CMC Load Planning & Weight Distribution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When loading a moving truck, where should the heaviest appliances like refrigerators and washers be positioned?
- Centered in the middle of the truck
- Against the cab wall on the floor (Correct answer)
- Near the rear doors for easy access
- On top of padded furniture
Correct answer: Against the cab wall on the floor
Heavy appliances should be placed against the cab wall (front) on the floor to keep the center of gravity low and forward, improving vehicle stability.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of using load bars (also called cargo bars) in a moving truck?
- To hang garment boxes from
- To mark weight zones within the trailer
- To prevent loads from shifting laterally during transit (Correct answer)
- To support the weight of stacked boxes
Correct answer: To prevent loads from shifting laterally during transit
Load bars brace cargo against the sidewalls of the truck, preventing lateral shifting during turns and stops.
Question 3: A customer's shipment includes a grand piano. Which load placement strategy is most appropriate?
- Centered lengthwise, elevated on a dolly
- Against the cab wall, on its side with legs removed (Correct answer)
- Near the rear doors for quick unloading
- In the middle of the truck bed between other furniture
Correct answer: Against the cab wall, on its side with legs removed
Grand pianos should be positioned against the cab wall with legs removed and placed on their side (key side up) to keep weight forward and low.
Question 4: When stacking boxes in a moving truck, which practice best prevents crushing damage?
- Stack heaviest boxes on top to anchor lighter ones
- Alternate heavy and light boxes in each column
- Place heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top (Correct answer)
- Lay all boxes flat on their sides to maximize space
Correct answer: Place heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top
Heaviest boxes go on the bottom so their weight is supported by the truck floor, not by the contents of lighter boxes below.
Question 5: What does 'axle weight rating' refer to in the context of moving truck operations?
- The total payload capacity of the entire vehicle
- The maximum load each axle is designed to safely carry (Correct answer)
- The weight of the truck's axle assembly itself
- The minimum load required for safe axle operation
Correct answer: The maximum load each axle is designed to safely carry
Axle weight rating is the manufacturer's specified maximum weight that a single axle can safely support, and exceeding it is a federal violation.
Question 6: Which scenario represents an improper weight distribution that could cause a moving truck to 'fishtail'?
- Most of the weight concentrated near the cab
- Weight evenly distributed from front to rear
- Majority of weight loaded toward the rear of the truck (Correct answer)
- Heavy items on the floor with lighter items stacked above
Correct answer: Majority of weight loaded toward the rear of the truck
Rear-heavy loads shift the vehicle's center of gravity backward, causing the rear axle to become unstable and fishtail, especially during braking.
Question 7: When planning a load for a long-distance move, why is it important to consider item accessibility during transit?
- DOT regulations require a specific access aisle in all trailers
- Customers may need essential items before full delivery (Correct answer)
- It reduces the total weight of the shipment
- Accessibility planning lowers fuel costs significantly
Correct answer: Customers may need essential items before full delivery
On long-distance moves, customers sometimes need access to essential items at intermediate stops, so critical items should be loaded last (near the doors).
CMC Load Planning & Weight Distribution 2
When loading a moving truck, where should the heaviest appliances like refrigerators and washers be positioned?