CDL General Knowledge TestTransporting Cargo SafelyMedium
During a pre-trip inspection, a driver notices that the aggregate working load limit (WLL) of the tie-downs used to secure a 40,000-pound load is 18,000 pounds. What action should the driver take?
- AProceed with caution, as it is close enough to the requirement.
- BReduce the number of tie-downs to save time.
- CDistribute the existing tie-downs differently without adding more.
- DAdd more tie-downs until the aggregate WLL meets or exceeds 20,000 pounds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Add more tie-downs until the aggregate WLL meets or exceeds 20,000 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. For a 40,000-pound load, the aggregate WLL must be at least 40,000 / 2 = 20,000 pounds. Since the current aggregate WLL is 18,000 pounds, the driver must add more tie-downs to meet the 20,000-pound minimum.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 18,000 pounds is significantly less than the required 20,000 pounds; proceeding would be unsafe and illegal.
- B. Reducing tie-downs would further decrease the WLL, making the situation more dangerous and non-compliant.
- C. Redistributing existing tie-downs will not increase the aggregate WLL, which is the primary issue here.
Aggregate Working Load Limit (WLL)
The sum of the working load limits of all tie-downs used to secure an article of cargo, which must be at least 50% of the cargo's weight.
- WLL is typically stamped on tie-down devices.
- Must be calculated for all tie-downs in use.
- Failure to meet WLL requirement is a serious safety violation.
Memory trick: Half the weight, total WLL must rate.