Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Transporting Cargo Safely
Questions and answers
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Someone else loaded and secured your cargo. Are you still responsible for it?
Yes, whether or not you loaded and secured it yourself
The driver is responsible for inspecting the cargo, recognizing overloads and poor balance, and knowing it is secure.
Section 3 · SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY ↗ -
What must you know about how your cargo affects your view?
It does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides
You are responsible for knowing the cargo is secured and does not block your view ahead or to the sides.
Section 3 · SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY ↗ -
What must your cargo not restrict access to?
Emergency equipment
Cargo must not get in the way of your emergency equipment.
Section 3 · SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY ↗ -
How can loose cargo be a danger to you as the driver?
It could hurt or kill you during a quick stop or accident
Loose cargo can injure the driver and, if it falls off, others on the road.
Section 3 · SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY ↗ -
How can the way a vehicle is loaded affect driving?
It can affect steering and make the vehicle harder to control
Loading affects steering, and an overload can damage the vehicle.
Section 3 · SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY ↗ -
After starting a trip, within how many miles must you inspect the cargo and its securing devices again?
Within the first 50 miles
Check again within the first 50 miles and make any adjustments needed.
Section 3 · 3.1 – Inspecting Cargo ↗ -
During a trip, how often must you re-check the cargo and securing devices?
After every 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break
Inspect again after 3 hours or 150 miles of driving and after every break you take.
Section 3 · 3.1 – Inspecting Cargo ↗ -
You stop for a 20-minute break one hour after your last cargo check. Must you inspect the cargo before driving on?
Yes, cargo is inspected after every break
Every break during the trip is followed by a cargo inspection.
Section 3 · 3.1 – Inspecting Cargo ↗ -
You have driven 150 miles in two and a half hours since your last cargo check. Is an inspection due?
Yes, because you have reached 150 miles
The check is due at 3 hours or 150 miles, so reaching 150 miles is enough.
Section 3 · 3.1 – Inspecting Cargo ↗ -
What does the handbook say about regulations for weight, securing cargo and covering loads?
They vary from place to place, so know the rules where you will drive
Federal, state and local rules differ, and you must know those that apply on your route.
Section 3 · 3.1 – Inspecting Cargo ↗ -
What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?
The total weight of a single vehicle including its load
GVW is the actual total weight of one vehicle with its load.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What is Gross Combination Weight (GCW)?
The total weight of a combination of vehicles including the load
GCW is the actual total weight of a combination with its load.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle
GVWR is a rating set by the manufacturer, not a measured weight.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
How does Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) differ from Gross Combination Weight (GCW)?
GCWR is the value specified by the manufacturer, and GCW is the actual total weight
A rating is the manufacturer’s value for loaded weight. The gross weight is what the combination and load actually weigh.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
The manufacturer has not specified a GCWR. How is it determined?
By adding the GVWR of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit and its load
Without a manufacturer’s value, GCWR is the power unit’s GVWR plus the total weight of the towed unit and any load on it.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What is axle weight?
The weight transmitted to the ground by 1 axle or one set of axles
Axle weight is what one axle or set of axles puts on the ground.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What is tire load?
The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Tire load is the most weight a tire can safely carry at a given pressure.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
Where is the tire load rating stated?
On the side of each tire
The rating is printed on the side of each tire.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What are coupling devices rated for?
The maximum weight they can pull and/or carry
Coupling device capacity is the maximum weight a device can pull or carry.
Section 3 · 3.2.1 – Definitions you Should Know ↗ -
What does a bridge formula do?
Permits less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together
Axles that are close together are allowed less weight.
Section 3 · 3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits ↗ -
What is the purpose of a bridge formula?
To prevent overloading bridges and roadways
Limiting weight on closely spaced axles protects bridges and roadways.
Section 3 · 3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits ↗ -
How does overloading affect a truck on hills?
It goes very slowly on upgrades and may gain too much speed on downgrades
Overloading harms steering, braking and speed control.
Section 3 · 3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits ↗ -
What happens to stopping distance and brakes when a vehicle is overloaded?
Stopping distance increases and brakes can fail when forced to work too hard
An overloaded vehicle needs more distance to stop and overworks its brakes.
Section 3 · 3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits ↗ -
When may it be unsafe to operate at the legal maximum weight?
During bad weather or in mountains
Legal maximum weights may be too much in bad weather or in the mountains.
Section 3 · 3.2.2 – Legal Weight Limits ↗ -
What does a high center of gravity mean for your vehicle?
You are more likely to tip over
Cargo piled high, or heavy cargo on top, makes a rollover more likely.
Section 3 · 3.2.3 – Do Not Be Top-Heavy ↗ -
When is a high center of gravity most dangerous?
In curves, or when you swerve to avoid a hazard
Curves and sudden swerves are where a top-heavy load is most likely to tip.
Section 3 · 3.2.3 – Do Not Be Top-Heavy ↗ -
How should heavy and light cargo be arranged?
The heaviest parts under the lightest parts
Distribute cargo as low as possible, with the heaviest items at the bottom.
Section 3 · 3.2.3 – Do Not Be Top-Heavy ↗ -
What can too much weight on the steering axle cause?
