CDL General Knowledge TestTransporting Cargo SafelyHard
A driver is transporting 5 large rolls of paper, each weighing 8,000 pounds. The rolls are placed side-by-side on a flatbed trailer. According to securement regulations, what is the minimum total working load limit (WLL) required for all tie-downs combined to secure this entire load?
- A8,000 pounds
- B40,000 pounds
- C20,000 pounds
- D80,000 pounds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 20,000 pounds
The total weight of the load is 5 rolls * 8,000 pounds/roll = 40,000 pounds. Federal regulations require that the aggregate working load limit (WLL) of all tie-downs used to secure an article of cargo must be at least one-half (50%) of the weight of the article. Therefore, the minimum total WLL required is 40,000 pounds / 2 = 20,000 pounds.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; this is only 1/5th of the required WLL.
- B. Incorrect; this is the total weight of the load, not the required WLL.
- D. Incorrect; this is double the total weight of the load, significantly more than required.
Aggregate WLL Calculation
The sum of working load limits of all tie-downs must equal at least half of the total cargo weight.
- WLL must be 50% or more of cargo weight.
- Applies to the entire load or individual articles, depending on securement.
- Essential for preventing cargo movement.
Memory trick: Sum the weights, halve the sum, that's the WLL to overcome.