Cargo Securement, Weight Distribution, and Load Limits
What this domain covers
Cargo and weight questions test load limits, weight distribution, and securement. The exam expects you to compare scale weights with axle and gross ratings and to know that an overloaded axle can fail even when gross weight is legal.
Core rules
- Know GVWR, GAWR for each axle, GCWR, tire load limits, and bridge-formula limits. The lowest rating controls.
- Distribute weight so steer, drive, and trailer axles are within limits. Too little weight on the steer axle reduces steering; too much on the drives or trailer overloads tires and suspension.
- Secure cargo with enough tiedowns: at least one tiedown per 10 feet of article length, and a minimum of two. Aggregate working load limit should be at least 50% of the cargo weight.
- Use a headboard, blocking, or friction mats as needed. Do not obscure lights, plates, or the rear view.
- Check the load and tiedowns after the first few miles and periodically.
Worked example
A scale ticket shows steer 11,500 lb (GAWR 12,000), drives 33,500 lb (GAWR 34,000), trailer 32,000 lb (GAWR 34,000), gross 77,000 lb (GVWR 80,000). All are under their limits. If the steer axle were 10,000 lb, handling would be poor; shift load forward or adjust the fifth wheel only within the manufacturer's limits.
Traps that cost marks
Checking only gross weight; ignoring tire ratings; using too few tiedowns; assuming a legal gross weight means every axle is legal; and moving the fifth wheel without checking clearance and steering axle load.