Tiedowns, Anchor Points and Working Load Limits

Build confidence with 10 original questions about Tiedowns, Anchor Points and Working Load Limits. Review your answers and explanations after finishing.

Supplemental study practice. This is not a government licensing exam or ELDT certification, and does not replace hands-on training. Follow your state’s current handbook.

1 / 10

You are about to use a synthetic webbing tiedown purchased before January 1, 2004. What must be true for it to be acceptable under current FMCSA rules?

It must be marked with the latest manufacturing date

It must have satisfied the old rules and be in good condition

It can only be used for light cargo

It must be replaced with a new one

2 / 10

You are inspecting your tiedown devices before a trip. What is required regarding their condition?

They must be free of damage or weakness that could affect performance

They only need to be checked once a month

They can be used if only slightly frayed

They may be repaired with tape if damaged

3 / 10

You are securing a load of pipes that could roll during transit. What is required to prevent them from moving?

Stack them in a pyramid shape

Rely only on tiedowns to keep them from rolling

Place them tightly together without any restraint

Use chocks, wedges, a cradle, or other means that cannot become loose

4 / 10

You are using dunnage bags to help secure cargo. What is their intended purpose?

To provide extra cushioning for fragile items only

To replace blocking and bracing

To act as a tiedown device

To fill space and support or protect cargo from shifting

5 / 10

You are using a tiedown chain that does not have any identification markings. How should you determine its working load limit?

Use it only for non-commercial loads

Treat it as the lowest rated grade for that type of tiedown

Estimate based on its thickness

Assume it is strong enough for any load

6 / 10

While securing a load, you notice your tiedown strap will pass over a sharp metal edge. What must you do to comply with FMCSA cargo securement rules?

Use edge protection that resists abrasion and cutting

Double the strap over itself for extra strength

Wrap the strap with duct tape

Tighten the strap extra tight to prevent movement

7 / 10

You are securing a load on a trailer with rub rails. Where should you position your tiedowns whenever possible?

Inboard of the rub rails

Over the rub rails

It does not matter

Outside the rub rails

8 / 10

You are transporting a commodity that is specifically listed in the FMCSA’s commodity-specific securement rules. Which securement requirements must you follow?

You may choose whichever rules are easier

Only the general securement rules apply

No securement rules apply

The commodity-specific rules take precedence over general rules

9 / 10

You are securing two crates side by side with transverse tiedowns. What must be true about their placement?

They can be left loose if the trailer has high sides

They must be in direct contact or prevented from shifting toward each other

They must be stacked on top of each other

They can be spaced apart as long as tiedowns are tight

10 / 10

You are inspecting your flatbed trailer before loading. You notice that one of the anchor points for tiedowns is bent and has visible cracks. What should you do before using it to secure cargo?

Do not use the damaged anchor point and have it repaired or replaced

Only use it for lightweight cargo

Double up on tiedowns at that anchor point

Use it as long as the tiedown fits tightly

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