CDL Practice Tests: Flatbed Cargo Securement
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Go!As part of their pre-trip cargo securement inspection, drivers should:
- Make sure cargo is properly secured.
- All of these apply.
- Inform carrier of any inadequate packaging.
- Check for anything that will obscure their vision.
Driver inspection checklist:
Pre-Trip
- Make sure that cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured (in other words, according to the Standard).
- Make sure that all securement equipment and vehicle structures are in good working order and used consistent with their capability.
- Stow vehicle equipment.
- Make sure that nothing obscures front and side views or interferes with the ability to drive the vehicle or respond in an emergency.
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Inform carrier if packaging is not adequate. For example:
- Banding is loose or not symmetrical on package.
- Banding attachment device(s) are inefficient.
- Wrapping is broken or ineffective.
- Pallets are broken.
When securing a single metal coil with eyes vertical:
- Attach at least one tiedown diagonally across eye of coil from left side of vehicle to right side of vehicle.
- Attach at least one tiedown diagonally across eye of coil from right side of vehicle to left side of vehicle.
- These are all requirements.
- Attach at least one tiedown over eye of coil from side-to-side.
To prevent the coil from tipping forward, rearward, and sideways, arrange tiedowns to include the following:
- Attach at least one tiedown diagonally across eye of coil from left side of vehicle to right side of vehicle.
- Attach at least one tiedown diagonally across eye of coil from right side of vehicle to left side of vehicle.
- Attach at least one tiedown over eye of coil from side-to-side.
Working Load Limit (WLL)is defined as:
- The maximum load that may be applied to a component of a cargo securement system during normal service, usually assigned by the manufacturer of the component.
- The acceleration due to gravity, 9.823 m/sec2 (32.2 ft/sec2).
- The summation of the working load limits or restraining capacity of all devices used to secure an article on a vehicle.
- The number of hours that a tiedown can be used.
Working Load Limit (WLL):
The maximum load that may be applied to a component of a cargo securement system during normal service, usually assigned by the manufacturer of the component.
When loading and securing a boulder, it should be:
- All of these are requirements.
- Placed on symmetrical hardwood blocking that extends 3/4 of the length of the boulder.
- Supported on at least 2 pieces of 4in x 4in hardwood blocking, extending the full width of the boulder.
- Placed on the vehicle with its largest or flattest side down.
Requirements
Place each boulder on the vehicle with its flattest and/or largest side down.
Support each boulder on at least two pieces of hardwood blocking (at least 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) that extend the full width of the boulder.
Place hardwood blocking pieces as symmetrically as possible under the boulder so they support at least 3/4 of the length of the boulder.
Methods of securing building materials against forward motion include:
- Employing blocking equipment.
- Placing bundles against the bulkhead or front end.
- Using tiedowns.
- These are all valid methods.
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Option #1
Place bundles against bulkhead/front end structure.
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Option #2
When different tiers need to be secured, use a combination of blocking equipment and tiedowns.
Which of the following is not a requirement for shortwood loaded lengthwise?
- Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 6 in beyond the stakes at each end.
- Heavier logs must be stacked on top.
- Logs should be centered in the bunk.
- Must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
Requirements for shortwood loaded lengthwise
- Shortwood must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
- Logs should be centered in the bunk.
- Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes at each end.
In what circumstance can shortwood be treated as longwood?
- When it is stacked long-ways on the trailer.
- When it is embedded in a stack of longwood.
- Right after it is cut down.
- When it is painted green on the ends.
What's in a stack?
Some stacks may be made up of both shortwood and longwood. Any stack that includes shortwood must follow the shortwood securement requirements.
Exception: If shortwood is embedded in load of longwood, it can be treated as longwood.
What is the Aggregate WLL of the securement system for a load secured with 7 tiedowns: 3 rated at WLL of 4,000 lbs, 2 at 6,500, and 1 at 8,000?
- 33,000 lbs
- 16,500 lbs
- 8,250 lbs
- 10,000 lbs
How do you calculate Aggregate Working Load Limit for tiedowns?
To calculate Aggregate Working Load limit, add together:
- 50% of the WLL of each end section of a tiedown that is attached to an anchor point.
