Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Equipment Specifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum legal height for a loaded commercial truck on most US highways?
- 12 feet 6 inches
- 13 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 14 feet
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 13 feet 6 inches
The standard maximum height for commercial vehicles on US highways is 13 feet 6 inches (162 inches).
Question 2: A refrigerated trailer (reefer) maintains cargo temperature primarily using:
- Dry ice packed around the load
- A diesel-powered refrigeration unit mounted on the front wall (Correct answer)
- Liquid nitrogen injected into the cargo space
- Insulated walls alone without active cooling
Correct answer: A diesel-powered refrigeration unit mounted on the front wall
Reefer trailers use a self-contained diesel-powered refrigeration unit (often called a 'reefer unit' or 'Thermo King') mounted on the front nose.
Question 3: What is the purpose of 'landing gear' on a semi-trailer?
- Hydraulic brakes for emergency stops
- Retractable legs that support the trailer when uncoupled from the tractor (Correct answer)
- Air suspension adjusters
- Wheel chocks built into the frame
Correct answer: Retractable legs that support the trailer when uncoupled from the tractor
Landing gear consists of retractable support legs that hold up the front of the trailer when it is not connected to a tractor.
Question 4: Which trailer is specifically designed to transport vehicles such as cars and SUVs?
- Curtainside trailer
- Auto transport (car hauler) trailer (Correct answer)
- Conestoga trailer
- Stretch RGN trailer
Correct answer: Auto transport (car hauler) trailer
Auto transport trailers have multi-level ramps and tie-down systems specifically engineered for vehicle transport.
Question 5: What does 'payload capacity' mean in trucking?
- The total weight of the empty truck
- The maximum weight of cargo the truck can legally carry (Correct answer)
- The fuel capacity of the truck in gallons
- The horsepower rating of the engine
Correct answer: The maximum weight of cargo the truck can legally carry
Payload capacity is the maximum allowable cargo weight, calculated as GVW minus the tare (empty) weight of the vehicle.
Question 6: A 'lowboy' trailer is used primarily for:
- Temperature-sensitive food products
- Oversized or heavy equipment that exceeds standard height limits (Correct answer)
- Liquid bulk commodities
- Intermodal shipping containers
Correct answer: Oversized or heavy equipment that exceeds standard height limits
Lowboy trailers have a very low deck height, allowing tall or heavy machinery to be transported while keeping the overall height legal.
Question 7: When a dispatcher assigns a load with a 'team driver' requirement, what does that typically mean?
- Two drivers alternate driving to minimize downtime and cover more miles (Correct answer)
- The driver must have a team-driving endorsement on their CDL
- Two trucks convoy together for safety
- A co-pilot assists with navigation only
Correct answer: Two drivers alternate driving to minimize downtime and cover more miles
Team driving uses two drivers who alternate so the truck can run nearly 24 hours a day while each driver stays within HOS limits.
Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Equipment Specifications 3
What is the maximum legal height for a loaded commercial truck on most US highways?