Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System

Field Manual

May 2001

**Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System**

Chapter 1\
INTRODUCTION

Background

The data from the Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System (HVTIS) will
be used to analyze the amount and nature of truck travel at the national
and regional level. The information would be used by FHWA and other DOT
administrations to evaluate changes in truck travel in order to assess
impacts on the highway safety; the role of travel in economic
productivity; impacts of changes in truck travel on infrastructure
condition, and maintaining our mobility while protecting the human and
natural environment. The increasing dependence on truck transport
requires that data be available to better assess its overall
contribution to the Nation=s well-being. The data will allow
transportation professionals at the Federal, state and metropolitan
levels to make informed decisions about policies and plans.

The majority of States collect vehicle weight data periodically
throughout the year using weigh-in-motion devices and also collect
vehicle classification and/or total vehicle volume data continuously. To
support the HVTIS data needs, the FHWA is requesting that the various
State Highway Agencies provide monthly reporting of vehicle
classification and/or total vehicle volume as well as annual reporting
of weight data they collect as part of their existing traffic data
collection programs.

Through its three stages of development, the HVTIS will provide
increasingly detailed heavy vehicle data:

1.  National estimates of heavy vehicle highway travel on a monthly
    basis.

2.  National estimates of axle loadings and highway ton-miles of freight
    moved each month, and

3.  Highway specific estimates of truck volumes and loadings

Traffic Data Records

This section contains instructions for coding data in the formats
requested by the FHWA. The record formats and coding instructions have
been developed to provide input to the Heavy Vehicle Travel Information
System. The HVTIS is supported by the Traffic Volume Trends (TVT) system
and the Vehicle Travel Information System (VTRIS).

The TVT system is used to process the continuous traffic volume and
vehicle classification data and produce a monthly Traffic Volume Trends
report. The VTRIS is used to process the vehicle classification and
truck weight data. Both are microcomputer database management systems
that validate, summarize, and maintain traffic data. TVT and VTRIS may
be used by anyone with data in the formats described in this section.
They are available for downloading on the FHWA website from the Traffic
Volume and Truck Weight page at
\<http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/tvtwpage.htm\>.

The data records are divided into four types: station description data,
traffic volume data, vehicle classification data, and truck weight data.
Each type of data has its own individualized record format. Specific
coding instructions and record layouts are discussed separately for each
type of data in the next chapters.

Note that some fields are labeled "critical." This means that a record
cannot be processed by TVT or VTRIS without them. All data files
described here are ASCII flat files. For character fields with missing
or inapplicable data, enter blanks. Numbers such as counts should be
right-justified and filled with leading blanks or zeros unless noted
otherwise. For numeric fields with missing or inapplicable data, enter
blanks or \"-1\" right-justified.

Certain data items are common to all four types of records. For example,
all records contain a six-character station identification. This allows
States to use a common identification system for all traffic monitoring
stations.

Several fields in the station description record were replaced with
fields that are needed to tie traffic data to geographic information
systems (GIS). This will allow traffic data to be overlaid on the
National Highway Planning Network (NHPN) and similar systems.

Data Submittals to the FHWA

Copies of vehicle classification data collected by continuous automatic
vehicle classifiers should be submitted monthly. In those States that
also collect traffic volume data by permanent automatic traffic
recorders, this data should also be submitted monthly. Both types of
data should be submitted to FHWA within 20 days after the close of the
month for which the data were collected. The station description record
need only be sent annually or when there is a change. The preferred
method of transmission is as an attachment to an e-mail message sent to
"**atrdata@fhwa.dot.gov**". Alternatively, diskettes may be mailed to:

**Federal Highway Administration**

**Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division, HPPI-30**

**400 Seventh Street, SW**

**Washington, D.C. 20590**

**Attention: Traffic Volume Trends**

Annually, each State should submit to the FHWA the vehicle
classification and truck weight data collected at weigh-in-motion (WIM)
sites. Data for the preceding calendar year should be submitted by June
15th. More frequent submissions are also acceptable.

If continuous weigh-in-motion data are available, send up to one week of
data per quarter (select any week without a holiday). The data should be
addressed as follows:

**Federal Highway Administration**

**Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division, HPPI-30**

**400 Seventh Street, SW**

**Washington, D.C. 20590**

**Attention: Vehicle Travel Information System**

All data should be in the record formats described in this section and
edited for reasonableness. If the files are large, it is preferable that
a compression program such as PKZIP be used to condense them. Please
provide the name of a contact person and the telephone number in case
further clarification is necessary. For further information, contact the
Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division at (202) 366-0175.

Chapter 2\
STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMATS

The Station Description record format is used for all traffic volume,
vehicle classification, and truck weight monitoring stations. A Station
Description file contains one record for each traffic monitoring station
per year. All fields are considered to be character fields. The optional
file naming convention is \"ssyy.STA\", where ss is state postal
abbreviation and yy is the last two digits of the year. Table 1
summarizes the Station Description record.

