Truck Dispatcher Regulations and Compliance 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A flatbed truck is carrying steel coils. Which regulation governs how the cargo must be restrained?
- 49 CFR Part 382
- 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I (Cargo Securement) (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 396
- 49 CFR Part 387
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I (Cargo Securement)
49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I sets federal cargo securement standards, including specific rules for securing metal coils on flatbed trailers.
Question 2: What is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) on the US Interstate Highway System without a special permit?
- 72,000 lbs
- 80,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 88,000 lbs
- 100,000 lbs
Correct answer: 80,000 lbs
The Federal Bridge Formula limits GVW on Interstate highways to 80,000 pounds without an overweight permit.
Question 3: Under FMCSA rules, when is a carrier required to conduct a random drug test on a driver?
- Only after a serious accident involving injuries
- At a minimum annual rate set by FMCSA (currently 50% of drivers for drugs) (Correct answer)
- Only at the driver's request before a long haul
- Every time a driver crosses a state line
Correct answer: At a minimum annual rate set by FMCSA (currently 50% of drivers for drugs)
FMCSA requires random drug testing of at least 50% of a carrier's average driver count annually; random alcohol testing is set at 10%.
Question 4: Which placard is required on all four sides of a vehicle transporting 1,001 lbs or more of a Division 2.1 flammable gas?
- POISON GAS placard
- FLAMMABLE GAS placard (Correct answer)
- COMBUSTIBLE placard
- DANGEROUS placard
Correct answer: FLAMMABLE GAS placard
A FLAMMABLE GAS placard is required when transporting 1,001 lbs or more of a Division 2.1 material such as propane or butane.
Question 5: A dispatcher schedules a driver who has already been on duty for 12 hours. Under HOS rules, how much driving time remains before the driver hits the 14-hour on-duty limit?
- 0 hours — the driver must stop immediately
- 2 hours of on-duty time remain, but driving is capped at 11 hours total
- 2 hours, assuming the driver has not yet hit the 11-hour driving limit (Correct answer)
- 4 hours because the 14-hour clock resets after a 30-minute break
Correct answer: 2 hours, assuming the driver has not yet hit the 11-hour driving limit
The 14-hour on-duty limit counts all on-duty time; with 12 hours used, 2 hours remain, provided the driver also has not exhausted the 11-hour driving limit.
Question 6: What does a carrier's 'operating authority' (MC number) issued by FMCSA authorize?
- The right to operate CMVs only within a single state
- Permission to transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce (Correct answer)
- Authorization to perform roadside vehicle inspections
- The ability to bypass DOT weigh stations
Correct answer: Permission to transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce
An MC number grants a carrier the authority to transport regulated commodities or passengers for hire in interstate commerce.
Question 7: Which of the following is a dispatcher's responsibility under the FMCSA co-conspirator regulations?
- Reviewing drivers' medical certificates before every dispatch
- Avoiding scheduling loads that would force drivers to violate HOS rules (Correct answer)
- Performing physical inspections of vehicles before dispatch
- Filing all ELD data on behalf of the driver
Correct answer: Avoiding scheduling loads that would force drivers to violate HOS rules
FMCSA co-conspirator provisions hold dispatchers and carriers liable for knowingly scheduling loads that require drivers to violate Hours of Service regulations.
Truck Dispatcher Regulations and Compliance 4
A flatbed truck is carrying steel coils.
Which regulation governs how the cargo must be restrained?