CLP Transporting Cargo Safely 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum amount of cargo that can shift to one side before it is considered improperly balanced?
- More than half the load width
- Any shift that changes the center of gravity (Correct answer)
- More than 6 inches laterally
- More than 10 percent of the load weight
Correct answer: Any shift that changes the center of gravity
Any cargo shift that changes the center of gravity enough to affect vehicle stability or steering is considered improperly balanced.
Question 2: When hauling a load that is 14 feet wide, what is required?
- A pilot car only
- Special permits and possibly a pilot car or escort (Correct answer)
- Only a slow-moving vehicle sign
- Additional axles on the trailer
Correct answer: Special permits and possibly a pilot car or escort
Loads exceeding legal width limits (typically 8.5 feet) require special permits and may require pilot cars or escorts depending on state regulations.
Question 3: How often should cargo securement be checked during a trip?
- Only at the destination
- After the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter (Correct answer)
- Every 100 miles only
- At the start and halfway point only
Correct answer: After the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter
FMCSA regulations require checking cargo securement within the first 50 miles and then every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first.
Question 4: What does the term 'blocking' mean in cargo securement?
- Preventing cargo from moving forward or rearward (Correct answer)
- Covering cargo with tarps
- Locking trailer doors with a padlock
- Positioning flags on oversized loads
Correct answer: Preventing cargo from moving forward or rearward
Blocking refers to structures placed against cargo to prevent it from moving forward, rearward, or sideways during transport.
Question 5: A driver notices one tie-down strap has frayed edges during a pre-trip inspection. What should the driver do?
- Use it only for light loads
- Replace it immediately before transporting cargo (Correct answer)
- Wrap it with tape and use it normally
- Report it after the trip is complete
Correct answer: Replace it immediately before transporting cargo
Damaged or frayed tie-down straps must be removed from service immediately, as defective equipment cannot safely secure cargo.
Question 6: What is 'bracing' in the context of cargo securement?
- Using extra tie-downs on the trailer frame
- Rigid structures that prevent cargo from tipping or shifting (Correct answer)
- Inflating tires to maximum pressure to stabilize the load
- Attaching cargo directly to the kingpin
Correct answer: Rigid structures that prevent cargo from tipping or shifting
Bracing uses rigid structures (such as wood dunnage or metal bars) placed against cargo to prevent it from tipping or shifting.
Question 7: When loading a flatbed trailer with multiple items of different weights, where should the heaviest cargo be placed?
- At the rear of the trailer
- As high as possible to lower wind resistance
- As low as possible and centered over or between axles (Correct answer)
- Spread randomly to avoid overloading any one area
Correct answer: As low as possible and centered over or between axles
Heavy cargo should be placed as low as possible and centered over or between axles to maintain a low center of gravity and proper axle weight distribution.
CLP Transporting Cargo Safely 2
What is the maximum amount of cargo that can shift to one side before it is considered improperly balanced?