Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Freight Documentation & Accessorials 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A shipper requests a 'straight bill of lading' instead of a negotiable one. What is the key difference?
- A straight BOL is non-negotiable and names a specific consignee (Correct answer)
- A straight BOL allows transfer of ownership during transit
- A straight BOL requires a bank endorsement for delivery
- A straight BOL is only used for hazardous materials
Correct answer: A straight BOL is non-negotiable and names a specific consignee
A straight bill of lading is non-negotiable, meaning the carrier must deliver only to the named consignee and ownership cannot be transferred by endorsing the document.
Question 2: Which accessorial charge applies when a driver must wait beyond the free time allowed at a pickup or delivery location?
- Lumper fee
- Detention charge (Correct answer)
- Layover fee
- Fuel surcharge
Correct answer: Detention charge
Detention charges are assessed when a driver is held at a shipper or receiver beyond the contracted free time, typically 2 hours.
Question 3: On a freight invoice, what does the abbreviation 'COD' mean?
- Carrier Overhead Deduction
- Cash On Delivery (Correct answer)
- Certificate Of Damage
- Consignee Origin Document
Correct answer: Cash On Delivery
COD (Cash On Delivery) means the carrier collects payment from the consignee at the time of delivery before releasing the freight.
Question 4: A dispatcher needs to document freight with multiple pieces that have different weights and dimensions. Which section of the bill of lading captures this information?
- Special instructions box
- Shipper certification block
- Description of articles section (Correct answer)
- Carrier signature line
Correct answer: Description of articles section
The description of articles section lists each commodity with its quantity, weight, dimensions, and freight class for proper rating and identification.
Question 5: What is an 'NMFC number' and why is it important on a freight document?
- A National Motor Freight Classification number used to determine freight class and rates (Correct answer)
- A carrier-issued tracking number for domestic shipments
- A customs code required for cross-border freight
- A hazmat identification number mandated by the DOT
Correct answer: A National Motor Freight Classification number used to determine freight class and rates
The NMFC number identifies a commodity's freight class under the National Motor Freight Classification, directly affecting the rate charged.
Question 6: A carrier delivers freight and the consignee notes visible damage on the delivery receipt. What type of notation is this called?
- Clean receipt
- Exception notation (Correct answer)
- Freight claim
- Concealed damage report
Correct answer: Exception notation
An exception notation is written on the delivery receipt to document visible damage or shortage at the time of delivery, preserving the consignee's right to file a claim.
Question 7: Which document serves as the carrier's receipt for freight AND the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier?
- Delivery receipt
- Freight invoice
- Bill of lading (Correct answer)
- Proof of delivery
Correct answer: Bill of lading
The bill of lading serves dual purposes: it is the carrier's receipt for the goods and the legal contract outlining terms of carriage between the shipper and carrier.
Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Freight Documentation & Accessorials 2
A shipper requests a 'straight bill of lading' instead of a negotiable one.
What is the key difference?