Section 3 - Transporting Cargo Safety

Question 1

Can steering be affected by how a vehicle is loaded?

Answer 1

Yes. Unbalanced and/or unsecured cargo can make it more difficult to control the vehicle.

Question 2

Who is responsible for checking cargo?

Answer 2

The driver.

Question 3

List the 4 things you are responsible for in terms of cargo.
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 3

1. Inspecting the cargo.
2. Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight.
3. Knowing your cargo is properly secured and does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides.
4. Knowing your cargo does not restrict your access to emergency equipment.

Question 4

What endorsement is required if you intend to carry hazardous material that requires placards on your vehicle?

Answer 4

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Question 5

How long after beginning a trip do you need to inspect the cargo and its securing devices?

Answer 5

Within the first 50 miles.
(3.1 - Inspecting Cargo)

Question 6

As part of your vehicle inspection, what 3 things do you need to confirm concerning cargo?

Answer 6

1. The truck is not overloaded.
2. The cargo is balanced.
3. The cargo is secured properly.
   (3.1 - Inspecting Cargo)

Question 7

After your first cargo inspection, how often do you need to check it?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 7

1. After you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles.
2. After every break you take during driving.
   (3.1 - Inspecting Cargo)

Question 8

Define Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
NOTE: Know the difference between GVCR and GCWR. May be on the test.

Answer 8

It represents the maximum amount of weight that your vehicle can handle safely.

The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 9

Define Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
NOTE: Know the difference between GVCR and GCWR. May be on the test.

Answer 9

The maximum allowable weight of
• The loaded tow vehicle
• The loaded trailer that the tow vehicle can handle safely.

The value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit.
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 10

Define Axle Weight.

Answer 10

The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles.
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 11

Define Tire Load.

Answer 11

The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure. The rating is stated on the side of each tire.
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 12

What system has a manufacturer’s weight capacity rating?

Answer 12

Suspension systems
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 13

Coupling devices are rated for what?

Answer 13

Coupling devices are rated for the maximum weight they can pull and/or carry.
(3.2.1 - Definitions You Should Know)

Question 14

What has bad effects on steering, braking, and speed control.

Answer 14

Overloading
(3.2.2 - Legal Weight Limits)

Question 15

True or False:
States do not have maximums for GVWRs, GCWRs, and axle weights.

Answer 15

False.
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GCWR = Gross Combination Weight Rating
(3.2.2 - Legal Weight Limits)

Question 16

When is it not safe to operate at legal maximum weights?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 16

1. During bad weather
2. Driving in the mountains.
   (3.2.2 - Legal Weight Limits)

Question 17

The height of a vehicle’s center of gravity is very important for what?

Answer 17

Safe handling
(3.2.3 - Don’t Be Top-Heavy)

Question 18

It is very important to distribute the cargo so it is as low as possible. Where should you put the heaviest part of the cargo?

Answer 18

Under the lightest parts.
(3.2.3 - Don’t Be Top-Heavy)

Question 19

When is a high center of gravity most dangerous?

Answer 19

It is most dangerous on curves, or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard.
(3.2.3 - Don’t Be Top-Heavy)

Question 21

What can make vehicle handling unsafe?

Answer 21

Poor weight balance.
(3.2.4 - Balance of Weight)

Question 21

What can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely?

Answer 21

Under-loaded front axles.
(3.2.4 - Balance of Weight)

Question 22

What will too little weight on the driving axles cause?

Answer 22

Poor traction. The drive wheels may spin easily.
(3.2.4 - Balance of Weight)

Question 23

What is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding?

Answer 23

Blocking
(3.3.1 - Blocking and Bracing)

Question 24

What is blocking shaped to fit snugly against?

Answer 24

Cargo
(3.3.1 - Blocking and Bracing)

Question 25

What is blocking secured to?

Answer 25

The cargo deck to prevent cargo movement.
(3.3.1 - Blocking and Bracing)

Question 26

Besides blocking, what else is used to prevent movement of cargo?

Answer 26

Bracing
(3.3.1 - Blocking and Bracing)

Question 27

Where is bracing installed?

Answer 27

From the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment.
(3.3.1 - Blocking and Bracing)

Question 28

What do flatbed trailers or trailers without sides use to keep cargo from shifting or falling off?

Answer 28

Tie-downs
(3.3.2 - Cargo Tie-down)

Question 29

True or False:
Tie-downs must be of the proper type and proper strength.

Answer 29

True
(3.3.2 - Cargo Tie-down)

Question 30

How many tie-downs should be used for every 10’ of cargo?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 30

At least one
(3.3.2 - Cargo Tie-down)

Question 31

How many tie-downs should be used at a minimum?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 31

No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least two tie-downs.
(3.3.2 - Cargo Tie-down)

Question 32

What protects you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency stop?

Answer 32

Front-end header boards aka “headache racks”
(3.3.3 - Header Boards)

Question 33

List the two reasons for covering cargo.
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 33

1. To protect people from spilled cargo
2. To protect the cargo from weather
   (3.3.4 - Covering Cargo)

Question 34

Why should you look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time while driving?

Answer 34

A flapping cover can tear loose, uncovering the cargo, and possible block your view or someone else’s.
(3.3.4 - Covering Cargo)

Question 35

What is generally used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship?

Answer 35

Containerized loads
(3.3.5 - Sealed and Containerized Loads)

Question 36

Should you inspect sealed loads?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 36

Sealed loads cannot be inspected, but you should check that you don’t exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.
(3.3.5 - Sealed and Containerized Loads)

Question 37

When does truck delivery occur with containerized loads?

Answer 37

At the beginning and/or end of the journey.
(3.3.5 - Sealed and Containerized Loads)

Question 38

Why do dry bulk tanks require special care?

Answer 38

Because they have a high center of gravity and the load can shift.
(3.4.1 - Dry Bulk)

Question 39

Is hanging meat consider an unstable load? Why or why not?

Answer 39

Hanging meat in a refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity.
(3.4.2 - Hanging Meat)

Question 40

How can livestock cause unsafe handling?

Answer 40

Livestock can move around the trailer, causing unsafe handling.
(3.4.3 - Livestock)

Question 41

What can you use to keep livestock bunched together? Especially when transporting less than full loads.

Answer 41

False bulkheads
(3.4.3 - Livestock)

Question 42

What do over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require?

Answer 42

Special transit permits
(3.4.4 - Oversized Loads)

Question 43

What type of loads may require a police escort or pilot vehicles hearing warning signs and/or flashing lights?

Answer 43

1. Over-length
2. Over-width
3. Overweight loads
   (3.4.4 - Oversized Loads)

Question 44

True of False:
Driving over-length, over-width, and/or overweight load are usually limited to certain times.

Answer 44

True
(3.4.4 - Oversized Loads)

Question 45

What can happen if you don’t have enough weight on the front axle?
NOTE: May be on the test.

Answer 45

Under-loaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely.
(3.2.4 - Balance of Weight)