Fields designated as *Critical* are required for entry into the HVTIS
database.

1\. **Record Type** (Column 1) ‑ *Critical*

S = Station description record

2\. **FIPS State Codes** (Columns 2‑3) ‑ *Critical*

[State]{.underline} [Code]{.underline} [State]{.underline}
[Code]{.underline} [State]{.underline} [Code]{.underline}

Alabama 01 Louisiana 22 Ohio 39

Alaska 02 Maine 23 Oklahoma 40

Arizona 04 Maryland 24 Oregon 41

Arkansas 05 Massachusetts 25 Pennsylvania 42

California 06 Michigan 26 Rhode Island 44

Colorado 08 Minnesota 27 South Carolina 45

Connecticut 09 Mississippi 28 South Dakota 46

Delaware 10 Missouri 29 Tennessee 47

D.C. 11 Montana 30 Texas 48

Florida 12 Nebraska 31 Utah 49

Georgia 13 Nevada 32 Vermont 50

Hawaii 15 New Hampshire 33 Virginia 51

Idaho 16 New Jersey 34 Washington 53

Illinois 17 New Mexico 35 West Virginia 54

Indiana 18 New York 36 Wisconsin 55

Iowa 19 North Carolina 37 Wyoming 56

Kansas 20 North Dakota 38 Puerto Rico 72

Kentucky 21

Table 1: Station Description Record

(OMB No. 2125-0587 Expiration 4/30/2004)

**Field Columns Width Description**

1 1 1 Record Type

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code

3 4-9 6 Station ID

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code

5 11 1 Lane of Travel

6 12-13 2 Year of Data

7 14-15 2 Functional Classification Code

8 16 1 Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated

9 17 1 Sample Type for Traffic Volume

10 18 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume

11 19 1 Method of Traffic Volume Counting

12 20 1 Sample Type for Vehicle Classification

13 21 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Class.

14 22 1 Method of Vehicle Classification

15 23 1 Algorithm for Vehicle Classification

16 24-25 2 Classification System for Vehicle Classification

17 26 1 Sample Type for Truck Weight

18 27 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight

19 28 1 Method of Truck Weighing

20 29 1 Calibration of Weighing System

21 30 1 Method of Data Retrieval

22 31 1 Type of Sensor

23 32 1 Second Type of Sensor

24 33 1 Primary Purpose - *NEW*

25 34-45 12 LRS Identification - *NEW*

26 46-51 6 LRS Location Point - *NEW*

27 52-59 8 Latitude - *NEW*

28 60-68 9 Longitude - *NEW*

29 69-72 4 SHRP Site Identification - *NEW*

30 73-78 6 Previous Station ID

31 79-80 2 Year Station Established

32 81-82 2 Year Station Discontinued

33 83-85 3 FIPS County Code

34 86 1 HPMS Sample Type

35 87-98 12 HPMS Sample Identifier

36 99 1 National Highway System - *NEW*

37 100 1 Posted Route Signing

38 101-108 8 Posted Signed Route Number

39 109 1 Concurrent Route Signing

40 110-117 8 Concurrent Signed Route Number

41 118-167 50 Station Location

3\. **Station Identification** (Columns 4‑9) ‑ *Critical*

This field should contain an alphanumeric designation for the station
where the survey data are collected. Station identification field
entries must be identical in all records for a given station.
Differences in characters, including spaces, blanks, hyphens, etc.,
prevent proper match. Right justify the Station ID if it is less than 6
characters. There should be no embedded blanks.

4\. **Direction of Travel Code** (Column 10) ‑ *Critical*

Do not combine directions. There should be a separate record for each
direction. Whether or not lanes are combined in each direction depends
on the next field.

[Code]{.underline} [Direction]{.underline}

1 North

2 Northeast

3 East

4 Southeast

5 South

6 Southwest

7 West

8 Northwest

9 North‑South or Northeast‑Southwest combined (ATR stations only)

0 East‑West or Southeast‑Northwest combined (ATR stations only)

5\. **Lane of Travel** (Column 11) ‑ *Critical*

Either each lane is considered a separate station or all lanes in each
direction are combined.

> [Code]{.underline} [Lane]{.underline}

0 Data with lanes combined

1 Outside (rightmost) lane

2-9 Other lanes

***Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up
the Station Code.** There should be one Station Description record per
Station Code. Stations can be either by lane or with lanes combined by
direction, but not both.*

6\. **Year of Data** (Columns 12-13) ‑ *Critical*

Code the last two digits of the year in which the data were collected.

7\. **Functional Classification Code** (Columns 14‑15) ‑ *Critical*

[Code]{.underline} [Functional Classification]{.underline}

RURAL

01 Principal Arterial - Interstate

02 Principal Arterial - Other

06 Minor Arterial

07 Major Collector

08 Minor Collector

09 Local System

URBAN

11 Principal Arterial - Interstate

12 Principal Arterial - Other Freeways or Expressways

14 Principal Arterial - Other

16 Minor Arterial

17 Collector

19 Local System

8\. **Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated** (Column 16)

Code the number of lanes in one direction at the site. Use \"9\" if
there are more than eight lanes.

