Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations only declare readOnlyHint=true, so the description usefully adds real behavioral context: a 7-day data lag, PII scrubbing ('Phone and street removed'), a 100-record cap, and zero cost. It stops short of describing pagination or return format.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Five terse fragments, purpose first, then constraints. Every clause carries distinct information (delay, filter, scrubbing, cap, cost) with no padding.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a two-parameter, read-only, no-output-schema tool, the description covers the key agent-relevant traits: lag, PII removal, record limit, and free access. Only the meaning of the 'days' window and the record shape remain unspecified.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so both parameters are already documented. The description only restates the optional state filter and says nothing about the 'days' window, adding no meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb+resource: FMCSA operating authorities granted, with the sample/delay qualifier front-loaded. It distinguishes itself implicitly from new_trucking_authorities_fresh via 'delayed 7 days' and the 'Up to 100 records' cap, but never names the sibling or the distinction explicitly.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage is only implied: 'Free' and 'delayed 7 days' hint that this is the cost-free, lagging alternative to new_trucking_authorities_fresh, but the description never states when to pick one over the other. No exclusions or prerequisites are given.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.