An article is exactly 10 feet long, not blocked against forward movement and covered by the general tiedown-count rule. What is the minimum count?
Correct answer: Two.
The two-tiedown length category includes articles longer than 5 feet and up to and including 10 feet, regardless of weight. The phrase 'including 10 feet' matters at this boundary.
Source: 49 CFR 393.110(b)(2)(ii); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
A 21-foot article is not blocked against forward movement and has no special-purpose exception. Under the general count rule, how many tiedowns are required at minimum?
Correct answer: Four.
Use two tiedowns for the first 10 feet, one for the next 10 feet and one for the remaining fraction: four total. Do not round the final foot down to zero.
Source: 49 CFR 393.110(b)(3); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
A 21-foot article is adequately blocked against forward movement and is subject to 49 CFR 393.110(c). What is the minimum tiedown count?
Correct answer: Three.
For the stated forward-blocked situation, use at least one tiedown for each 10 feet or fraction. Twenty-one feet therefore needs three. Blocking and tiedown strength must also be adequate.
Source: 49 CFR 393.110(c); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
An unusually shaped machine must be fastened by special methods and falls within 49 CFR 393.110(d). What does that exception mean?
Correct answer: The usual count formula does not apply, but the machine must still be securely fastened.
The special-purpose exception changes the application of the minimum-count formula. It does not remove the obligation to fasten the article securely and adequately or any other applicable requirements.
Source: 49 CFR 393.110(d); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
Which load is within the bulk-commodity exception to 49 CFR 393.106's article-securement provisions?
Correct answer: Loose grain in a hopper that forms part of the CMV's structure.
The stated exception concerns bulk material without a fixed shape transported in a structural tank, hopper, box or similar device. It is not a general permission for spillage or unsafe loading, and bagged articles are a different situation.
Source: 49 CFR 393.106(a); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
Cargo rests against a front-end structure used for securement. A gap is large enough for a contacting article to pass through. Does that satisfy the federal penetration-resistance requirement?
Correct answer: No. The structure must not have an opening that lets that article pass through.
The applicable front-end structure must resist penetration and have no aperture large enough for a contacting cargo article to pass through. A label or appearance does not establish the required protection.
Source: 49 CFR 393.114(a) and (d); eCFR title 49 displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 14, 2026. ↗
