Securing cargo for the CDL test
Section 3.3 of the Mississippi CDL Manual (p. 3-2) covers securing cargo with blocking, bracing and tiedowns. It is tested on the General Knowledge test.
Key facts
| Part of | the General Knowledge test (80% to pass) | 49 CFR 383.135 |
|---|---|---|
| Manual section | §3.3 Securing cargo | MS CDL Manual p. 3-2 |
| Questions in CDL Mile's bank | 7 | CDL Mile, checked against MS CDL Manual |
Key rules
- § 3.3.5p. 3-3
You cannot inspect a sealed load, but you should still make sure you are not over the gross weight or axle weight limits.
Sealed and Containerized Loads
- § 3.3.2p. 3-2
The combined working load limit of the securement system must be at least half the weight of the cargo it holds. Half of 12,000 pounds is 12,000 ÷ 2 = 6,000 pounds.
Cargo Tie-down
Try two questions
General Knowledge · Securing cargo
While driving, you see in your mirror that the tarp over your open load is flapping. Why does the manual treat this as a problem?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the manual page.
General Knowledge · Securing cargo
What is the main job of a front-end header board, sometimes called a headache rack?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the manual page.
More General Knowledge topics
Sources
Mississippi Commercial Driver's License Manual, version March 2025, Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Mississippi DPS.
Updated for the March 2025 Mississippi CDL manual. Last checked November 5, 2026.
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