- If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it, it can be a danger to others and yourself.
- True
- False
Shifting or falling cargo can cause rollovers, loss of control, road hazards, and citations.
- Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for:
- Inspecting your cargo
- Recognizing overloads and poor balance
- Knowing your cargo is properly secured
- All of the above
The driver is ultimately responsible for safe, legal loading and securement.
- You should inspect your cargo and its securing devices within how many miles after beginning a trip?
- 10 miles
- 25 miles
- 50 miles
Early recheck catches settling/shift.
- State and local rules for weight limits, cargo securement, covering loads, and routes for large vehicles vary by location.
- True
- False
Always check local requirements in addition to federal rules.
- How often must you stop on the road to check your cargo?
- After 2 hours or 100 miles
- After 3 hours or 150 miles
- After 4 hours or 200 miles
Common CDL guidance is to recheck at 3 hours/150 miles, and at duty status or load changes.
- What is the difference between Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Combination Weight (GCW)?
- GCWR is the manufacturer’s maximum allowed combination weight
- GCW is the actual total weight of power unit + trailers + cargo
- A and B
GCWR = limit. GCW = what you actually weigh on the road.
- Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.
- In southern states and the Midwest
- Bad weather and mountain driving
- Narrow roads and daylight
Steep grades, curves, wind, snow/ice reduce safe handling even if you’re legally within limits.
- What can happen if you don’t have enough weight on the front axle?
- Poor steering because the axle is too light
- Wheelspin on the front axle
- False readings at the scale
Light steer axle = reduced traction/steering control, especially in wind or on curves.
- Axle weight is the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or a set of axles.
- True
- False
This is the standard definition used for weight enforcement.
- Tire load is the maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
- True
- False
Never exceed tire load ratings. Increase pressure only within manufacturer limits.
- Suspension systems have a manufacturer’s weight-capacity rating.
- True
- False
Axles, springs, and air suspensions are rated. Stay within all component limits.
- Coupling devices are rated for the maximum weight they can pull and/or carry.
- True
- False
Pins, hitches, fifth wheels, and drawbars have specific capacity ratings—don’t exceed them.
- Overloading can have bad effects on which of the following?
- Steering
- Braking
- Speed control
- All of the above
Too much weight lengthens stopping distance, reduces control, and stresses components.
- In all situations you must keep weights within legal limits.
- True
- False
Exceeding legal limits risks fines, out-of-service orders, and crashes.
- Too little weight on the drive axles has no effect on traction.
- True
- False
Drive axles need enough weight for traction, especially on grades or slick roads.
- What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load?
- At least one tie-down for each six feet of cargo
- At least one tie-down for each eight feet of cargo
- At least one tie-down for each ten feet of cargo
The general rule of thumb is one tie-down per 10 feet (with minimums per article also applying).
- What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?
- At least two tie-downs
- At least four tie-downs
- At least six tie-downs
Following the “one per 10 feet” rule of thumb, a 20-foot load needs at least two tie-downs (more may be required by article type/weight).
- Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.
- Hide the cargo’s size and color
- Protect people from spilled cargo and protect cargo from weather
- Prevent theft
Tarps prevent debris hazards and shield cargo from rain, wind, and sun.
- What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
- That gross and axle weights are within limits
- Inspect the cargo directly
- Unseal the load to see what it is
You’re still responsible for legal weight compliance even if you can’t break the seal.
- You must be extremely cautious on curves and sharp turns when carrying dry bulk in tanks.
- True
- False
Dry bulk can surge and shift suddenly, raising rollover risk. Slow early and steer smoothly.