Cargo, Weight & Securement

5 free sample questions of the 35 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   During a trip, you must re-inspect cargo and securement:

   • A.After 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break
   • B.Only at weigh stations
   • C.Every 30 minutes
   • D.Just once, at the start
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. After 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break

   Beyond the 50-mile initial check, re-inspect after each 3 hours or 150 miles of driving and after every break.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §3.1 — Inspecting cargo: re-check

2. Question 2

   Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is:

   • A.The total weight of a single vehicle including its load
   • B.The empty weight of the tractor
   • C.The manufacturer's loaded-weight rating
   • D.The weight on one axle
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. The total weight of a single vehicle including its load

   GVW = single vehicle plus load. GCW adds the towed units; the 'R' versions (GVWR/GCWR) are the manufacturer's ratings.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §3.2.1 — Weight definitions

3. Question 3

   GVWR differs from GVW because GVWR is:

   • A.The value the MANUFACTURER specifies as the loaded weight of the vehicle
   • B.Whatever the scale reads
   • C.The legal state maximum
   • D.The tire rating total
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. The value the MANUFACTURER specifies as the loaded weight of the vehicle

   GVWR is the manufacturer's specified loaded-weight value; GVW is what the vehicle plus load actually weighs.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §3.2.1 — Weight definitions

4. Question 4

   "Axle weight" means:

   • A.The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles
   • B.The weight of the axle assembly itself
   • C.The maximum the suspension can carry
   • D.Half the GVW
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles

   Axle weight is what each axle (or axle set) puts on the pavement — the thing bridge formulas and axle limits regulate.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §3.2.1 — Weight definitions: axle weight

5. Question 5

   A tire's maximum safe load rating is found:

   • A.Stated on the side of the tire, at a specified pressure
   • B.In the driver's manual only
   • C.On the registration card
   • D.Stamped inside the rim
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. Stated on the side of the tire, at a specified pressure

   Tire load — the max safe weight at a specified pressure — is printed on the sidewall.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §3.2.1 — Weight definitions: tire load

30 more Cargo, Weight & Securement questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

OnRoute is an independent study aid based on the federal CDL standards (49 CFR Part 383), the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training theory curriculum (49 CFR Part 380 Appendix A), and related Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the FMCSA, AAMVA, or any state driver licensing agency. CDL knowledge tests are administered by your state, and state-specific requirements may vary — always consult your state's CDL manual.