Cargo Securement and Weight Limits Flashcards
6 cards from real FMCSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Cargo Securement and Weight Limits flashcards as text
Under FMCSA rules, what is required when transporting logs on a CMV?
Answer: Stakes, bunks, or equivalent front-end protection plus tie-downs meeting load-specific WLL
Log transport requires stakes or bunks to prevent lateral movement plus tie-downs meeting the specific aggregate WLL for the load.
What does the federal bridge formula primarily protect?
Answer: Road surfaces and bridges from excessive axle loads
The federal bridge formula limits axle spacing and weight to prevent road surfaces and bridge structures from being damaged by excessive loads.
Which type of cargo requires special vertical load securement using chains rated to the load's weight?
Answer: Intermodal containers
Intermodal containers must be secured with twist locks or chains rated to handle the vertical and horizontal forces of the container.
What is the primary purpose of a 'front-end header board' on a flatbed trailer?
Answer: Protect the cab from cargo shifting or penetrating forward
A front-end header board (also called a headache rack) protects the cab and driver if cargo shifts or slides forward during a sudden stop.
How is the weight of a vehicle determined at a weigh station if the total is over the legal limit?
Answer: Driver is directed off the highway until the load is redistributed or a permit is obtained
Overweight vehicles must exit the highway and either redistribute the load, obtain a special permit, or off-load excess weight before continuing.
What is the minimum working load limit (WLL) for a chain used to secure a 40,000 lb load?
Answer: At least 20,000 lbs aggregate across all chains used
The aggregate WLL of all tie-downs must be at least 50% of the cargo weight, so a 40,000 lb load requires at least 20,000 lbs aggregate WLL.