What you’ll learn
- Create a complete FTL operating brief.
- Choose equipment for weight, dimensions and handling.
- Keep booking and capacity confirmation distinct.
Useful terms
- Assignment
- A resource linked to planned work, subject to readiness.
- Payload
- The load carried within the relevant legal and equipment limits.
Step-by-step operating routine
Record parties and movement terms
Identify sender, receiver, payer, pickup and delivery sites. Confirm windows, receiving contacts, accepted quote and required evidence. Mark unknown information for follow-up before it affects a commitment.
Record or confirm- Sender
- Receiver
- Payer
- Sites
- Windows
- Quote
Describe the actual load
Record goods, package count, weight, dimensions, packing and restrictions. Check loading and unloading methods. A vehicle’s advertised tonnage alone is insufficient when goods are oversized or fragile.
Record or confirm- Goods
- Weight / unit
- Dimensions
- Packing
- Handling
Select suitable capacity
Review vehicle and trailer fit, lawful operating limits, route constraints and carrier availability. Consider loading space and equipment, not only weight. Do not plan overload as a solution to a low quote.
Record or confirm- Vehicle class
- Trailer
- Capacity evidence
- Route fit
Confirm resource readiness
Check documents, defects, driver suitability and overlapping assignments. Keep a held resource unassigned until authorised review. Confirm the hired carrier’s actual truck rather than treating a broker promise as completed verification.
Record or confirm- Readiness result
- Driver
- Carrier confirmation
- Hold owner
Release a clear operating brief
Give dispatch and the driver the job reference, site instructions, goods and document requirements. Share only necessary information. Keep changes versioned so the team knows which instruction is current.
Record or confirm- Booking reference
- Driver brief
- Document pack
- Revision
A low-weight load that will not fit
An illustrative booking weighs only 5 tonnes but contains tall crates needing specified clearance and unloading equipment. Dispatch checks body dimensions and receiver handling before accepting a vehicle. Weight capacity alone would have produced an unusable truck and a failed pickup.
- Record dimensions with units.
- Confirm unloading equipment.
- Retain accepted commercial terms.
Exceptions and mistakes to avoid
- Unknown dimensions are not zero dimensions.
- A booked vehicle can still be unavailable or unready.
- Do not send pricing or unrelated customer records to the driver when only job instructions are needed.
FTL booking brief
Complete before assignment and record the owner of any unresolved input.
| Job | Goods / dimensions | Sites and windows | Capacity requirement | Readiness result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTL 001 | Tall crates; dimensions to verify | Pickup / receiver contacts confirmed | Suitable body and unloading method | Hold pending dimensions |
Includes the illustrative row and blank rows. This is a planning worksheet, not a HiVAM import format. Keep your completed copy private; do not add credentials.
Check your understanding
Try answering first, then open the explanation. Use the worksheet and source records to practise the task.
Does low weight guarantee the goods fit?
No. Dimensions, packing, compatibility and handling equipment also matter.
Is booking acceptance the same as dispatch?
No. Capacity, readiness and departure still require their own evidence and controls.
Put it to work with HiVAM
Use these connections to explore the relevant product workflows. Confirm access in your deployed release; API capabilities require an integration or an available interface.
Goods, packing and handling instructions
Preserve the actual load and handling instructions.
Vehicle readiness, trailers and driver availability
Inspect the published readiness API and confirm how your deployment applies it.
Keep your learning moving.
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Try the workflow with your team.
Bring a representative job and an exception to a HiVAM demonstration. Review saved records, permissions and handoffs alongside the interface.