Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Load Planning and Optimization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a 5-axle semi-truck on US interstate highways without a special permit?
- 72,000 lbs
- 80,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 85,000 lbs
- 90,000 lbs
Correct answer: 80,000 lbs
Federal law limits standard 5-axle semi-trucks to 80,000 lbs GVW on US interstates; exceeding this requires an overweight permit.
Question 2: When planning a load, what does it mean when a trailer has 'cubed out'?
- The load exceeds the trailer's weight limit
- The trailer's cubic volume is full before the weight limit is reached (Correct answer)
- The freight must be arranged in cube-shaped units
- The trailer dimensions have been measured for permit purposes
Correct answer: The trailer's cubic volume is full before the weight limit is reached
Cubing out means the trailer runs out of usable space (volume) before reaching its legal weight limit, so volume rather than weight is the binding constraint.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of load sequencing in a multi-stop delivery route?
- To maximize driver pay per mile
- To ensure freight is loaded in reverse order of delivery stops (Correct answer)
- To minimize total fuel consumption
- To comply with HOS regulations at each stop
Correct answer: To ensure freight is loaded in reverse order of delivery stops
Load sequencing places freight in reverse delivery order so the first stop's freight is loaded last and is at the rear door, making it immediately accessible upon arrival.
Question 4: Which factor is MOST critical when determining whether a load requires a flatbed rather than a dry van trailer?
- The freight's destination city
- The declared value of the freight
- The freight's dimensions and loading requirements (Correct answer)
- The driver's equipment preference
Correct answer: The freight's dimensions and loading requirements
Whether freight fits inside an enclosed trailer and can be dock-loaded determines flatbed necessity; oversized, crane-loaded, or irregularly shaped freight typically requires a flatbed.
Question 5: What is a 'drop and hook' load in truck dispatching?
- A load where the driver assists with unloading freight at the receiver
- A load where the driver drops a trailer and picks up a pre-loaded trailer without waiting (Correct answer)
- A load requiring a drop-frame lowboy trailer with a hook attachment
- A load picked up directly from a rail terminal
Correct answer: A load where the driver drops a trailer and picks up a pre-loaded trailer without waiting
In a drop and hook arrangement, the driver leaves their current trailer and immediately hooks to a pre-loaded trailer, eliminating detention time at the facility.
Question 6: When optimizing a backhaul, what is the dispatcher's primary goal?
- Maximize the driver's rest time before the return trip
- Secure revenue-generating freight for the return trip to avoid deadhead miles (Correct answer)
- Ensure the return trip is completed faster than the outbound run
- Book the highest-paying load regardless of direction
Correct answer: Secure revenue-generating freight for the return trip to avoid deadhead miles
Backhaul optimization seeks freight moving in the return direction to eliminate costly empty (deadhead) miles and generate revenue on both legs of the trip.
Question 7: What is the maximum legal combined height for a truck and cargo in most US states without a special oversize permit?
- 12 feet 6 inches
- 13 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 14 feet 0 inches
- 15 feet 0 inches
Correct answer: 13 feet 6 inches
Most US states set the maximum legal height at 13 feet 6 inches (162 inches) for the combined height of vehicle and cargo; exceeding this requires an oversize permit.
Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Load Planning and Optimization 1
What is the standard maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a 5-axle semi-truck on US interstate highways without a special permit?