9\. **Sample Type for Traffic Volume** (Column 17)

T = Station used for Traffic Volume Trends

N = Station not used for Traffic Volume Trends

10\. **Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume** (Column 18)

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored at this
site. Use \"9\" if there are more than eight lanes.

11\. **Method of Traffic Volume Counting** (Column 19)

1 = Human observation (manual)

2 = Portable traffic recording device

3 = Permanent automatic traffic recorder (ATR)

12\. **Sample Type for Vehicle Classification** (Column 20)

H = Station used for Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System

N = Station not used for Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System

13\. **Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Classification** (Column
21)

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for vehicle
classification at this site. Use \"9\" if there are more than eight
lanes.

14\. **Method of Vehicle Classification** (Column 22)

1 = Human observation (manual) vehicle classification\
2 = Portable vehicle classification device

3 = Permanent vehicle classification device

15\. **Algorithm for Vehicle Classification** (Column 23)

Code the type of input and processing used to classify vehicles:

A = Human observation on site (manual)

> B = Human observation of vehicle image (e.g., video)
>
> C = Automated interpretation of vehicle image or signature (e.g.,
> video, microwave, sonic)

D = Vehicle length classification

E = Axle spacing with ASTM Standard E1572

F = Axle spacing with Scheme F

G = Axle spacing with Scheme F modified

H = Other axle spacing algorithm

K = Axle spacing and weight algorithm

L = Axle spacing and vehicle length algorithm

M = Axle spacing, weight, and vehicle length algorithm

N = Axle spacing and other input(s) not specified above

Z = Other means not specified above

16\. **Classification System for Vehicle Classification** (Columns
24‑25)

This indicates the total number of classes in the vehicle classification
system. The default value is 13 which indicates the standard FHWA 13
class system (see Appendix 4‑C). The other vehicle classification
systems are based on the HPMS and the Traffic Monitoring System (TMS)
documentation. The value that is used will determine the number of count
fields needed on the Vehicle Classification Record. In the following
list the numbers in parentheses are from the FHWA 13 class system:

> 1 = One class: total volume
>
> 2 = Two classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3) and commercial (classes
> 4-13) vehicles
>
> 3 = Three classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3), single-unit
> commercial (classes 4-7), combination commercial (classes 8-13)
> vehicles
>
> 4 = Four classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3), single-unit commercial
> (classes 4‑7), single-trailer commercial (classes 8‑10), multi-trailer
> commercial (classes 11-13) vehicles

5 = Five classes as follows:

1 of 5 = two-axle, two or four-tire vehicles (classes 1-3)

2 of 5 = buses (class 4)

3 of 5 = single-unit trucks (classes 5-7)

4 of 5 = single-trailer combination trucks (classes 8‑10)

5 of 5 = multiple-trailer combination trucks (classes 11‑13)

13 = FHWA\'s standard 13 class system (see Appendix 4-C)

> 14 = FHWA\'s 13 class system plus a class 14 (State or vendor defined)
>
> 15 = FHWA\'s 13 class system plus classes 14 and 15 (State or vendor
> defined)

Other numbers = number of classes (unsupported)

17\. **Sample Type for Truck Weight** (Column 26)

> B = Station used for TMG sample and Strategic Highway Research Program
> (SHRP) Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) sample
>
> L = Station used for SHRP/LTPP sample (but not TMG sample)

T = Station used for TMG sample (but not SHRP/LTPP sample)

N = Station not used for any of the above

18\. **Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight** (Column 27)

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for truck
weight at this site. Use \"9\" if there are more than eight lanes.

19\. **Method of Truck Weighing** (Column 28)

1 = Portable static scale

2 = Chassis-mounted, towed static scale

3 = Platform or pit static scale

4 = Portable weigh-in-motion system

5 = Permanent weigh-in-motion system

20\. **Calibration of Weighing System** (Column 29)

Code the method used to calibrate the weighing system, e.g., comparing
weight-in-motion and weights from static scales.

A = ASTM Standard E1318

B = Subset of ASTM Standard E1318

> C = Combination of test trucks and trucks from the traffic stream (but
> not ASTM E1318)
>
> D = Other sample of trucks from the traffic stream

M = Moving average of the steering axle of 3S2s

S = Static calibration

T = Test trucks only

U = Uncalibrated

Z = Other method

21\. **Method of Data Retrieval** (Column 30)

1 = Not automated (manual)

2 = Automated (telemetry)

22\. **Type of Sensor** (Column 31)

Code the type of sensor used for traffic detection.

