Transporting Cargo Safely
Transporting Cargo Safely tests your ability to load a commercial vehicle so it stays within legal weights, remains stable, and stays secured. The exam focuses on weight limits, weight distribution, tiedown requirements, load covers, and en route inspections. Cargo problems cause crashes, bridge strikes, and out-of-service violations.
Core rules
- Never exceed the vehicle's GVWR, any axle rating, or tire ratings. Scaling and redistribution are required when weights are close.
- Keep the center of gravity low and centered. High or shifted loads increase rollover risk and can overload one axle.
- Secure cargo against forces of 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward, and 0.5 g sideways under federal securement rules.
- The aggregate working load limit (WLL) of all tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. Use WLL, not breaking strength.
- Use at least one tiedown for articles 5 feet or less and 1,100 pounds or less; use at least two for longer or heavier articles, plus one per additional 10 feet.
- Cover loads that could blow, shift, or fall. Check securement after the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first.
Worked example
A 20,000-pound load needs tiedowns whose combined WLL is at least 10,000 pounds. Five straps rated at 2,000 pounds WLL each give exactly 10,000 pounds. That meets the aggregate minimum, and a 20-foot article also needs at least two tiedowns by length-so five is enough on both counts. If one strap is cut or rated at 1,500 pounds, the combination is short and must be corrected before moving.
Traps
- Counting a strap's breaking strength instead of its working load limit.
- Thinking a tarp alone secures cargo.
- Checking tiedowns only at the shipper and never again.
- Assuming a legal gross weight means each axle is legal.