ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Handling and Documenting Cargo Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: According to FMCSA regulations, how soon after beginning a trip must you inspect your cargo securement?

Within the first 10 miles
Within the first 25 miles
Within the first 50 miles (Correct answer)
At the first rest stop

Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

FMCSA requires drivers to inspect their cargo and securement devices within the first 50 miles of a trip and then every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 392.9 and 393.100) require that drivers inspect their cargo and its securement within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. After that initial check, inspections must occur at every change of duty status, every 150 miles, or every 3 hours (whichever comes first). These inspections verify that cargo has not shifted, securement devices remain tight, and the load is still within legal weight limits.

Question 2: What is the minimum number of tie-downs required for a 15-foot long cargo item?

One tie-down
Two tie-downs (Correct answer)
Three tie-downs
Four tie-downs

Correct answer: Two tie-downs

Cargo up to 5 feet long requires at least one tie-down, and an additional tie-down is required for each additional 10 feet or fraction thereof. A 15-foot item needs 2 tie-downs.

FMCSA's cargo securement rules (49 CFR 393.106) establish minimum tie-down requirements based on article length. One tie-down is needed for articles 5 feet or shorter, provided the article is at least half the width of the vehicle. For articles longer than 5 feet, one additional tie-down is required for each additional 10 feet or fraction thereof. So for a 15-foot item: 1 (for first 5 feet) + 1 (for remaining 10 feet) = 2 tie-downs minimum. This is a minimum; more should be used if needed.

Question 3: What information must be included on a bill of lading?

Only the shipper name and destination
Description of cargo, weight, shipper, consignee, and number of packages (Correct answer)
Just the weight and destination address
Only what the driver needs for delivery

Correct answer: Description of cargo, weight, shipper, consignee, and number of packages

A bill of lading must include a description of the cargo, total weight, shipper and consignee information, and the number of packages or handling units.

The bill of lading is the primary shipping document and must contain: the shipper's name and address, the consignee's (receiver's) name and address, a description of the freight (commodity, class, NMFC item number), the number of handling units or packages, the weight of the shipment, and any special handling instructions. For hazardous materials, additional information is required including the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN identification number, and packing group. The driver should verify the bill of lading matches the actual cargo before departure.

Question 4: What is the primary purpose of blocking and bracing cargo?

To make the load look neat
To prevent cargo from shifting during transport (Correct answer)
To reduce the weight of the load
To protect the cargo from rain

Correct answer: To prevent cargo from shifting during transport

Blocking and bracing prevents cargo from shifting forward, backward, or sideways during transport, which could cause load instability and potentially a crash.

Blocking and bracing are cargo securement methods that fill voids between cargo items and between cargo and the walls of the trailer. Blocking uses pieces of wood, inflatable dunnage bags, or other materials placed against cargo to prevent movement. Bracing uses bars, struts, or jacks placed between the cargo and trailer walls. Together, they prevent cargo from shifting during acceleration, braking, and turning. Shifted cargo can change the vehicle's center of gravity, potentially causing a rollover, and can also break through trailer walls.

Question 5: What is the maximum height for cargo on most public roads?

12 feet 6 inches
13 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)
14 feet 6 inches
There is no maximum height

Correct answer: 13 feet 6 inches

The standard maximum vehicle height on most US roads is 13 feet 6 inches, though some states and routes may have different restrictions.

While the federal government does not set a specific height limit, the industry standard and most common state limit is 13 feet 6 inches (4.11 meters). This has become the de facto standard because most bridges and overpasses are built with this clearance in mind. Some states allow up to 14 feet, while others may have lower limits on certain routes. Drivers must be aware of route-specific height restrictions and plan routes accordingly using commercial vehicle GPS or route planning tools. Striking a low bridge or overpass is a serious and costly incident.

Question 6: When hauling a sealed trailer, what is the driver's responsibility regarding the cargo?

The driver has no responsibility for sealed trailer contents
The driver must verify the seal number matches the shipping documents (Correct answer)
The driver must open and inspect the cargo personally
The driver only needs to check the cargo weight

Correct answer: The driver must verify the seal number matches the shipping documents

For sealed trailers, the driver cannot inspect the contents but must verify that the seal number on the trailer matches the seal number recorded on the shipping documents.

Sealed trailers present a unique situation for drivers. The seal prevents the driver from personally inspecting the cargo, but the driver still has responsibilities. The driver must verify that the seal number matches what is listed on the bill of lading or shipping documents. The driver should also inspect the exterior of the trailer for obvious signs of overloading (sagging, leaning) and note the condition of the seal (intact, undamaged). If the seal is broken or missing, the driver should contact the dispatcher before accepting the load.

ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Handling and Documenting Cargo Questions and Answers 2

According to FMCSA regulations, how soon after beginning a trip must you inspect your cargo securement?