CDL General Knowledge TestTransporting Cargo SafelyMedium
A driver is transporting a flatbed load of lumber. According to federal regulations, what is the minimum number of tie-downs required for a 20-foot load of lumber that is not fully contained by the vehicle's structure?
- A5 tie-downs
- B3 tie-downs
- C4 tie-downs
- D2 tie-downs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 4 tie-downs
Federal regulations (specifically 393.110 and 393.106) state that cargo must be secured by at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo length, or fraction thereof. For a 20-foot load, this means 20 / 10 = 2 tie-downs. However, an additional regulation (393.110(b)) specifies that an article of cargo must be secured by at least two tie-downs regardless of length if it is not blocked or braced by the vehicle structure. Therefore, for a 20-foot load, you would need 2 (based on length) + 2 (minimum for unblocked cargo) = 4 tie-downs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; 5 tie-downs would be more than the minimum required by regulation for this specific scenario.
- B. Incorrect; this does not meet the minimum requirement for a 20-foot load.
- D. Incorrect; this would only apply to loads up to 10 feet if fully blocked or braced.
Tie-Down Regulations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) dictate the minimum number and strength of tie-downs required for cargo.
- At least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo.
- Minimum of two tie-downs for any article not fully contained.
- Tie-downs must be properly tensioned and free from damage.
Memory trick: Length + Minimum = Secure Load.