Freight glossary / Operations and dispatch
What is Live load in freight?
A live load is one where the driver waits with the trailer while it is loaded or unloaded, rather than dropping it. It ties up the tractor and the driver's hours for the duration, which is why detention rules apply to it and not to drop trailers. Facilities that load slowly make live loads expensive in ways the line haul does not capture.
Related terms
Most freight software watches your business. FreightScout wins freight and then runs it.