A = Automatic vehicle identification (AVI)

B = Bending plate

C = Capacitance strip

D = Capacitance mat/pad

E = Hydraulic load cells

F = Fiber optic - *NEW*

G = Strain gauge on bridge beam

H = Human observation (manual)

I = Infrared

K = Laser/lidar

L = Inductance loop

M = Magnetometer

P = Piezoelectric

Q = Quartz piezoelectric - *NEW*

R = Road tube

S = Sonic/acoustic

T = Tape switch

U = Ultrasonic

V = Video image

W = Microwave

X = Radio wave

Z = Other

23\. **Second Type of Sensor** (Column 32)

If there are two types of sensors at the station, code the second using
the same codes as Type of Sensor. Otherwise, code \"N\" for none.

24\. **Primary Purpose** (Column 33) -- *NEW*

This field indicates the *primary purpose* for installing the station
and hence which organization is responsible for it and supplies the
data.

E = Enforcement purposes (e.g., speed or weight enforcement)

I = Operations purposes in support of ITS initiatives\
L = Load data for pavement design or pavement management purposes\
O = Operations purposes *but not ITS*

P = Planning or traffic statistics purposes\
R = Research purposes (e.g., LTPP)

25\. **LRS Identification** (Columns 34-45) - *NEW*

The LRS Identification reported in this item for the station must be the
same as the LRS identification reported in the HPMS for the section of
roadway where the station is located. The LRS identification is a
12-character, right justified value. The LRS ID can be alphanumeric, but
must not contain blanks; leading zeros must be coded. More information
concerning the LRS may be found in Chapter V of the *HPMS Field Manual*,
Linear Referencing System Requirements.

26\. **LRS Location Point** (Columns 46-51) - *NEW*

This is the LRS location point for the station. It is similar
information to the LRS Beginning Point and LRS Ending Point in the HPMS.
The KMPT for the station must be within the range of the LRS beginning
point and LRS ending point for the roadway section upon which the
station is located. It is coded in kilometers with an implied decimal in
the middle: XXX.XXX.

27\. **Latitude** (Columns 52-59) - *NEW*

This is the latitude of the station location with the north hemisphere
assumed and decimal place understood as XX.XXX XXX.

28\. **Longitude** (Columns 60-68) - *NEW*

This is the longitude of the station location with the west hemisphere
assumed and decimal place understood as XXX.XXX XXX.

29\. **SHRP Site Identification** (Columns 69-72) - *NEW*

If the site is used in the SHRP/LTPP sample, give the SHRP site ID.

30\. **Previous Station ID** (Columns 73‑78)

If the station replaces another station, give the station ID that was
used previously.

31\. **Year Station Established** (Columns 79‑80)

Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.

32\. **Year Station Discontinued** (Columns 81‑82)

Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.

33\. **FIPS County Code** (Columns 83‑85)

Use the three-digit FIPS county code (see Federal Information Processing
Standards Publication 6, \"Counties of the States of the United
States\").

34\. **HPMS Sample Type** (Column 86)

N = No, not on an HPMS standard sample section

Y = Yes, on an HPMS standard sample section

35\. **HPMS Sample Identifier** (Columns 87‑98)

If the station is on an HPMS standard sample section, code the HPMS
Sample Identifier per the *HPMS Field Manual* (Item 47).

36\. **National Highway System** (Column 66) - *NEW*

N = No, not on National Highway System

Y = Yes, on National Highway System

37\. **Posted Route Signing** (Column 100)

This is the same as Route Signing in *HPMS Field Manual* (Item 22).

[Code]{.underline} [Description]{.underline} [Code]{.underline}
[Description]{.underline}

0 Not signed 5 County

1 Interstate 6 Township

2 U.S. 7 Municipal

3 State 8 Parkway or Forest Route Marker

4 Off-Interstate Business Marker 9 None of the above

38\. **Posted Signed Route Number** (Columns 101‑108)

Code the route number of the principal route on which the station is
located. If the station is located on a city street, zero-fill this
field. This is the same as Signed Route Number in *HPMS Field Manual*
(Item 24).

39\. **Concurrent Route Signing** (Column 109)

Code same as Posted Route Signing for concurrent route if there is one.

40\. **Concurrent Signed Route Number** (Columns 110‑117)

Code same as Posted Signed Route Number for concurrent route if there is
one.

41\. **Station Location** (Columns 118‑167)

For stations located on a numbered route, enter the distance and
direction of the station from the nearest major intersecting route or
state border or landmark on state road maps. If the station is located
on a city street, enter the city and street name. Abbreviate if
necessary. Left justify.

Chapter 3\
TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA FORMATS

The Traffic Volume file contains one record for each day of traffic
monitoring. All numeric fields should be right-justified and
zero-filled. Table 2 summarizes the Hourly Traffic Volume record.

Fields designated as *Critical* are required for entry into the HVTIS
database.

