CTE Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Flashcards

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating commercial motor vehicle safety in the United States?

Answer: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The FMCSA establishes and enforces safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles and their drivers in the US.

What does the term 'just-in-time' (JIT) inventory mean in logistics?

Answer: Receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process

JIT is a supply chain strategy that aligns raw-material orders with production schedules to reduce inventory costs.

A bill of lading is best described as which type of document?

Answer: A contract between shipper and carrier detailing goods being transported

A bill of lading serves as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title in freight shipping.

What is the purpose of a Transportation Management System (TMS)?

Answer: To plan, execute, and optimize the movement of goods

A TMS is software that helps businesses plan shipments, select carriers, and monitor freight in transit to improve efficiency.

Which mode of transportation typically offers the lowest cost per ton-mile for bulk commodities over long distances in the US?

Answer: Rail

Rail transport has a low cost per ton-mile because trains can carry very large volumes of freight efficiently over long distances.

What does 'intermodal transportation' refer to?

Answer: Using two or more modes of transport in a single shipment

Intermodal transportation combines rail, truck, ship, or air in one shipment, often using standardized containers to move seamlessly between modes.