An item that is 40 feet long placed on a flatbed trailer should be secured by at least __ tie-down(s).
Answers
One
Two
Three
Four
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is four.
When securing cargo that is 40 feet long on a flatbed trailer, at least four tie-downs are required according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. This ensures that the cargo remains stable and secure during transportation, minimizing the risk of accidents or damage.
Explanation
- FMCSA Regulations
The FMCSA provides specific guidelines for securing cargo under its Cargo Securement Rules. These rules state that tie-downs must be used to prevent any movement of the cargo in transit—forward, backward, sideways, or upward. For longer cargo, additional tie-downs are required to distribute the restraint evenly. - Minimum Tie-Down Requirements
The number of tie-downs depends on the length and weight of the cargo:
- For cargo 5 feet or shorter and weighing 1,100 pounds or less, only one tie-down is required.
- For cargo greater than 5 feet but 10 feet or less, at least two tie-downs are required.
- For cargo over 10 feet in length, a minimum of two tie-downs is required, plus an additional tie-down for every additional 10 feet of cargo length. Since the item in question is 40 feet long, it requires:
- Two tie-downs for the first 10 feet.
- Three more tie-downs for the additional 30 feet (one per 10 feet).
This totals four tie-downs.
- Safety Considerations
Properly securing cargo prevents:
- Load shifting, which can lead to vehicle instability.
- Cargo falling off the trailer, causing road hazards or accidents.
- Compliance violations, which can result in fines or penalties.
Thus, four tie-downs are the minimum required to ensure compliance and safety when transporting a 40-foot-long item.