1\. **Record Type** (Column 1) - *Critical*

3 = Traffic volume record

2\. **FIPS State Code** (Columns 2-3) - See chapter 2. - *Critical*

3\. **Functional Classification Code** (Columns 4-5) - See chapter 2. -
*Critical*

4\. **Station Identification** (Columns 6-11) - See chapter 2. -
*Critical*

This should be right-justified and zero-filled. - *Critical*

5\. **Direction of Travel Code** (Column 12) - See chapter 2. -
*Critical*

6\. **Lane of Travel** (Column 13) - See chapter 2. - *Critical*

The code for combined lanes (0) is preferred.

7\. **Year of Data** (Columns 14-15) - See chapter 2. - *Critical*

8\. **Month of Data** (Columns 16-17) - *Critical*

01 = January

02 = February

03 = March

04 = April

05 = May

06 = June

07 = July

08 = August

09 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

9\. **Day of Data** (Columns 18-19) - *Critical*

Code the day of the month of data, 01-31. Must correspond to the month
of data.

10\. **Day of Week** (Column 20) - *Optional*

> 1 = Sunday

2 = Monday

3 = Tuesday

4 = Wednesday

5 = Thursday

6 = Friday

7 = Saturday

11-34. **Traffic Volume Counted Fields** (Columns 21-25, \..., 136-140)

Enter the traffic volume counted during the hour covered. If the data
are missing, code a -1 or blanks.

[Field]{.underline} [Hour Covered]{.underline}

11 00:01 am to 01:00 am

12 01:01 am to 02:00 am

**. .**

**. .**

**. .**

34 11:01 pm to 12:00 midnight

35\. **Restrictions** (Column 141)

0 = no restrictions

1 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow

2 = traffic counting device problem (e.g., malfunction or overflow) -
*NEW*

**Table 2: Hourly Traffic Volume Record**

(OMB No. 2125-0587 Expiration 4/30/2004)

**Field Columns Length Description**

1 1 1 Record Type

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code

3 4-5 2 Functional Classification

4 6-11 6 Station Identification

5 12 1 Direction of Travel

6 13 1 Lane of Travel

7 14-15 2 Year of Data

8 16-17 2 Month of Data

9 18-19 2 Day of Data

10 20 1 Day of Week

11 21-25 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 00:01 - 01:00

12 26-30 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 01:01 - 02:00

13 31-35 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 02:01 - 03:00

14 36-40 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 03:01 - 04:00

15 41-45 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 04:01 - 05:00

16 46-50 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 05:01 - 06:00

17 51-55 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 06:01 - 07:00

18 56-60 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 07:01 - 08:00

19 61-65 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 08:01 - 09:00

20 66-70 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 09:01 - 10:00

21 71-75 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 10:01 - 11:00

22 76-80 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 11:01 - 12:00

23 81-85 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 12:01 - 13:00

24 86-90 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 13:01 - 14:00

25 91-95 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 14:01 - 15:00

26 96-100 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 15:01 - 16:00

27 101-105 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 16:01 - 17:00

28 106-110 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 17:01 - 18:00

29 111-115 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 18:01 - 19:00

30 116-120 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 19:01 - 20:00

31 121-125 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 20:01 - 21:00

32 126-130 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 21:01 - 22:00

33 131-135 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 22:01 - 23:00

34 136-140 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 23:01 - 24:00

35 141 1 Restrictions

**Chapter 4\
VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA FORMATS**

The Vehicle Classification file contains one record for each hour with
the traffic volume by vehicle class. The optional file naming convention
is \"ssyy.CLA\", where ss is state postal abbreviation and yy is the
last two digits of the year. Table 3 summarizes the Vehicle
Classification record.

Fields designated as *Critical* are required for entry into the HVTIS
database.

1\. **Record Type** (Column 1) ‑ *Critical*

C = Vehicle classification record

2\. **FIPS State Code** (Columns 2‑3) ‑ *Critical* ‑ See chapter 2.

3\. **Station Identification** (Columns 4‑9) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter
2.

4\. **Direction of Travel Code** (Column 10) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter
2.

5\. **Lane of Travel** (Column 11) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter 2.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up
the Station Code. *There should be one Station Description record per
Station Code*.

6\. **Year of Data** (Columns 12-13) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter 2.

7\. **Month of Data** (Columns 14‑15) - *Critical* ‑ See chapter 3.

8\. **Day of Data** (Columns 16-17) ‑ *Critical* ‑ See chapter 3.

9\. **Hour of Data** (Columns 18-19) - *Critical*

Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:

00 = 0:01 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

01 = 1:01 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

**.**

**.**

**.**

22 = 10:01 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

23 = 11:01 p.m. to Midnight

10\. **Total Hourly Volume** (Columns 20-24)

This numeric field is the total traffic volume for the hour. The total
volume is needed because some vehicles might not be classified, in which
case the sum of the class counts would not equal the total volume. If
the total volume is not collected, leave this field blank or put "-1\"
(for missing data).