Hard steering and damage to the steering axle and tires
Too much weight in front makes steering hard and can damage the axle and tires.
Section 3 · 3.2.4 – Balance the Weight ↗ -
What can happen when weight is shifted too far to the rear and the front axles are under-loaded?
The steering axle weight can be too light to steer safely
An under-loaded front axle may not give enough grip to steer.
Section 3 · 3.2.4 – Balance the Weight ↗ -
What can too little weight on the driving axles cause?
Poor traction, with drive wheels that spin easily
In bad weather the truck may not be able to keep going.
Section 3 · 3.2.4 – Balance the Weight ↗ -
On a flatbed, what added risk comes with a high center of gravity?
The load is more likely to shift to the side or fall off
Besides rollover, a high load on a flatbed may shift sideways or fall off.
Section 3 · 3.2.4 – Balance the Weight ↗ -
What is blocking used for?
To keep a piece of cargo from sliding, at its front, back or sides
Blocking is placed at the front, back or sides of cargo to stop it sliding.
Section 3 · 3.3.1 – Blocking and Bracing ↗ -
How is blocking fitted?
Shaped to fit snugly against the cargo and secured to the cargo deck
Blocking fits snugly against the cargo and is secured to the deck.
Section 3 · 3.3.1 – Blocking and Bracing ↗ -
Where does bracing go?
From the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment
Bracing also prevents movement, running from the upper part of the cargo to the floor or walls.
Section 3 · 3.3.1 – Blocking and Bracing ↗ -
On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, why must cargo be secured?
To keep it from shifting or falling off
Open trailers have nothing else to hold the cargo in place.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
Why can tie-downs be important even in closed vans?
They prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle
Cargo that shifts inside a van can change how the vehicle handles.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
According to the handbook, what must the aggregate working load limit of a securement system be?
At least 1/2 times the weight of the article or group of articles
The combined working load limit must be at least half the weight of what is being secured.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
Which of these are named as proper tie-down equipment?
Ropes, straps, chains and tensioning devices such as winches and ratchets
Tie-downs must be of the proper type and strength and attached to the vehicle correctly.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
Cargo should have at least one tie-down for every how many feet?
10 feet
There should be at least one tie-down for each 10 feet of cargo.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any cargo, no matter how small?
2
Even the smallest cargo should have at least 2 tie-downs.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
How many tie-downs should a 30-foot load on a flatbed have, at a minimum?
3
One tie-down for each 10 feet gives 3 for a 30-foot load.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
A single crate 5 feet long sits on a flatbed. How many tie-downs should hold it?
At least 2
The minimum is 2 tie-downs however small the cargo is.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
Where are the loading and securement rules for logs, metal coils, paper rolls and similar loads found?
In CFR, Title 49 §393
Special securement rules for these loads are in CFR, Title 49 §393.
Section 3 · 3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down ↗ -
What do front-end header boards protect you from?
Your cargo, in an accident or emergency stop
Header boards, also called headache racks, keep cargo from coming forward into the cab.
Section 3 · 3.3.3 – Header Boards ↗ -
What should the front-end structure do?
Block the forward movement of any cargo you carry
Make sure the front-end structure is in good condition and can block cargo moving forward.
Section 3 · 3.3.3 – Header Boards ↗ -
What are the 2 basic reasons for covering cargo?
To protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from weather
Covers protect people from spills and the cargo from the weather.
Section 3 · 3.3.4 – Covering Cargo ↗ -
Why should you look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time?
A flapping cover can tear loose, uncover the cargo and block someone’s view
A flapping cover may come off and block your view or another driver’s.
Section 3 · 3.3.4 – Covering Cargo ↗ -
When are containerized loads generally used?
When freight is carried part way by rail or ship
Containers move by rail or ship for part of the trip, with truck delivery at the start or end.
Section 3 · 3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads ↗ -
How are containers that have no tie-down devices or locks of their own carried?
Loaded onto flatbed trailers and secured like any other cargo
Some containers lock to a special frame. Others go on flatbeds and must be properly secured.
Section 3 · 3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads ↗ -
You cannot inspect a sealed load. What should you still check?
That you do not exceed gross weight and axle weight limits
With a sealed load, check the gross weight and axle weights.
Section 3 · 3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads ↗ -
What is the exception to the law against any part of a load spilling, dropping or leaking from a vehicle?
Clear water or feathers from live birds
Only clear water and feathers from live birds are excepted.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
What is required of a vehicle transporting garbage, trash, rubbish or ashes?
The load must be covered so that no part of it spills onto the highway
Such loads must be covered to prevent spilling.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
How far below the upper edge of the cargo area must aggregate material be?
6 inches
Aggregate material must be carried in the cargo area and be 6 inches below the upper edge.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
With what must a vehicle used to transport aggregate material be equipped?
Seals on openings used to empty the load, splash flaps behind every tire or set of tires, and fenders
Seals, splash flaps and fenders are required, and the cargo area must have no holes or cracks.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
To which loads does the aggregate material requirement not apply?
