Truck Dispatcher Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Truck Dispatcher facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A driver reports a suspected cargo theft during a 30-minute break at a truck stop. What is the first and most crucial instruction for the driver? → Do not touch anything, secure the vehicle, and call the local police to file a report.
2. What is the primary purpose of load sequencing in a multi-stop delivery route? → To ensure freight is loaded in reverse order of delivery stops
3. Which document must be included in a driver’s qualification file to comply with FMCSA regulations? → Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
4. What is the purpose of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate? → To monitor and enforce HOS compliance.
5. Which type of commodity typically requires a refrigerated (reefer) trailer for transport? → Fresh produce
6. Which of the following is the best practice for communicating updates to drivers? → Use a messaging platform integrated with your dispatch software.
7. A truck is traveling from New York City to Miami on the I-95 corridor. Which of the following should you consider? → All of the above.
8. When a commercial truck is entering the United States from Canada, what is the primary purpose of a PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) number? → To provide customs brokers and CBP with advance cargo information for clearance.
9. What is the primary function of a Bill of Lading (BOL)? → To act as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier.
10. What does 'payload capacity' refer to for a standard 53-foot dry van trailer? → The maximum legal weight of cargo the trailer is rated to carry
11. What is the standard length of a full-size dry van trailer in the United States? → 53 feet
12. An accessorial charge for a driver being delayed at a facility beyond the agreed-upon free time is called: → Detention
13. A driver has been driving for 10 hours but has taken no breaks. According to FMCSA regulations, what should you do? → Instruct the driver to stop driving immediately and take the required 10-hour break.
14. What is the standard time limit for a claimant to file a cargo claim in writing against a carrier for a damaged shipment? → 9 months from delivery
15. A driver reports their load exceeds the legal weight limit. What should the dispatcher do? → Contact the shipper to arrange for reloading or redistributing the cargo.
16. What is the standard maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a 5-axle semi-truck on US interstate highways without a special permit? → 80,000 lbs
17. Which state requires trucks to carry snow chains during certain months, especially in mountainous regions? → Colorado
18. What does the term 'axle weight' refer to in trucking regulations? → The total weight placed on a single or tandem axle group.
19. A truck has delivered its load and is now empty in a high-demand area. What is the most effective strategy to find a return load? → Post the truck’s availability on multiple load boards.
20. You have a load that requires a refrigerated truck. Which of the following should you verify before assigning the load? → All of the above.
21. What is the maximum legal gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a tractor-trailer on most US interstate highways without a special permit? → 80,000 lbs
22. What is the key feature that distinguishes a Conestoga trailer from a standard flatbed? → It has a built-in rolling tarp system.
23. If a snowstorm is predicted in the Rockies, which of the following actions should you take as a dispatcher? → A and C.
24. A driver uses Personal Conveyance (PC) to travel from their last delivery location to a hotel 15 miles away. Which statement is true regarding this move? → This is a valid use of PC, and the time does not count against the 14-hour clock.
25. A 'Reefer' trailer is specifically designed to haul what type of freight? → Temperature-sensitive goods.
26. What is the most significant factor influencing spot market freight rates? → Supply and demand (truck-to-load ratio).
27. What is a primary benefit for a trucking company being a certified member of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program? → A reduced likelihood of customs inspections and access to expedited processing lanes.
28. A driver plans to use the split-sleeper berth provision to pause their 14-hour clock. Which of the following combinations is a valid split? → 8 hours in the sleeper berth and 2 hours off-duty.
29. What defines an 'over-dimensional' (OD) load in US trucking? → A load that exceeds standard legal limits for width, height, or length
30. A 'Lumper Fee' is a charge for what service? → Third-party workers loading or unloading the trailer.