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

Research Overview

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

Research Goal

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 Approach

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 Progress

• 50 states plus the District of Columbia (DC) are deploying Core CVISN Functionality.
• 28 states have achieved certification toward Core CVISN Compliance.
• Safety Information Exchange Deployment:
• 50 states plus DC have deployed FMCSA’s Aspen inspection software or equivalent.
• 33 states are uploading data via FMCSA’s Safety and Electronic Fitness Records (SAFER) system.
• 33 states are using Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW) or equivalent to upload/download data
• Credentials Administration Deployment
• 41 states are uploading International Registration Plan (IRP) data. 
• 48 states are participating in the IRP Clearinghouse.
• 37 states are uploading International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) data.
• 48 states are participating in the IFTA Clearinghouse
• Electronic Screening. Deployment
• 40 states have implemented E-Screening.

Research Findings

It is highly beneficial for planning and deployment agencies and the motor carrier industry to integrate systems to share data; working together in this manner greatly leverages the capabilities of the individual systems.

Next Step

Continue to provide CVISN grant funding and support to assist all states to reach Core CVISN Compliance by FY 2015.