PAGE 15
together. This is to prevent overloading bridges and
roadways.
Overloading can have bad effects on steering,
braking, and speed control. Overloaded trucks have
to go very slowly on upgrades. Worse, they may
gain too much speed on downgrades. Stopping
distance increases. Brakes can fail when forced to
work too hard.
During bad weather or in mountains, it may not be
safe to operate at legal maximum weights. Take this
into account before driving.
3.2.3 – Don't Be Top-heavy
The height of the vehicle's center of gravity is very
important for safe handling. A high center of gravity
(cargo piled up high or heavy cargo on top) means
you are more likely to tip over. It is most dangerous
in curves, or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard.
It is very important to distribute the cargo so it is as
low as possible. Put the heaviest parts of the cargo
under the lightest parts.
3.2.4 – Balance the Weight
Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling
unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can
cause hard steering. It can damage the steering
axle and tires. Under-loaded front axles (caused by
shifting weight too far to the rear) can make the
steering axle weight too light to steer safely. Too
little weight on the driving axles can cause poor
traction. The drive wheels may spin easily. During
bad weather, the truck may not be able to keep
going. Weight that is loaded so there is a high center
of gravity causes greater chance of rollover. On flat
bed vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the
load will shift to the side or fall off. See Figure 3.1.
3.3 – Securing Cargo
3.3.1 – Blocking and Bracing
Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a
piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is
shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to
the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing
is also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing
goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor
and/or walls of the cargo compartment.
Figure 3.1
3.3.2 – Cargo Tie-down
On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo
must be secured to keep it from shifting or falling off.
In closed vans, tie-downs can also be important to
prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling
of the vehicle. Tie-downs must be of the proper type
and proper strength. Federal regulations require the
aggregate working load limit of any securement
system used to secure an article or group of articles
against movement must be at least one-half times
the weight of the article or group of articles. Proper
tie-down equipment must be used, including ropes,
straps, chains, and tensioning devices (winches,
ratchets, clinching components). Tie-downs must
be attached to the vehicle correctly (hooks, bolts,
rails, rings). See figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2
Section 3 - