Truck Dispatcher Carrier Vetting and Onboarding

Question 1

Which federal database should a dispatcher check first to verify a carrier's operating authority and safety rating before booking a load?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA SAFER System

Answer

DAT Load Board carrier profile

Answer

TruckStop.com carrier portal

Answer

DOT Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Question 2

What minimum liability insurance coverage does FMCSA require for a carrier hauling general (non-hazmat) freight in interstate commerce?

Accepted Answer

$750,000 combined single limit

Answer

$100,000 combined single limit

Answer

$500,000 combined single limit

Answer

$1,000,000 combined single limit

Question 3

A carrier's CSA score exceeds the FMCSA intervention threshold for the Unsafe Driving BASIC. What is the dispatcher's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Avoid booking loads with that carrier, as shipper safety departments may reject them and liability exposure increases

Answer

Proceed normally — CSA scores are only visible to FMCSA investigators

Answer

Require the carrier to submit a corrective action plan before this load only

Answer

Report the carrier to local law enforcement before using them

Question 4

Which document in a carrier onboarding packet legally authorizes the dispatcher to negotiate and book loads on the carrier's behalf?

Accepted Answer

Carrier-Dispatcher Service Agreement (dispatch agreement)

Answer

Bill of Lading

Answer

Spot Rate Confirmation

Answer

Certificate of Insurance

Question 5

When requesting a carrier's insurance documentation, which document should the dispatcher receive that formally names them as the certificate holder?

Accepted Answer

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Answer

Notice of Claim (NOC)

Answer

Proof of Authority Letter

Answer

Carrier Safety Rating Letter

Question 6

A carrier's operating authority status appears as 'Revoked' on the FMCSA SAFER portal. What should a dispatcher do?

Accepted Answer

Do not book any loads with that carrier; their right to operate in interstate commerce has been terminated

Answer

Proceed — the carrier can still haul loads under a 30-day grace period

Answer

Only use the carrier for intrastate loads until they renew their MC number

Answer

The revocation only applies to hazmat shipments