively facilitate the seamless exchange of critical information in support of efficient commercial vehicle operations (e.g., information on safety, credentials, and tax administration).

Research Outcomes:

To ensure deployment of Core and Expanded CVISN in support of the Smart Roadside program and a host of other information exchanges that improve motor carrier safety, identify inspection priorities, and create operational efficiencies that enable carriers to save time and money and can assure more timely delivery  of cargo.