CDL-10 Section 3 - Transporting Cargo Safely
CDL-10 Section 3, Transporting Cargo Safely, tests whether you can load, secure, and inspect cargo without exceeding axle, gross, or tire limits. The exam emphasizes weight distribution, tiedown capacity, and cargo inspection.
Core rules
- Know the limits: steering-axle, drive-axle, trailer-axle, gross vehicle weight, and tire ratings. Overloading any one is a violation even if the total is legal.
- Distribute weight: keep the center of gravity low and centered; balance the load so no axle is overloaded. Secure front, back, and sides.
- Tiedowns: use at least one tiedown per 10 feet of cargo length, with a minimum of two. The aggregate working load limit (WLL) must be at least half the cargo weight.
- Cargo securement systems include straps, chains, binders, and shoring bars. Check them after starting, after driving a short distance, and after any change.
- Cover cargo that could spill, blow, or leak. Do not overload the cab or block your view.
Worked example
A 25-foot crate weighs 12,000 lb. Length requires at least three tiedowns because 25 divided by 10 is 2.5, rounded up. The tiedowns' combined WLL must be at least 6,000 lb, half of 12,000 lb. Two heavy chains rated 3,500 lb each give 7,000 lb aggregate WLL, so they satisfy the WLL rule but still need the third tiedown for length.
Traps
Do not count tiedowns only by number and ignore WLL; do not assume a legal gross weight means every axle is legal; and do not skip a recheck after the first few miles. A load that shifts can change axle weight and handling.