CDL General Knowledge Test · CDL General Knowledge Test
CDL General Knowledge Test: Cargo Safety Concepts
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Overview
This chapter covers the driver's duty to haul cargo safely, even when someone else loaded it. Loose or poorly balanced cargo can fall off, shift in a quick stop, overload the vehicle, or make it hard to steer.
Check the cargo during your pre-trip inspection, again within the first 50 miles, and then every 3 hours or 150 miles and after every break. Know the weight terms: gross vehicle weight is what the vehicle and load actually weigh, and the rating is the maximum the manufacturer allows. Keep the load low with the heaviest items under the lightest, and balance it so the steering and drive axles each carry enough weight.
Use blocking, bracing, and tiedowns to stop cargo from moving. Use at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo and never fewer than two. Cover open loads to protect people from spills and the cargo from weather. You cannot inspect a sealed load, but you must still make sure you are within gross and axle weight limits.
Key concepts
Cargo re-check schedule
Inspect cargo and securing devices within the first 50 miles of a trip, then after every 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, and after every break.
Memory tip50 miles first, then 3 hours or 150 miles.
Source: New York State DMV Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10), Sections 2 and 3 · as of 2026
GVW and GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual total weight of a single vehicle and its load. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum GVW set by the manufacturer. GCW and GCWR mean the same for combinations.
Memory tipThe R stands for the maker's Rating (the limit).
Center of gravity
How high the weight sits. A high center of gravity makes rollover more likely, especially in curves or a swerve. Keep cargo low, with the heaviest items under the lightest.
Memory tipHeavy on the bottom, light on top.
Weight balance
Too much weight on the steering axle makes steering hard. Too little makes the front too light to steer safely. Too little weight on the drive axles gives poor traction.
Memory tipEach axle needs its fair share.
Tiedown rule
Use at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo, and at least two no matter how small the cargo. The total working load limit must be at least half the cargo's weight.
Memory tipOne per 10 feet, never fewer than two.
Source: New York State DMV Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10), Section 3 · as of 2026
Often tested
- Re-check cargo within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles.
- Use at least one tiedown per 10 feet of cargo, and at least two.
- Put the heaviest cargo low, under the lightest cargo.
- Too little weight on the front axle makes steering unsafe.
- You cannot inspect a sealed load, but you must stay within weight limits.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. No matter how small the cargo, what is the minimum number of tiedowns?
- ① One
- ② Two
- ③ Four
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Answer: ② Two
Key point: Always at least two tiedowns
Use at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo. No matter how small the cargo, use at least two tiedowns.
Wrong choices
- One: One tiedown is never enough, even for small cargo.
- Four: Four may be needed for longer cargo, but the minimum is two.
Question 2. After you start a trip, when should you first re-check your cargo and its securing devices?
- ① Within the first 150 miles
- ② At the end of the day
- ③ Within the first 50 miles
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Answer: ③ Within the first 50 miles
Key point: First cargo check within 50 miles
Inspect the cargo and its securing devices within the first 50 miles of a trip. After that, re-check every 3 hours or 150 miles (whichever comes first) and after every break.
Wrong choices
- Within the first 150 miles: 150 miles is the later re-check interval, not the first check.
- At the end of the day: Cargo must be checked early in the trip.
Question 3. After the first check, how often should you re-check cargo during a trip?
- ① After every 6 hours or 300 miles of driving
- ② Only once a day, at your last stop
- ③ After every 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, and after every break
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Answer: ③ After every 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, and after every break
Key point: Re-check every 3 hours or 150 miles
After the first check within 50 miles, re-check the cargo and securing devices after every 3 hours or 150 miles of driving (whichever comes first) and after every break.
Wrong choices
- After every 6 hours or 300 miles of driving: This is twice as long as the rule.
- Only once a day, at your last stop: Cargo can loosen and must be checked during the trip.