Wet, waste fruit or vegetable matter, or waste from food processing plants
Vehicles carrying wet waste fruit or vegetable matter, or food processing waste, are excluded.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
What is a person who willfully or negligently damages a street or highway liable for?
The cost of repairing the road and any damaged sign, signal, guard rail or other facility
The liability may also include the cost of removing debris from the roadway.
Section 3 · 3.3.6 – Spilling Loads and Damage to the Highway ↗ -
Why do dry bulk tanks require special care?
They have a high center of gravity and the load can shift
Be slow and careful in curves and sharp turns.
Section 3 · 3.4.1 – Dry Bulk ↗ -
What kind of load is hanging meat in a refrigerated truck?
A very unstable load with a high center of gravity
Suspended beef, pork or lamb swings and sits high.
Section 3 · 3.4.2 – Hanging Meat ↗ -
Where is particular caution needed with a load of hanging meat?
On sharp curves such as off ramps and on ramps
Go slowly on ramps and other sharp curves.
Section 3 · 3.4.2 – Hanging Meat ↗ -
You are hauling less than a full load of livestock. What should you use?
False bulkheads to keep the livestock bunched together
False bulkheads keep the animals from moving around.
Section 3 · 3.4.3 – Livestock ↗ -
Why is special care needed even when livestock are bunched together?
They can lean on curves, shifting the center of gravity and making rollover more likely
Livestock leaning in a curve shifts the center of gravity.
Section 3 · 3.4.3 – Livestock ↗ -
What do over-length, over-width or overweight loads require in California?
Special transit permits from Caltrans
Oversized loads need special transit permits, and driving is usually limited to certain times.
Section 3 · 3.4.4 – Oversized Loads ↗ -
What special equipment may an oversized load need?
“Wide load” signs, flashing lights and flags
Special equipment such as signs, flashing lights and flags may be necessary.
Section 3 · 3.4.4 – Oversized Loads ↗ -
Besides special equipment, what may an oversized load require on the road?
A police escort or pilot vehicles with warning signs or flashing lights
Escorts or pilot vehicles may be required.
Section 3 · 3.4.4 – Oversized Loads ↗ -
A vehicle and load over what width must show extra clearance and side-marker lamps on the load projection?
80 inches
Over 80 inches in width, the projection needs an amber lamp at the front and a red lamp at the rear.
Section 3 · 3.4.5 – Special Markings Needed ↗ -
On a load over 80 inches wide, what colour is the combination clearance and side-marker lamp at the front of the projection?
Amber
Amber goes at the front of the projection and red at the rear.
Section 3 · 3.4.5 – Special Markings Needed ↗ -
On a load over 80 inches wide, what colour is the combination clearance and side-marker lamp at the rear of the projection?
Red
Red goes at the rear of the projection.
Section 3 · 3.4.5 – Special Markings Needed ↗ -
The single-lamp alternative for an over-width projection applies when the projection extends no more than how far from front to rear?
3 feet
If the projection is no more than 3 feet from front to rear, one lamp at the extreme width may be used.
Section 3 · 3.4.5 – Special Markings Needed ↗ -
A short over-width projection is near the front of the vehicle. What lamp must it have?
At least one amber lamp visible from the front, side and rear
Near the front the lamp is amber. Near the rear it is red.
Section 3 · 3.4.5 – Special Markings Needed ↗ -
A load must be marked at its end when it extends how far beyond the rear of the body?
4 feet (48 inches) or more
A load extending 4 feet or more beyond the rear needs a flag, or lights in darkness.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
In daylight, what must be placed at the extreme end of a load that extends 4 feet or more beyond the rear?
A solid red or fluorescent orange flag at least 12 inches square
The flag must be solid red or fluorescent orange and at least 12 inches square.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
During darkness, what must mark the end of a load that extends 4 feet or more beyond the rear?
2 lit red lights
Two lit red lights are required at the end of the load.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
From what distance must the red lights at the end of a projecting load be visible?
500 feet to the side and rear
The lights must be visible at 500 feet to the side and rear of the vehicle.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
A load extends 1 foot or more to the left of the vehicle. What must it have?
An amber light on the extreme left side of the load
An amber light marks the extreme left side of the load.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
From how far must the amber light on a load extending to the left be visible during darkness?
At least 300 feet to the front and rear
It must be visible for at least 300 feet to the front and rear.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
A load extends to the left of the vehicle. What lamps are needed if the load extends more than 120 inches?
An amber lamp at the front and a red lamp at the rear
Each lamp must be visible for at least 300 feet.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
A vehicle is wider than 102 inches. What must be displayed during daylight?
A red or fluorescent flag at least 12 inches square at the left front and left rear
Flags go at the left front and left rear in daylight.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
Where are the flags placed on a vehicle wider than 102 inches?
At the left front and left rear
The flags mark the left front and left rear corners.
Section 3 · 3.4.6 – Projecting Loads ↗ -
A trailer is loaded piggyback onto another vehicle to be moved on a highway. What is required?
It must be securely bound to the vehicle so it cannot shift, topple or become unstable
A piggyback trailer has to be securely bound to the carrying vehicle.
Section 3 · 3.4.7 – Piggyback Trailers ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47