CDL Practice Tests: Flatbed Cargo Securement
Choose A Section:
Go!A sided vehicle containing cargo weighing 35,980 lbs must be able to withstand a rearward force of at least:
- 17,990 lbs
- 10,000 lbs
- 28,784 lbs
- 36,000 lbs
Note: If the cargo is contained in a sided vehicle, the vehicle structure MUST be strong enough to withstand the forces described earlier.
- Forward force: 0.8 g (80%)
- Rearward force: 0.5.g (50%)
- Sideways force: 0.5 g (50%)
When calculating directional forces, 'g' is expressed 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). For cargo securement purposes it is expressed as a percentage of cargo weight, i.e. .5g is 50% of force of gravity or 50% of cargo weight.
- The summation of the working load limits or restraining capacity of all devices used to secure an article on a vehicle.
- 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.
g:
The acceleration due to gravity, 9.823 m/sec2 (32.2 ft/sec2). For cargo securement purposes it is expressed as a percentage of cargo weight, i.e. .5g is 50% of force of gravity or 50% of cargo weight.
When securing rolls of paper with eyes vertical, how many points of contact are required to consider a roll secure?
- 1
- 3
- 4
- 2
Usually the roll is secure if a paper roll has 3 well-separated points of contact with the vehicle, other rolls, or other cargo.
What is the minimum number of tiedowns to use on a load 4ft 7in long, and weighing 1,237 lbs?
- 4
- 1
- 2
- 3
-
If load is 5ft or shorter, 1,100 lbs or lighter:
Minimum number of tiedowns: 1
-
If load is 5ft or shorter, over 1,100 lbs:
Minimum number of tiedowns: 2
-
If load is more than 5ft but less than 10ft:
Minimum number of tiedowns: 2
Within the requirements for concrete pipe, which of these requires specific securement methods?
- Concrete pipe eyes vertical and concrete pipe loaded lengthwise.
- Concrete pipe loaded cross-wise on a flatbed trailer.
- Concrete pipe loaded in a sided vehicle or container.
- Concrete pipe that is grouped together into a single rigid article and may not roll.
What is exempt from these specific requirements?
Follow general cargo securement requirements (Section 2) when transporting the following pipe:
- Concrete pipe that is grouped together into a single rigid article and may not roll.
- Concrete pipe loaded in a sided vehicle or container.
- Concrete pipe eyes vertical and concrete pipe loaded lengthwise.
What is covered under these specific requirements?
Any concrete pipe loaded crosswise on a platform trailer or vehicle that is not exempt.
The maximum distance from the rear allowed for attaching mechanisms used to secure roll-on/roll-off containers is:
- It doesn't matter.
- 3 feet
- 6 1/2 feet
- 2 feet
Attach mechanisms used to secure the rear end of a roll-on/roll-off or hook lift container no more than two meters (6.5 feet) from the rear of the container.
When securing concrete pipe loaded crosswise, arrange the top tier:
- As a partial tier in two groups.
- As a partial tier in one group.
- Any of these are acceptable.
- As a complete tier.
Requirements for arranging the top tier
Arrange the top tier as a complete tier, a partial tier in one group, or a partial tier in two groups.
When loading bell pipe on one tier, all of the following apply except:
- Load bell pipe on one tier so that the bells all lie on one side of the vehicle.
- If possible, the ends of consecutive pipe must be staggered within the allowable width.
- If the ends cannot be staggered, they must be aligned.
- Load bell pipe on one tier so that the bells alternate on opposite sides of the vehicle.
One tier
Load bell pipe on one tier so that the bells alternate on opposite sides of the vehicle.
If possible, the ends of consecutive pipe must be staggered within the allowable width.
If the ends cannot be staggered, they must be aligned.
When securing concrete pipe over 45 inches loaded crosswise, which direction must the tiedowns on the front half of the load run?
- It doesn't matter
- Rearward
- Straight up and down
- Forward
Requirements for securing the pipe
Secure each pipe with tiedowns through the pipe.
Run at least one tiedown through each pipe in the front half of the load. This includes the middle one if there are an odd number. The tiedown must run rearward at an angle not more than 45° with the horizontal when viewed from the side of the vehicle, whenever practicable.
Run at least one tiedown through each pipe in the rear half of the load. The tiedown must run forward at an angle not more than 45° with the horizontal when viewed from the side of the vehicle, whenever practicable. This holds each pipe firmly in contact with adjacent pipe.
Cargo securement for a load weighing 37,000 lbs must be able to withstand a minimum forward braking force of:
- 29,600 lbs
- 7,400 lbs
- 18,500 lbs
- 10,000 lbs
How well must the securement system work? (Section 1.3)
Each cargo securement system must be able to withstand a minimum amount of force in each direction.
- Forward Force = 80% of cargo weight when braking while driving straight ahead.
- Rearward Force = 50% of cargo weight when accelerating, shifting gears while climbing a hill, or braking in reverse.
- Sideways Force = 50% of cargo weight when turning, changing lanes, or braking while turning.
-
Upward Force = 20% of cargo weight when traveling over bumps in the road or cresting a hill.
- This requirement is satisfied when the cargo is "Fully Contained."
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:
-
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).
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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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