*The following class count fields are numeric fields with the traffic
volume by vehicle class for each hour of data. Field number 16 in the
Station Description Record, \"Classification System for Vehicle
Classification,\" determines the number of classes expected from the
station. The default classification system is the FHWA 13 class system
(see Appendix 4-C).*

*These counts should be checked for reasonableness. For example, Class
13 should not be larger than 99. VTRIS allows users to set a limit for
each class count*

11\. **Class 1 Count** (Columns 25‑29) - Optional

Class 1 is for Motorcycles, which is an optional class. If motorcycles
are not counted, enter \"-1\" or blanks in the Class 1 field.

12\. **Class 2 Count** (Columns 30‑34) ‑ *Critical*

Class 2 is for Passenger Cars.

13\. **Class 3 Count** (Columns 35‑39) ‑ *Optional*

Class 3 is for Other Two-Axle, Four-Tire, Single-Unit Vehicles. However,
classes 2 and 3 may be combined, in which case the total for both
classes should be entered in the class 2 field and \"-1\" or blanks in
the Class 3 field.

14\. **Class 4 Count** (Columns 40‑44) ‑ *Critical*

Class 4 is for Buses.

15\. **Class 5 Count** (Columns 45‑49) ‑ *Critical*

Class 5 is for Two-Axle, Six-Tire, Single-Unit Trucks.

16\. **Class 6 Count** (Columns 50‑54) ‑ *Critical*

Class 6 is for Three-Axle, Single-Unit Trucks.

17\. **Class 7 Count** (Columns 55‑59) ‑ *Critical*

Class 7 is for Four-or-More Axle, Single-Unit Trucks.

18\. **Class 8 Count** (Columns 60‑64) ‑ *Critical*

Class 8 is for Four-or-Less Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.

19\. **Class 9 Count** (Columns 65‑69) ‑ *Critical*

Class 9 is for Five-Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.

20\. **Class 10 Count** (Columns 70‑74) ‑ *Critical*

Class 10 is for Six-or-More Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.

21\. **Class 11 Count** (Columns 75‑79) ‑ *Critical*

Class 11 is for Five-or-Less Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.

22\. **Class 12 Count** (Columns 80‑84) ‑ *Critical*

Class 12 is for Six-Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.

23\. **Class 13 Count** (Columns 85‑89) ‑ *Critical*

Class 13 is for Seven-or-More Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.

*The Vehicle Classification record may be ended here if exactly 13
classes are used. However, some automatic vehicle classification systems
have one or two more classes usually designating \"Unclassified\" or
\"Unclassifiable\" vehicles. If Class 14 and/or Class 15 are included
such that the total of all the classes equals the total volume, then the
Total Volume field may be left blank.*

24\. **Class 14 Count** (Columns 90-94) ‑ *Optional*

If a Class 14 is used, enter the count for the hour here.

25\. **Class 15 Count** (Columns 95‑99) ‑ *Optional*

If a Class 15 is used, enter the count for the hour here.

Table 3: Vehicle Classification Record

(OMB No. 2125-0587 Expiration 4/30/2004)

**Field Columns Length Description**

1 1 1 Record Type

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code

3 4-9 6 Station ID

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code

5 11 1 Lane of Travel

6 12-13 2 Year of Data

7 14-15 2 Month of Data

8 16-17 2 Day of Data

9 18-19 2 Hour of Data

10 20-24 5 Total Volume

11 25-29 5 Class 1 Count

12 30-34 5 Class 2 Count

13 35-39 5 Class 3 Count

14 40-44 5 Class 4 Count

15 45-49 5 Class 5 Count

16 50-54 5 Class 6 Count

17 55-59 5 Class 7 Count

18 60-64 5 Class 8 Count

19 65-69 5 Class 9 Count

20 70-74 5 Class 10 Count

21 75-79 5 Class 11 Count

22 80-84 5 Class 12 Count

23 85-89 5 Class 13 Count

End the record here if the FHWA 13 class system is being used.

24 90-94 5 Class 14 Count (optional)

25 95-99 5 Class 15 Count (optional)

Chapter 5\
TRUCK WEIGHT DATA FORMATS

The Truck Weight file contains one record for each truck with its axle
weights and spacings. The optional file naming convention is
\"ssyy.WGT\", where ss is the state postal abbreviation and yy is the
last two digits of the year. Table 4 summarizes the Truck Weight record.

Fields designated as *Critical* are required for entry into the HVTIS
database.

1\. **Record Type** (Column 1) ‑ *Critical*

W = Truck weight record

2\. **FIPS State Code** (Columns 2‑3) ‑ *Critical* ‑ See chapter 2.

3\. **Station Identification** (Columns 4‑9) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter
2.

4\. **Direction of Travel Code** (Column 10) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter
2.

5\. **Lane of Travel** (Column 11) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter 2.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up
the Station Code. *There should be one Station Description record per
Station Code*.

