ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Entry Level Driver Training Handling and Documenting Cargo 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the aggregate working load limit (WLL) for all cargo securement devices used on a single load?
- At least half the weight of the cargo being secured (Correct answer)
- At least equal to the total weight of the cargo being secured
- At least one and a half times the weight of the cargo being secured
- At least twice the weight of the cargo being secured
Correct answer: At least half the weight of the cargo being secured
FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 393.102) require that the aggregate WLL of all securement devices used for a cargo load must be at least 50% (one-half) of the total weight of that cargo.
Question 2: Which document serves as the legal contract between a shipper and a carrier that describes the cargo being transported?
- Driver's daily log
- Bill of lading (Correct answer)
- Pre-trip inspection report
- Weight ticket
Correct answer: Bill of lading
A bill of lading is the legally binding document that acts as a receipt, a contract, and a document of title between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the cargo type, quantity, and destination.
Question 3: When must a CMV driver stop to re-examine cargo securement after the initial check within the first 50 miles?
- Every 150 miles or 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first (Correct answer)
- Every 250 miles or 4 hours of driving, whichever comes first
- Every 200 miles or 5 hours of driving, whichever comes first
- Only when stopping for fuel
Correct answer: Every 150 miles or 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first
Under 49 CFR 392.9, after the initial 50-mile check, drivers must re-inspect cargo securement at intervals not exceeding 150 miles or 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first, and after any change in duty status.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable cargo weight on any single axle of a commercial vehicle on interstate highways under federal bridge law?
- 20,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 34,000 lbs
- 40,000 lbs
- 80,000 lbs
Correct answer: 20,000 lbs
Federal bridge law limits a single axle to 20,000 lbs, a tandem axle group to 34,000 lbs, and the gross vehicle weight to 80,000 lbs on interstate highways to protect road and bridge infrastructure.
Question 5: When loading cargo, what is the preferred placement for heavier items in relation to lighter items?
- On top of lighter items to keep the center of gravity high
- As low as possible and centered over or between the axles (Correct answer)
- At the rear of the trailer for easier unloading
- Evenly distributed only across the width of the trailer
Correct answer: As low as possible and centered over or between the axles
Heavy cargo should be placed as low as possible and centered over or between axles to lower the center of gravity, improve stability, and distribute weight evenly across the axles to avoid overloading.
Question 6: Which of the following must a driver verify before accepting a load described on a shipping document?
- That the cargo matches the description on the shipping papers in type, quantity, and condition (Correct answer)
- That the shipper's signature appears in blue ink only
- That the vehicle identification number is printed on every page
- That the broker's contact information is listed on the bill of lading
Correct answer: That the cargo matches the description on the shipping papers in type, quantity, and condition
Before accepting a load, a driver must compare the actual cargo against the shipping papers to confirm that the cargo type, quantity, and apparent condition match what is documented, ensuring accuracy and liability protection.
ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Entry Level Driver Training Handling and Documenting Cargo 1
What is the aggregate working load limit (WLL) for all cargo securement devices used on a single load?