Commercial Driving Cargo Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum number of tie-downs required for cargo 5 feet long?
- 1 tie-down
- 2 tie-downs (Correct answer)
- 3 tie-downs
- 4 tie-downs
Correct answer: 2 tie-downs
Cargo 5 feet or less needs at least 2 tie-downs. The general rule is at least 2 tie-downs for the first 10 feet of cargo, plus 1 for each additional 10 feet.
Question 2: What is 'header board' or 'headache rack' on a flatbed truck?
- A decorative addition
- A strong barrier behind the cab that prevents cargo from shifting forward into the cab during hard braking (Correct answer)
- A storage compartment
- A wind deflector
Correct answer: A strong barrier behind the cab that prevents cargo from shifting forward into the cab during hard braking
The header board is a protective barrier behind the cab that prevents cargo from sliding forward during braking or collision, protecting the driver.
Question 3: What hazard does a high center of gravity create for a commercial vehicle?
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Increased rollover risk, especially during turns, lane changes, and on curves (Correct answer)
- Better braking performance
- Improved visibility
Correct answer: Increased rollover risk, especially during turns, lane changes, and on curves
A high center of gravity makes the vehicle top-heavy and more susceptible to rollover during any lateral force, such as turning, swerving, or wind.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a load board or load bar in an enclosed trailer?
- To count the number of items loaded
- To prevent cargo from shifting by creating a barrier across the trailer interior (Correct answer)
- To measure the trailer temperature
- To display the weight of the load
Correct answer: To prevent cargo from shifting by creating a barrier across the trailer interior
Load bars or boards span the width of the trailer to create barriers that prevent cargo from shifting forward, backward, or sideways during transport.
Question 5: What is coil securement and why does it require special procedures?
- Securing electrical coils during transport
- Securing heavy metal coils that can roll and shift, requiring specific tie-down patterns and cradles (Correct answer)
- Wrapping cargo in coiled wire
- A type of spring-loaded tie-down
Correct answer: Securing heavy metal coils that can roll and shift, requiring specific tie-down patterns and cradles
Metal coils are extremely heavy and can roll freely. Special securement methods including cradles, chocks, and specific tie-down patterns are required to prevent catastrophic shifting.
Question 6: What should a driver do if they notice cargo has shifted during a trip?
- Continue to the destination and fix it there
- Safely pull over and re-secure the cargo before continuing (Correct answer)
- Speed up to reach the destination faster
- Call the shipper for instructions
Correct answer: Safely pull over and re-secure the cargo before continuing
Shifted cargo creates an immediate safety hazard. The driver must safely stop as soon as possible to inspect and re-secure the load before continuing.
Commercial Driving Cargo Handling 2
What is the minimum number of tie-downs required for cargo 5 feet long?