TruckDisp Load Planning and Optimization Flashcards

A shipper offers a 48,000 lb load but your driver's truck has a tare weight of 34,000 lbs. The legal gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 lbs. Can the driver legally haul this load?

Answer: No, because 48,000 + 34,000 = 82,000 which exceeds the 80,000 lb limit

The gross vehicle weight (tare + cargo) of 82,000 lbs exceeds the federal 80,000 lb limit, so the load is illegal without a permit.

When planning a load with multiple stops, what is the primary advantage of loading freight in reverse delivery order?

Answer: It allows freight for the last stop to be unloaded without moving other cargo

Loading in reverse delivery order means each stop's freight is at the front of the trailer, allowing unloading without having to move other shipments.

A dispatcher is planning a flatbed load of steel coils. What is the most critical weight distribution concern?

Answer: Distributing weight to avoid exceeding individual axle weight limits

Even if total weight is legal, improper axle weight distribution can cause individual axles to exceed their legal limits, resulting in fines.

Which load factor calculation best describes trailer utilization efficiency?

Answer: (Actual weight hauled / trailer capacity) × 100

Load factor is the percentage of a trailer's capacity that is actually being used, calculated as actual weight or volume divided by maximum capacity.

A driver has 6 hours of drive time remaining under HOS rules. The next delivery is 350 miles away. At an average speed of 55 mph, can the driver make the delivery without a break?

Answer: No, because 350 miles at 55 mph takes about 6.4 hours, exceeding available drive time

350 miles ÷ 55 mph ≈ 6.36 hours, which exceeds the driver's 6 remaining hours of drive time, requiring a rest break before completing the trip.

When consolidating LTL freight into a full truckload, which factor is LEAST important when selecting shipments to combine?

Answer: The color of the packaging on each shipment

Packaging color has no bearing on load planning; compatibility, delivery windows, and routing efficiency are all operationally critical factors.

A dispatcher receives two load options: Load A pays $2.80/mile for 800 miles, and Load B pays $3.10/mile for 400 miles but requires 150 empty miles to reach the shipper. Which load generates more gross revenue?

Answer: Load A, with $2,240 gross revenue

Load A generates 800 × $2.80 = $2,240; Load B generates 400 × $3.10 = $1,240, so Load A produces $1,000 more in gross revenue.