CDL General Knowledge TestTransporting Cargo SafelyMedium
A commercial driver is transporting a load of heavy, rigid cargo that is 12 feet long and weighs 15,000 pounds. The cargo is not blocked or braced against the front of the trailer. What is the minimum number of tiedowns required to secure this load?
- A2 tiedowns
- B5 tiedowns
- C4 tiedowns
- D3 tiedowns
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 3 tiedowns
Federal regulations specify that for cargo not blocked against the front, one tiedown is needed for every 10 feet of cargo length, or fraction thereof. Additionally, a minimum of two tiedowns are always required regardless of length. Given the cargo is 12 feet long, it requires at least two tiedowns based on length (12/10 = 1.2, rounded up to 2 segments, so 2 tiedowns) plus an additional tiedown because it's not blocked, making a total of 3.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This would be insufficient for a 12-foot load not blocked against the front.
- B. This amount is excessive for a 12-foot, 15,000-pound load under these conditions.
- C. This number of tiedowns would be required if the cargo were significantly longer or heavier.
Minimum Tiedowns (Length & Not Blocked)
Federal regulations dictate the minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length and whether it is blocked against the front.
- One tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo length or fraction thereof.
- Minimum of two tiedowns always required.
- An additional tiedown is needed if the cargo is not blocked against the front.
Memory trick: Lengthy loads need lots of loops unless blocked.