Less detailed physical characteristics data are collected for pickups, vans, minivans, and sport utility vehicles because they are relatively homogenous in design and use. Data collection begins in January following the census year and continues for approximately 9 months. Reported data are for activity during the census calendar year. A stratified random sample of registered trucks is selected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Samples are selected by state and stratified mainly by body type.
Data collection is staggered as state records become available.
Owners report data only for the vehicles selected. The Geographic Area Series consists of 52 data releases available on a flow basis from 10 to 22 months after the census year, one for the United States, each state, and the District of Columbia. The United States release is also available in hard copy. A microdata CD-ROM, which is available about 26 months after the census year, contains unaggregated records for individual trucks by state. The records are masked to avoid possible disclosure of individual vehicles or owners.