6\. **Year of Data** (Columns 12-13) ‑ *Critical* - See chapter 2.

7\. **Month of Data** (Columns 14‑15) - *Critical* ‑ See chapter 3.

8\. **Day of Data** (Columns 16-17) ‑ *Critical* ‑ See chapter 3.

9\. **Hour of Data** (Columns 18-19) - *Critical*

Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:

00 = 0:01 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

01 = 1:01 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

**.**

**.**

**.**

22 = 10:01 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

23 = 11:01 p.m. to Midnight

10\. **Vehicle Class** (Columns 20-21) - *Critical*

Enter the class of the vehicle from FHWA Vehicle Classes 1 to 13.
Classes 1 - 3 are ordinarily omitted.

*A dummy vehicle class of -1 indicates that weight data for this hour
are missing. A dummy vehicle class of 0 indicates that weight data for
this hour are not missing, and thus if there are no Truck Weight records
for the hour, then there were no trucks during that hour. Without these
indications, no Truck Weight records for an hour might be interpreted to
mean that the WIM system was not working.*

11\. **Open** (Columns 22-24) ‑ *Optional*

This field is for special studies or State use such as for vehicle speed
(kilometers per hour) or pavement temperature (degrees Celsius in the
range -99 to +99).

12\. **Total Weight of Vehicle** (Columns 25-28)

Enter the gross vehicle weight to the nearest tenth of a metric ton (100
kilograms) without a decimal point. This should equal the sum of all the
axle weights except for rounding.

13\. **Number of Axles** (Columns 29-30)

Enter the total number of axles in use by the vehicle (including any
trailers).

*The Number of Axles determines how many Axle Weight and Spacing fields
will be expected. Axle Weight and Spacing fields that are not needed may
be omitted.* *If a fixed-length record is desired, pad the record with
blanks to the desired length.*

*The rest of the record alternates between axle weights and axle
spacings, starting from the front of the vehicle. Axle weights are to
the nearest tenth of a metric ton (100 kilograms) without a decimal
point. Axle spacings are to the nearest tenth of a meter (100
millimeters) without a decimal point.*

*Reasonableness checks should be performed on the axle weights and
spacings. The default limits in VTRIS are 200 to 20,000 kilograms for
axle weights and 0.5 to 15 meters for axle spacings. The user may adjust
these values.*

14\. **A-axle Weight** (Columns 31-33)

15\. **A-B Axle Spacing** (Columns 34-36)

16\. **B-axle Weight** (Columns 37-39)

17\. **B‑C Axle Spacing** (Columns 40-42)

18\. **C-axle Weight** (Columns 43-45)

19\. **C-D Axle Spacing** (Columns 46-48)

20\. **D-axle Weight** (Columns 49-51)

21\. **D-E Axle Spacing** (Columns 52-54)

22\. **E-axle Weight** (Columns 55-57)

23\. **E-F Axle Spacing** (Columns 58-60)

24\. **F-axle Weight** (Columns 61-63)

25\. **F-G Axle Spacing** (Columns 64-66)

26\. **G-axle Weight** (Columns 67-69)

27\. **G-H Axle Spacing** (Columns 70-72)

28\. **H-axle Weight** (Columns 73-75)

29\. **H-I Axle Spacing** (Columns 76-78)

30\. **I-axle Spacing** (Columns 79-81)

31\. **I-J Axle Spacing** (Columns 82-84)

32\. **J-axle Weight** (Columns 85-87)

33\. **J-K Axle Spacing** (Columns 88-90)

34\. **K-axle Weight** (Columns 91-93)

35\. **K-L Axle Spacing** (Columns 94-96)

36\. **L-axle Weight** (Columns 97-99)

37\. **L-M Axle Spacing** (Columns 100-102)

38\. **M-axle Weight** (Columns 103-105)

Additional axle spacing and axle weight fields may be added in the same
manner if needed.

Table 4: Truck Weight Record

(OMB No. 2125-0587 Expiration 4/30/2004)

