Benefits and Challenges of Deploying CVISN Technologies: National Evaluation and Related Studies

This paper describes CVISN, Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks, a collection of state and federally owned intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and communication networks that support commercial vehicle operations. CVISN technologies are used in three main areas: electronic screening (ES) or weigh station preclearance; electronic credentials administration (EC); and safety information exchange (SIE), which is the efficient sharing of current and historical information on carriers, vehicles, and drivers between roadside enforcement personnel and central offices. The CVISN framework enables government agencies, the motor carrier industry, and other parties engaged in commercial vehicle operations safety assurance and regulation to exchange information and conduct business transactions electronically. The program’s goal is to improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicle operations. The authors of this paper focus on a national evaluation and two related studies of the costs and benefits of CVISN deployment, including a study of economic and safety benefits and the National Motor Carrier Survey which interviewed 848 commercial motor carriers. Based on this data collected across numerous states, the authors conclude that CVISN affords substantial economic benefits to motor carriers and cost savings to states, and promises significant safety gains for the traveling public. While institutional and technical barriers to deployment remain, CVISN offers improvements in the efficiency of selecting the highest-risk trucks for safety inspection.