DOT Cargo Securement Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 49 CFR Part 393, what is the required deceleration resistance for cargo securement systems?
- 0.2 g
- 0.5 g
- 0.8 g (Correct answer)
- 1.0 g
Correct answer: 0.8 g
Cargo securement systems must resist 0.8 g of deceleration in the forward direction per FMCSA standards.
Question 2: Which type of load is exempt from standard tiedown requirements and may instead use a friction mat alone?
- Steel plates over 2,000 lbs
- Intermodal containers on chassis
- Cargo in an enclosed trailer with full contact floor (Correct answer)
- No load is exempt from tiedowns under any circumstance
Correct answer: Cargo in an enclosed trailer with full contact floor
Cargo contained within a fully enclosed trailer may rely on the trailer walls and floor friction without additional tiedowns in some configurations.
Question 3: What is the minimum angle a tiedown must form with the horizontal surface to be counted toward the WLL calculation?
- 10 degrees
- 20 degrees
- 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
Correct answer: 30 degrees
Tiedowns must form an angle of at least 30 degrees with the horizontal to provide effective vertical force on the cargo.
Question 4: When inspecting a vehicle carrying heavy machinery, what must the inspector verify regarding blocking and bracing?
- Blocking must be constructed of aluminum only
- Blocking must be capable of withstanding the forces applied by the secured cargo (Correct answer)
- Bracing is only required for loads over 10,000 lbs
- No blocking is needed if four tiedowns are used
Correct answer: Blocking must be capable of withstanding the forces applied by the secured cargo
Blocking and bracing must be strong enough to bear the forces generated by the cargo during transport.
Question 5: What regulation governs the securement of large boulders on flatbed trailers?
- They must be secured identically to lumber
- FMCSA has specific rules for naturally formed stone (Correct answer)
- Boulders are exempt if less than 5 tons
- Standard coil rules apply to boulders
Correct answer: FMCSA has specific rules for naturally formed stone
49 CFR Part 393 subpart I includes specific securement requirements for naturally formed stone products including boulders.
Question 6: During a DOT inspection, the inspector notices a chain tiedown with a broken link. What action is required?
- The vehicle may continue if the remaining tiedowns are sufficient
- The broken link must be noted but does not affect compliance
- The chain tiedown must not be used and the cargo must be re-secured (Correct answer)
- The driver may repair the chain on-site and continue
Correct answer: The chain tiedown must not be used and the cargo must be re-secured
A broken link renders the tiedown unfit for use; cargo must be re-secured with undamaged tiedowns before travel continues.
Question 7: What is the maximum tiedown spacing allowed along the length of cargo that exceeds 10 feet in length?
- Every 5 feet
- Every 8 feet
- Every 10 feet (Correct answer)
- Every 12 feet
Correct answer: Every 10 feet
For cargo exceeding 10 feet in length, additional tiedowns must be placed so no more than 10 feet separates them.
DOT Cargo Securement Requirements 3
Under 49 CFR Part 393, what is the required deceleration resistance for cargo securement systems?