> **Field Columns Length Description**
>
> 1 1 1 Record Type
>
> 2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code
>
> 3 4-9 6 Station ID
>
> 4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code
>
> 5 11 1 Lane of Travel
>
> 6 12-13 2 Year of Data
>
> 7 14-15 2 Month of Data
>
> 8 16-17 2 Day of Data
>
> 9 18-19 2 Hour of Data
>
> 10 20-21 2 Vehicle Class
>
> 11 22-24 3 Open
>
> 12 25-28 4 Total Weight of Vehicle
>
> 13 29-30 2 Number of Axles
>
> 14 31-33 3 A-axle Weight
>
> 15 34-36 3 A-B Axle Spacing
>
> 16 37-39 3 B-axle Weight
>
> 17 40-42 3 B-C Axle Spacing
>
> 18 43-45 3 C-axle Weight
>
> 19 46-48 3 C-D Axle Spacing
>
> 20 49-51 3 D-axle Weight
>
> 21 52-54 3 D-E Axle Spacing
>
> 22 55-57 3 E-axle Weight
>
> 23 58-60 3 E-F Axle Spacing
>
> 24 61-63 3 F-axle Weight
>
> 25 64-66 3 F-G Axle Spacing
>
> 26 67-69 3 G-axle Weight
>
> 27 70-72 3 G-H Axle Spacing
>
> 28 73-75 3 H-axle Weight
>
> 29 76-78 3 H-I Axle Spacing
>
> 30 79-81 3 I-axle Weight
>
> 31 82-84 3 I-J Axle Spacing
>
> 32 85-87 3 J-axle Weight
>
> 33 88-90 3 J-K Axle Spacing
>
> 34 91-93 3 K-axle Weight
>
> 35 94-96 3 K-L Axle Spacing
>
> 36 97-99 3 L-axle Weight
>
> 37 100-102 3 L-M Axle Spacing
>
> 38 103-105 3 M-axle Weight

Note: The number of axles determines the number of axle weight and
spacing fields.

Appendix A\
FHWA Vehicle Types

The classification scheme is separated into categories depending on
whether the vehicle carries passengers or commodities. Non-passenger
vehicles are further subdivided by number of axles and number of units,
including both power and trailer units. Note that the addition of a
light trailer to a vehicle does not change the classification of the
vehicle.

Automatic vehicle classifiers need an algorithm to interpret axle
spacing information to correctly classify vehicles into these
categories. The algorithm most commonly used is based on the "Scheme F"
developed by Maine DOT in the mid-1980s. **The FHWA does not endorse
"Scheme F" or any other classification algorithm.** Axle spacing
characteristics for specific vehicle types are known to change from
State to State. As a result, no single algorithm is best for all cases.
It is up to each agency to develop, test, and refine an algorithm that
meets its own needs.

FHWA Vehicle Classes with Definitions

1\. ***Motorcycles*** (Optional) \-- All two or three-wheeled motorized
vehicles. Typical vehicles in this category have saddle type seats and
are steered by handlebars rather than steering wheels. This category
includes motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, motor-powered bicycles,
and three-wheel motorcycles. This vehicle type may be reported at the
option of the State.

2\. ***Passenger Cars*** \-- All sedans, coupes, and station wagons
manufactured primarily for the purpose of carrying passengers and
including those passenger cars pulling recreational or other light
trailers.

3\. ***Other Two-Axle, Four-Tire Single Unit Vehicles*** \-- All
two-axle, four-tire, vehicles, other than passenger cars. Included in
this classification are pickups, panels, vans, and other vehicles such
as campers, motor homes, ambulances, hearses, carryalls, and minibuses.
Other two-axle, four-tire single-unit vehicles pulling recreational or
other light trailers are included in this classification. *Because
automatic vehicle classifiers have difficulty distinguishing class 3
from class 2, these two classes may be combined into class 2.*

4\. ***Buses*** \-- All vehicles manufactured as traditional
passenger-carrying buses with two axles and six tires or three or more
axles. This category includes only traditional buses (including school
buses) functioning as passenger-carrying vehicles. Modified buses should
be considered to be a truck and should be appropriately classified.

**NOTE:** In reporting information on trucks the following criteria
should be used:

a\. Truck tractor units traveling without a trailer will be considered
single-unit trucks.

b\. A truck tractor unit pulling other such units in a \"saddle mount\"
configuration will be considered one single-unit truck and will be
defined only by the axles on the pulling unit.

c\. Vehicles are defined by the number of axles in contact with the
road. Therefore, \"floating\" axles are counted only when in the down
position.

d\. The term \"trailer\" includes both semi- and full trailers.

5\. ***Two-Axle, Six-Tire, Single-Unit Trucks*** \-- All vehicles on a
single frame including trucks, camping and recreational vehicles, motor
homes, etc., with two axles and dual rear wheels.

6\. ***Three-Axle Single-Unit Trucks*** \-- All vehicles on a single
frame including trucks, camping and recreational vehicles, motor homes,
etc., with three axles.

7\. ***Four or More Axle Single-Unit Trucks*** \-- All trucks on a
single frame with four or more axles.

8\. ***Four or Fewer Axle Single-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All vehicles with
four or fewer axles consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor
or straight truck power unit.

9\. ***Five-Axle Single-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All five-axle vehicles
consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor or straight truck
power unit.

10\. ***Six or More Axle Single-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All vehicles with
six or more axles consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor or
straight truck power unit.

11\. ***Five or fewer Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All vehicles with
five or fewer axles consisting of three or more units, one of which is a
tractor or straight truck power unit.

12\. ***Six-Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All six-axle vehicles
consisting of three or more units, one of which is a tractor or straight
truck power unit.

13\. ***Seven or More Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks*** \-- All vehicles with
seven or more axles consisting of three or more units, one of which is a
tractor or straight truck power unit.