Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Freight Documentation & Accessorials 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dispatcher discovers a shipment's BOL lists the wrong freight class, causing an undercharge. What process corrects this?
- The carrier issues a rate confirmation
- The carrier issues a freight bill correction or invoice adjustment (Correct answer)
- The shipper files a freight claim
- The dispatcher voids the POD and reissues it
Correct answer: The carrier issues a freight bill correction or invoice adjustment
When a billing error is discovered, the carrier issues a freight bill correction (also called a re-bill or invoice adjustment) to charge the correct amount based on the actual freight class.
Question 2: What does 'freight collect' mean on a shipment?
- The shipper collects the freight at the terminal
- The consignee (receiver) is responsible for paying the freight charges (Correct answer)
- A third-party broker pays all transportation costs
- The freight is picked up by the receiver's own truck
Correct answer: The consignee (receiver) is responsible for paying the freight charges
Freight collect means the consignee is billed for and must pay the transportation charges, typically upon delivery or net terms.
Question 3: Which accessorial charge would apply when a truck must use a liftgate because the delivery location has no dock or forklift?
- Residential delivery fee
- Liftgate service charge (Correct answer)
- Drop and hook fee
- Sortation surcharge
Correct answer: Liftgate service charge
A liftgate service charge covers the cost of using the truck's hydraulic liftgate to raise or lower freight when no loading dock is available at the delivery site.
Question 4: A proof of delivery (POD) is signed without any exceptions noted. What does this 'clean POD' indicate legally?
- The carrier acknowledges the freight was damaged during transit
- The consignee received the freight in apparent good condition as described (Correct answer)
- The shipper certifies the goods were properly packaged
- The carrier waives its right to additional freight charges
Correct answer: The consignee received the freight in apparent good condition as described
A clean POD (no exceptions) indicates the consignee received the freight in apparent good order, making it harder to later claim transit damage.
Question 5: What is a 'tarp charge' and when does it apply?
- A fee for storing freight overnight in a temperature-controlled trailer
- An accessorial charge for covering flatbed freight with protective tarps (Correct answer)
- A toll charge for trucks crossing certain bridges or tunnels
- A cleaning fee assessed when freight contaminates the trailer
Correct answer: An accessorial charge for covering flatbed freight with protective tarps
A tarp charge is an accessorial fee for flatbed shipments requiring freight to be covered with tarps for weather protection, compensating the driver for the additional labor and equipment.
Question 6: A shipper sends a load using a 'third-party billing' arrangement. Who pays the freight charges?
- The consignee at time of delivery
- A party other than the shipper or consignee, such as a broker or parent company (Correct answer)
- The carrier absorbs the cost as a promotional rate
- The government subsidizes the freight cost
Correct answer: A party other than the shipper or consignee, such as a broker or parent company
Third-party billing directs freight charges to an entity other than the shipper or consignee, such as a freight broker, corporate headquarters, or logistics company.
Question 7: What federal timeframe is typically allowed for filing a freight claim for loss or damage under the Carmack Amendment?
- 30 days from delivery
- 9 months from delivery date (Correct answer)
- 2 years from the date of shipment
- 60 days from the freight invoice date
Correct answer: 9 months from delivery date
Under the Carmack Amendment, shippers generally have 9 months from the delivery date (or reasonable delivery date for non-delivery) to file a written freight claim.
Truck Dispatcher TruckDisp Freight Documentation & Accessorials 4
A dispatcher discovers a shipment's BOL lists the wrong freight class, causing an undercharge.
What process corrects this?