LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum weight allowed on a single axle of a rigid goods vehicle?
- 11.5 tonnes for a drive axle, 10 tonnes for a steering axle (Correct answer)
- 15 tonnes for any axle
- 8 tonnes for any single axle
- 10 tonnes for any axle
Correct answer: 11.5 tonnes for a drive axle, 10 tonnes for a steering axle
The maximum axle weight for a standard drive axle is 11.5 tonnes. Steering axles are limited to 10 tonnes. Exceeding these limits is an offence even if the gross vehicle weight is within legal limits.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'working load limit' (WLL) marked on load securing equipment?
- The maximum force the equipment is rated to withstand in normal use (Correct answer)
- The maximum weight the strap can hold vertically
- The total weight of cargo it can secure on its own
- The breaking strength of the equipment
Correct answer: The maximum force the equipment is rated to withstand in normal use
The WLL is the maximum force the securing device (strap, chain, etc.) is designed to restrain in normal conditions. It is typically one-third of the breaking strength and is the figure used when calculating whether you have enough securing capacity for your load.
Question 3: When must a load that overhangs the front of a vehicle be marked?
- When the overhang exceeds 2 metres beyond the front of the vehicle (Correct answer)
- When it extends beyond the cab
- When it extends beyond 1 metre from the front axle
- Front overhang is never permitted
Correct answer: When the overhang exceeds 2 metres beyond the front of the vehicle
Front overhang of up to 2 metres beyond the front of the vehicle does not require special marking. Beyond 2 metres, it must be marked with an end marker board or light. Larger overhangs require abnormal load procedures.
Question 4: What is meant by 'blocking and bracing' as a load securing method?
- Using rigid structures (wooden chocks, metal beams) to prevent cargo from sliding (Correct answer)
- Using extra lashing straps
- Positioning the heaviest cargo at the rear
- Wrapping cargo in protective material
Correct answer: Using rigid structures (wooden chocks, metal beams) to prevent cargo from sliding
Blocking and bracing uses rigid structures such as wooden chocks, metal beams, or blocking frames positioned against the cargo to prevent it from sliding in any direction. It works by absorbing the forces through rigid contact.
Question 5: What is a 'vehicle excise licence' (VED) and how is it related to vehicle weight?
- Road tax — higher rates apply to heavier vehicles (Correct answer)
- A licence to carry hazardous goods
- A vehicle operating permit
- A driver's licence for heavy vehicles
Correct answer: Road tax — higher rates apply to heavier vehicles
Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) rates for HGVs are related to the vehicle's gross weight and axle configuration. Higher duty applies to heavier vehicles because they cause more road wear.
Question 6: A rigid 26-tonne lorry is loaded with steel coils. What securing method is most appropriate?
- Direct lashing with rated chains or straps attached to anchor points, with timber chocking to prevent rolling (Correct answer)
- Top-over lashing only, which is sufficient for heavy loads
- A net covering the load
- Tarpaulin strapping
Correct answer: Direct lashing with rated chains or straps attached to anchor points, with timber chocking to prevent rolling
Steel coils are heavy, round, and prone to rolling. They require direct lashing to anchor points with rated chains or straps, and timber or steel chocking to prevent them from rolling. Top-over lashing alone is insufficient for rolling cargo.
LGV Load Securing & Weight Limits 3
What is the maximum weight allowed on a single axle of a rigid goods vehicle?