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CDL Test: Cargo questions and answers

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Cargo

32 questions

  1. #1

    Cargo should have at least one tie-down for every:

    1. 5 feet of cargo
    2. 10 feet of cargo
    3. 20 feet of cargo
    4. 50 feet of cargo

    Answer: B. At least one tie-down per 10 feet of cargo, and never fewer than two.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.3.2

  2. #2

    No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least how many tie-downs?

    1. None if it is heavy
    2. One
    3. Two
    4. Four

    Answer: C. Even small cargo needs at least two tie-downs.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.3.2No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least two tie-downs.

  3. #3

    The aggregate working load limit of tie-downs must be at least:

    1. Equal to the truck's GVWR
    2. Twice the cargo weight
    3. One-quarter of the cargo weight
    4. One-half the weight of the cargo

    Answer: D. The combined working load limit must be at least half the cargo's weight.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.3.2

  4. #4

    To keep the center of gravity low when loading, you should:

    1. Put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts
    2. Put the heaviest items on top
    3. Load everything at the rear
    4. Leave the floor empty

    Answer: A. A high center of gravity raises rollover risk.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.2.3

  5. #5

    Too little weight on the driving axles can cause:

    1. Hard steering
    2. Poor traction
    3. Better braking
    4. Higher fuel economy

    Answer: B. Too little weight on drive axles means poor traction; too much on the steering axle makes steering hard.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.2.4

  6. #6

    If you are hauling a sealed load you cannot inspect, you should still:

    1. Break the seal to check it
    2. Refuse the load
    3. Make sure you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits
    4. Ignore weight limits

    Answer: C. You can't inspect sealed loads, but you must still stay within weight limits.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.3.5You cannot inspect sealed loads

  7. #7

    Hanging meat, dry bulk and livestock are dangerous mainly because they:

    1. Weigh less than other cargo
    2. Cannot be insured
    3. Need refrigeration
    4. Have a high center of gravity or can shift — take curves and ramps slowly

    Answer: D. These loads shift and raise rollover risk; go slowly in curves and on ramps.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 3.4

  8. #8

    When must you inspect your cargo and securing devices again after starting a trip?

    1. Within the first 150 miles
    2. Only after the first 3 hours of driving
    3. Within the first 50 miles
    4. Only when you stop for fuel

    Answer: C. The manual requires a second inspection within the first 50 miles of the trip so any adjustments can be made.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip.

  9. #9

    During a trip, you must re-check the cargo and securing devices after you have driven for:

    1. three hours or 150 miles
    2. one hour or 50 miles
    3. six hours or 300 miles
    4. two hours or 100 miles

    Answer: A. Re-check after three hours or 150 miles of driving, and after every break.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69After you have driven for three hours or 150 miles.

  10. #10

    Besides after three hours or 150 miles, when else must you re-check your cargo and securing devices?

    1. Only at the end of the trip
    2. Only when the cargo is wet
    3. Only after you cross a state line
    4. After every break you take during driving

    Answer: D. You must also re-check the cargo and securing devices after every break during driving.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69After every break you take during driving.

  11. #11

    Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is:

    1. the maximum weight the manufacturer allows for a vehicle
    2. the total weight of a single vehicle plus its load
    3. the total weight of a powered unit, trailers and cargo
    4. the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle

    Answer: B. GVW is the total weight of a single vehicle plus its load.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). The total weight of a single vehicle plus its load.

  12. #12

    Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is:

    1. the total weight of a single vehicle plus its load
    2. the total weight of a powered unit, plus trailer(s), plus the cargo
    3. the maximum weight a tire can carry
    4. the maximum weight a coupling device can pull

    Answer: B. GCW is the total weight of the powered unit, the trailer(s) and the cargo.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Gross Combination Weight (GCW). The total weight of a powered unit, plus trailer(s), plus the cargo.

  13. #13

    The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is:

    1. the actual weight of the vehicle and its cargo at the moment of weighing
    2. the weight of the empty vehicle only, without fuel, fluids or any load
    3. the legal limit set by each state for the weight carried on a single axle
    4. the maximum GVW specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle plus its load

    Answer: D. GVWR is the maximum GVW the manufacturer specifies for a single vehicle plus its load.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The maximum GVW specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle plus its load.

  14. #14

    How is the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) different from the Gross Combination Weight (GCW)?

    1. GCWR is the maximum GCW the manufacturer specifies for a combination; GCW is the actual total weight
    2. GCWR is the actual total weight of the combination; GCW is the manufacturer's maximum
    3. GCWR counts only the weight of the trailer; GCW counts only the weight of the tractor
    4. They are the same thing under two names, both meaning the maximum the manufacturer allows

    Answer: A. GCWR is the manufacturer's maximum for a specific combination plus its load, while GCW is the total weight actually being carried.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load.

  15. #15

    Axle weight is:

    1. the maximum weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure
    2. the total weight of the powered unit and trailer
    3. the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles
    4. the weight a coupling device is rated to pull

    Answer: C. Axle weight is the weight that one axle or one set of axles transmits to the ground.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Axle Weight. The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles.

  16. #16

    A bridge formula permits:

    1. more maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together
    2. the same axle weight no matter how far apart the axles are
    3. more weight on the steering axle than on the drive axles
    4. less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together

    Answer: D. Axles that are closer together are allowed less weight, to prevent overloading bridges and roadways.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69A bridge formula permits less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together.

  17. #17

    What can happen to an overloaded truck on a downgrade?

    1. It will always slow down by itself
    2. It may gain too much speed
    3. Its brakes will work better because of the weight
    4. Its stopping distance gets shorter

    Answer: B. Overloaded trucks may gain too much speed on downgrades, and their stopping distance increases.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Overloaded trucks have to go very slowly on upgrades. Worse, they may gain too much speed on downgrades.

