Glossary
Fleet management terms without the jargon.
This is FleetTrestle's canonical glossary. Definitions explain common operating concepts and do not replace manufacturer instructions, legal advice, or jurisdiction-specific requirements.
DVIRDriver Vehicle Inspection Report: a documented vehicle inspection used to surface defects or conditions that may need attention.
Preventive maintenancePlanned service performed before failure, commonly based on mileage, engine hours, time, or manufacturer guidance.
Service intervalThe mileage, time, or usage point at which a maintenance task should be performed.
Cost per mileRecorded costs for a defined period divided by recorded miles for that same period. The usefulness of the result depends on which costs are included.
Total cost of ownershipThe broader cost of keeping a vehicle over time, which can include acquisition or financing, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, fees, downtime, and disposal.
DowntimeTime a vehicle is unavailable for productive work because of maintenance, repair, damage, inspection, or another operational issue.
Fleet utilizationHow much available fleet capacity is being used. The exact measure should be defined for the business and vehicle type being analyzed.
DefectA reported vehicle condition that may require review, repair, monitoring, or removal from service depending on severity and applicable requirements.
Lifecycle decisionA keep, repair, replace, sell, or retire decision made using vehicle condition, cost, usage, maintenance needs, and business role.
Fleet healthA practical summary of vehicle readiness, upcoming work, unresolved issues, and availability. It is an operational view, not a safety or compliance certification.