A truck's drive axles carry too little weight for the conditions. What problem becomes more likely?
Correct answer: Drive-wheel spin and poor traction.
Drive tires need suitable loading for traction. Too little drive-axle weight can make them spin easily, especially in bad weather. Do not solve one weight problem by creating another unsafe distribution.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.2.4 Balance the Weight; physical PDF page 133 (printed 133); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Why might carrying a legal maximum load still be unsuitable for a particular trip?
Correct answer: Mountain grades or bad weather can make that load unsafe for the conditions.
Legal limits are not a guarantee that operating at the maximum is safe in every situation. Grade, weather and vehicle condition can call for a more conservative load or operating plan.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.2.2 Legal Weight Limits; physical PDF page 132 (printed 132); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
What is the purpose of snug blocking secured against a piece of cargo?
Correct answer: To prevent the cargo from sliding in the restrained direction.
Blocking fits against cargo and is secured to resist movement. It is part of a properly designed securement arrangement, not a universal replacement for every other required device.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.1 Blocking and Bracing; physical PDF page 134 (printed 134); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Which arrangement best describes cargo bracing in the handbook?
Correct answer: Support running from the upper cargo toward the floor or walls.
Bracing supports cargo against movement, often between its upper portion and the floor or compartment walls. Use sound material and suitable attachment, not a loose object mistaken for a restraint.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.1 Blocking and Bracing; physical PDF page 134 (printed 134); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Why may freight inside a closed van trailer still need tiedowns or other restraint?
Correct answer: It can shift inside and change the vehicle's handling.
Enclosing freight does not necessarily immobilize it. Movement inside the trailer can upset handling or damage the load and vehicle, so use an appropriate securement arrangement.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.2 Cargo Tie-down; physical PDF page 134 (printed 134); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
What are the two basic purposes of covering an open load described in the handbook?
Correct answer: Protect people from spilled cargo and protect the cargo from weather.
A cover can help prevent spillage and protect freight from weather. It does not automatically replace the restraints needed to stop the load from shifting or falling.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.4 Covering Cargo; physical PDF page 135 (printed 135); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You are not permitted to open a sealed load for inspection. What weight checks still matter?
Correct answer: The vehicle's gross weight and individual axle-weight limits.
A sealed load does not excuse excessive gross or axle weight. Use the available weight information and appropriate weighing checks rather than treating the seal as proof of acceptable loading.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.5 Sealed and Containerized Loads; physical PDF page 135 (printed 135); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Why does a dry-bulk tank or hopper require extra care on curves?
Correct answer: Its high center of gravity and shifting material can reduce stability.
Dry bulk is not necessarily a fixed, solid load. Its material can move, and the vehicle may have a high center of gravity. Approach curves slowly and smoothly with the actual load in mind.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.4.1 Dry Bulk; physical PDF page 135 (printed 135); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Why can hanging meat make a refrigerated truck especially unstable on a sharp ramp curve?
Correct answer: The suspended load can move and has a high center of gravity.
Suspended cargo can move and shift the vehicle's balance. Hanging meat also places weight high, so particular caution is needed on tight ramps and curves.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.4.2 Hanging Meat; physical PDF page 136 (printed 136); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Livestock is properly confined within a trailer. Why does the driver still need extra caution on curves?
Correct answer: The animals can lean or move, shifting the center of gravity.
Livestock can move or lean even when properly confined. That changes loading and can increase rollover risk, so suitable compartmenting does not replace careful speed and steering control.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.4.3 Livestock; physical PDF page 136 (printed 136); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A freight container has been placed on its intended truck chassis. Is placement alone enough to secure it?
Correct answer: No. Its proper locks or other required securement must be engaged.
Containers must be properly attached to the vehicle just like other cargo. Some use dedicated locks and frames; being seated in the intended position is not the same as being secured.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 3; 3.3.5 Sealed and Containerized Loads; physical PDF page 135 (printed 135); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Under the federal general cargo rule, how should an article likely to roll be restrained?
Correct answer: Use secured chocks, wedges, a cradle or an equivalent anti-roll method.
The anti-roll method must keep the article from rolling and must not become unintentionally loose or unfastened during transport. Its mere presence is not enough if it can move away.
Source: 49 CFR 393.106(c)(1); official eCFR XML retrieved for September 11, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Two articles are secured side by side with transverse tiedowns. What does the general federal rule require about the space between them?
Correct answer: Place them in contact or prevent them from shifting toward each other.
If articles move toward each other, the securement can lose effectiveness. The rule calls for direct contact or another arrangement that prevents that inward movement.
Source: 49 CFR 393.106(c)(2); official eCFR XML retrieved for September 11, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A tiedown touches a cargo edge that can cut or abrade it. What is required?
Correct answer: Suitable edge protection that resists abrasion, cutting and crushing.
Use edge protection when contact with the cargo could abrade or cut the tiedown. The protector itself must be able to resist abrasion, cutting and crushing.
Source: 49 CFR 393.104(f)(4); official eCFR XML retrieved for September 11, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A strap has a cut that reduces its securement performance. Can it be used merely because several undamaged straps are nearby?
Correct answer: No. A performance-reducing damaged component is not acceptable.
Securement devices must be in proper working order without damage that adversely affects performance. Other equipment does not make a defective component sound.
Source: 49 CFR 393.104(b); official eCFR XML retrieved for September 11, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver proposes shortening a tiedown by tying a knot in it. What does the federal securement-device rule say?
Correct answer: Tiedowns and securing devices must not contain knots.
The rule prohibits knots in tiedowns and securing devices. Use the appropriate equipment and adjustment method rather than modifying a restraint with a knot.
Source: 49 CFR 393.104(f)(1); official eCFR XML retrieved for September 11, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