  18. #18

    In which situation may it be unsafe to operate at the legal maximum weight?

    1. On a flat, dry interstate
    2. Only at night
    3. During bad weather or in mountains
    4. Only when the trailer is empty

    Answer: C. During bad weather or in mountains, it may not be safe to operate at legal maximum weights.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69During bad weather or in mountains, it may not be safe to operate at legal maximum weights.

  19. #19

    Too much weight on the steering axle can cause:

    1. hard steering and damage to the steering axle and tires
    2. poor traction on the drive wheels and wear on the rear tires
    3. a lower center of gravity and better handling in curves
    4. less stopping distance and quicker steering response

    Answer: A. Too much steering axle weight makes steering hard and can damage the axle and tires.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires.

  20. #20

    What can happen if you shift the weight too far to the rear?

    1. The steering axle will wear out faster from heavy weight
    2. The drive wheels will have too much traction
    3. The steering axle weight may become too light to steer safely
    4. The center of gravity will drop

    Answer: C. Shifting weight too far to the rear under-loads the front axle, which can make steering unsafe.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Under-loaded front axles (caused by shifting weight too far to the rear) can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely.

  21. #21

    Blocking is used to:

    1. keep a piece of cargo from sliding
    2. hold cargo from the top to the walls of the compartment
    3. cover the cargo from weather
    4. protect the driver from cargo in a crash

    Answer: A. Blocking is placed at the front, back and/or sides of cargo to keep it from sliding.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding.

  22. #22

    Bracing goes from:

    1. the front of the cargo forward to the headache rack behind the cab wall
    2. the cargo deck down to the trailer frame and the lower crossmembers
    3. one side of the cargo across to the opposite side of the cargo compartment
    4. the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment

    Answer: D. Bracing runs from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the compartment.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/ or walls of the cargo compartment.

  23. #23

    What is the purpose of front-end header boards (headache racks)?

    1. To keep the cargo dry in bad weather and protect it from rain
    2. To protect you from your cargo in a crash or emergency stop
    3. To hold the tiedowns in place and keep them from loosening
    4. To increase the legal cargo weight the vehicle may carry

    Answer: B. Header boards block forward movement of cargo and protect the driver in a crash or emergency stop.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Front-end header boards (“headache racks”) protect you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency stop.

  24. #24

    What are the two basic reasons for covering cargo?

    1. To reduce fuel use and to lower the center of gravity
    2. To protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from weather
    3. To hide the cargo and to avoid inspections
    4. To increase cargo weight and to balance the load

    Answer: B. The two reasons are protecting people from spilled cargo and protecting the cargo from weather.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70To protect people from spilled cargo. To protect the cargo from weather.

  25. #25

    Why should you look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time?

    1. A cover can only be adjusted while you are parked, so you must check it often
    2. Covers must be checked only when the cargo is wet, to be sure the load stays dry
    3. It is required by law to prove that the cargo is within the legal weight limit
    4. A flapping cover can tear loose, uncover the cargo and block your view or someone else's

    Answer: D. A flapping cover can tear loose, uncover the cargo, and possibly block your view or another driver's.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70A flapping cover can tear loose, uncovering the cargo, and possibly block your view or someone else’s.

  26. #26

    Why can tiedowns be important in a closed van?

    1. To prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle
    2. To keep rain and road dust off the cargo inside the van
    3. They are never needed in closed vans because the walls hold the load
    4. To make the cargo count toward the weight limit of the vehicle

    Answer: A. In closed vans, tiedowns prevent cargo shifting that may affect how the vehicle handles.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70In closed vans, tiedowns can also be important to prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle.

  27. #27

    On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to:

    1. make the trailer lighter
    2. lower the GVWR
    3. keep it from shifting or falling off
    4. avoid the need for a cover

    Answer: C. Cargo on flatbeds or trailers without sides must be secured so it does not shift or fall off.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to keep it from shifting or falling off.

  28. #28

    If someone else loads and secures your cargo, who is responsible for inspecting it?

    1. Only the person who loaded it
    2. The shipper alone
    3. No one, if the load is already secured
    4. You, the driver

    Answer: D. Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for inspecting it.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for: Inspecting your cargo.

  29. #29

    If you carry hazardous material that requires placards on your vehicle, you also need:

    1. a passenger endorsement
    2. a hazardous materials endorsement
    3. a school bus endorsement
    4. a special tiedown permit

    Answer: B. Carrying hazardous material that requires placards also requires a hazardous materials endorsement.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69If you intend to carry hazardous material that requires placards on your vehicle, you will also need to have a hazardous materials endorsement.

  30. #30

    Over-length, over-width and/or overweight loads require:

    1. a hazardous materials endorsement
    2. a second driver
    3. special transit permits
    4. a tanker endorsement

    Answer: C. Oversized loads require special transit permits, and driving is usually limited to certain times.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 71Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require special transit permits.

  31. #31

    A high center of gravity is most dangerous:

    1. in curves, or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard
    2. when driving straight on a flat road at a steady speed
    3. when the truck is parked on level ground with the brake set
    4. only on long downgrades, when the brakes are getting hot

    Answer: A. A high center of gravity makes tipping over more likely, and it is most dangerous in curves or when swerving.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 69It is most dangerous in curves, or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard.

  32. #32

    Which of these are tensioning devices used with tiedowns?

    1. Header boards and false bulkheads
    2. Blocking and bracing
    3. Winches, ratchets and clinching components
    4. Placards and permits

    Answer: C. The manual lists winches, ratchets and clinching components as tensioning devices.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 3, p. 70Proper tiedown equipment must be used, including ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices (winches, ratchets, clinching components).
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