CTB Freight Brokerage Operations & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document serves as the primary contract between the shipper and the carrier for a freight shipment?
- Bill of lading (Correct answer)
- Freight invoice
- Proof of delivery
- Load confirmation sheet
Correct answer: Bill of lading
The bill of lading is the primary legally binding contract between shipper and carrier, serving as a receipt of goods and title document.
Question 2: A broker's load confirmation sheet should include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Carrier's MC number
- Shipper's annual revenue (Correct answer)
- Agreed freight rate
- Pickup and delivery addresses
Correct answer: Shipper's annual revenue
The shipper's annual revenue is not required on a load confirmation; the sheet must include carrier ID, rate, and location details.
Question 3: When a carrier delivers freight short (missing some items), the consignee should:
- Refuse the entire shipment
- Note the shortage on the delivery receipt before signing (Correct answer)
- Contact FMCSA immediately
- File a claim with the broker only
Correct answer: Note the shortage on the delivery receipt before signing
Noting the shortage on the delivery receipt before signing is critical to establishing a documented basis for a freight claim.
Question 4: What is the standard timeframe under the Carmack Amendment for a shipper to file a written freight claim with a carrier?
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 9 months (Correct answer)
- 2 years
Correct answer: 9 months
The Carmack Amendment allows shippers 9 months from delivery (or reasonable delivery date) to file a written claim for loss or damage.
Question 5: A 'clean' bill of lading indicates that:
- The freight rate has been prepaid
- Goods were received in apparent good order and condition (Correct answer)
- The carrier has full liability for the cargo
- The shipment is exempt from inspection
Correct answer: Goods were received in apparent good order and condition
A clean bill of lading confirms that the carrier received the goods without any noted damage or exceptions at the time of pickup.
Question 6: Which party is responsible for ensuring the bill of lading accurately reflects the freight being shipped?
- The freight broker
- The carrier's driver
- The shipper (Correct answer)
- FMCSA
Correct answer: The shipper
The shipper is legally responsible for preparing and ensuring the accuracy of the bill of lading's description of the freight.
Question 7: A freight broker's carrier packet typically collects all of the following EXCEPT:
- W-9 tax form
- Certificate of insurance
- Driver's personal credit score (Correct answer)
- Operating authority (MC number)
Correct answer: Driver's personal credit score
A driver's personal credit score is not part of carrier vetting; brokers collect authority, insurance, and tax documentation.
CTB Freight Brokerage Operations & Documentation 2
Which document serves as the primary contract between the shipper and the carrier for a freight shipment?