Trailer Trivia
These are the most common equipment types our customers need.
Dry vans are the most common. Reefers and Flatbeds are sprinkled in the mix, occasionally, depending on the customer and team.
These are the 3 questions you verify for a textbook call-behind.
Is 'Dispatcher X' authorized to book loads for your company?
Do you have a driver named 'Driver X' with 'Truck Y' and 'Trailer Z'?
You are booking a load from 'City/State' to 'City/State', right?
These are the 5 things Carrier Compliance evaluates when considering to override a carrier.
Customer, Commodity, Value, Lane, and Carrier Profile.
How can I know if a carrier hauls a lane before I contact them?
Look at the Network (previously known as Lane Preferences) Map to see where they've been inspected and where they have trucks pinging.
Why is historical lane data important in DAT?
It helps identify seasonal rate fluctuations and carriers active during peak periods.
What is the difference between a flatbed and step deck trailer?
A flatbed is a straight trailer that is open, has no sides, and no roof. A step deck trailer is similar to a flatbed; however, it has two deck levels to be able to carry taller freight that would be too high for a flatbed.
What is the best field in Order Entry to note if a lumper is planned?
What is the Driver Unload field.
A customer is calling for an update on their load, and they are not your customer. How do you locate their point of contact?
Ask the caller for their point of contact. If they don't have it, ask for any reference numbers associated with the load, who is paying to move the freight (Bill-to), and try different search techniques to locate the order. Search for the lane on the ALL loadboard and look at the bill-to to ensure it's the right company. Search the prospect screen by the company name or address. If they are not in our system, did they intend to call EPES Logistics or EPES Transport?
How does filtering by Carrier Size (fleet size) help us strategically cover freight?
Small carriers can often provide better rates and flexibility.
Large carriers can handle volume and dedicated lanes.
How can DAT analytics help with negotiation?
By showing market averages and ranges, we can justify our offered rate in an effort to avoid overpaying.
What precautions can be taken to protect flatbed freight?
Checking the weather forecast before transit, using proper tarps and tie-downs, and applying edge protectors to protect against sharp edges, high tension, and friction from movement during transit.
What icon was added to the Order Entry screen to purchase additional coverage for HVLs?
What is the Cargo Insurance icon.
What search techniques can you use to find a load if you have a BOL, PO, Pickup or Delivery number?
Search Order Entry with the BOL, PO, Pickup or Delivery number in the Load Comment field or other designated field with an asterisk before and after the number. Or enter the BOL, PO, Pickup or Delivery number in the Reference Number icon in Order Entry.
What does Highway mean by “observed activity,” and why is it important?
Observed activity refers to real-world carrier movements tracked through load history, ELD data, and partnerships. It proves the carrier is active, has experience in that area, and is not a shell company.
What search method can uncover hidden capacity in DAT?
Use creative radius and city searches around midpoints or alternate cities along the route.
In what situations would a customer specifically request a flatbed over other trailer types?
The freight is oversized/irregularly shaped, top or side loading is required, or weather protection is not required (unless tarped).
A McLeod function where two carriers can be assigned to one load.
What is a Y-Split?
If a carrier doesn't have their load number or any other information about the load, how can you find the load they're assigned to?
Search the carrier screen with their DOT/MC number, access the History tab, postpone the cut-off date to the date they're picking up, and get data.
What 3 filters on a Highway search will best narrow the results for my load?
ELD Connected, Equipment Type, and Classifications. When used properly, you can eliminate carriers who do not qualify and focus on finding a carrier with a pinging truck near your pickup location.
How can you use DAT to prepare for seasonal freight surges?
Build seasonal carrier lists using historical lane activity data. You can find our company reports for specific lanes in Rateview now!
What are 5 different types of flatbed trailers?
Standard, step deck, double drop deck, Removable gooseneck, conestoga, lowboy, and extendable flatbed.
These are two main situations where we could need to use a Y-Split.
When changing carriers for border-crossing or redelivering OS&D loads.
For SpecOps, what is the main assessment rule overridden on Highway?
What carriers should be prioritized for outreach when using exported search results from Highway?
Who are carriers with Observed Lane Certainty.
Highway uses the carrier's ELD and their customer's TMS data, along with other pieces of data, to track where carriers have picked up and delivered loads.
What settings has DAT incorporated on the Search Trucks screen to exclude carriers you cannot work with?
Qualification settings > Exclude Unsatisfactory and Conditional Safety Ratings + a sliding scale for Age of Authority. In the 3 dots menu, you can hide Canadian Results.