- 50% of the WLL of each end section that is attached to the cargo
What is the minimum WLL of each tiedown used to secure crushed or flattened vehicles?
- 5,000 lbs
- 10,000 lbs
- 2,268 lbs
- It depends on the vehicle
Option 2:
Has containment walls on three sides that:
- Extend to the full height of the load
- Block against cargo movement in the forward, rearward, and one sideways direction.
Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of two tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).
Option 3:
Has containment walls on two sides that:
- Extend to the full height of the load.
- Block against cargo movement in the forward and rearward.
Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of three tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).
Option 4:
Has a minimum of four tiedowns per vehicle stack with each tiedown having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).
Which of the following is not an acceptable method of containing loose parts when securing flattened or crushed vehicles?
- Sideboards or sides.
- Suitable covering material.
- Structural walls.
- Wedge them in between the flattened cars.
Containing Loose Parts
Use a containment system that:
- Prevents loose parts from falling from all four sides of the vehicle AND
- Extends to the full height of the cargo.
The containment system can consist of one or a combination of the following methods.
- Structural walls.
- Sides or sideboards.
- Suitable covering material.
The use of synthetic material for containment of loose parts is permitted.
About The Flatbed Cargo Securement CDL Manual
Studying the flatbed cargo securement CDL manual is not a requirement for getting your CDL permit or license. It is required knowledge for flatbed drivers.
Some questions you should be able to answer for flatbed cargo securement:
- What is the minimum Working Load Limit of a tiedown used to secure logs?
- What is the minimum weight of a shipment of paper rolls that would require specific securement requirements?
- When securing concrete pipe over 45 inches loaded crosswise, which direction must the tiedowns on the front half of the load run?
- What is a cab shield?
- When securing concrete pipe over 45 inches loaded crosswise, which direction must the tiedowns on the rear half of the load run?
- What is a dunnage bag?
- Who is responsible for inspecting securing devices and cargo within the first 50 miles?
- How many tiedowns are required on a stack of shortwood loaded crosswise?
- What is the minimum working load limit of each tiedown used to secure crushed or flattened vehicles?
- Define 'bolster'
- What is a hook-lift container?
- When a tiedown is attached directly to the cargo, what is the ideal angle where it attached to the vehicle?
What is a securing device?
Any device specifically manufactured to attach or secure cargo to a vehicle or trailer:
- Synthetic Webbing
- Chain
- Wire rope
- Manila rope
- Synthetic rope
- Steel strapping
- Clamps and latches
- Blocking
- Front-end structure
- Grab hooks
- Binders
- Shackles
- Winches
- Stake pockets
- D-rings
- Webbing ratchet
- Bracing
- Friction mat
What is a tiedown?
A combination of securing devices that forms an assembly that:
- Attaches cargo to, or restrains cargo on a vehicle.
- Is attached to anchor point(s).
Some tiedowns are attached to the cargo and provide direct resistance to restrain the cargo from movement.
Some tie-downs pass over or through the cargo. They create a downward force that increases the effect of friction between the cargo and the deck. This friction restrains the cargo.
Related Cargo Securement Terms That Every Driver Should Know:
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Tiedown:
A combination of securing devices which form an assembly that attaches cargo to, or restrains cargo on, a vehicle or trailer, and is attached to anchor point(s).
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Contained:
Cargo is contained if it fills a sided vehicle, and every article is in contact with or sufficiently close to a wall or other articles so that it cannot shift or tip if those other articles are also unable to shift or tip.
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Blocking:
A structure, device, or another substantial article placed against or around an article to prevent horizontal movement of the article.
How should tiedowns be attached?
Tiedowns can be used in two ways:
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Attached to the cargo:
- Tiedowns attached to the vehicle and attached to the cargo.
- Tiedowns attached to the vehicle, pass through or aroundan article of cargo, and then are attached to the vehicle again.
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Pass over the cargo:
- Tiedowns attached to the vehicle, passed over the cargo, and then attached to the vehicle again.
Tiedown placement:
Place the tiedown as close as possible to the spacer.
Position the tiedowns as symetrically as possible over the length of the article.
Position the tiedowns to preserve the integrity of the article.
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