As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring that which of these is secured on your vehicle?
- Only items being transported for compensation
- Just the load and any attached items
- The entire cargo, including objects like gas cans and wheel chocks ✓
- None, because load security is the responsibility of the operator, not the driver
Answer: C. The entire cargo, including objects like gas cans and wheel chocks
You are responsible for ensuring the entire cargo, including objects such as gas cans and wheel chocks, is secured on your vehicle.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says that before driving with a load you should know the cargo and the required means of securing it, and before any trip check that doors are latched and racks, tarps and other equipment are properly secured. It also says the vehicle’s cargo must be inspected to ensure it is secure before driving and re-checked later. That points to the whole load and the equipment around it, not only paid cargo or the main load. The passages do not name gas cans or wheel chocks, so that exact example applies the general rule.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Only items being transported for compensation — Cargo securement is not limited to items carried for compensation; the handbook describes checking the vehicle’s cargo and equipment generally.
- B. Just the load and any attached items — The rule is broader than just the load and attached items because the handbook also tells you to check doors, racks, tarps and other equipment.
- D. None, because load security is the responsibility of the operator, not the driver — The driver is told to inspect and re-inspect cargo securement, so responsibility is not left only to the operator.
Remember it
Think: if it rides with you, check that it stays put — the load first, then the equipment around it.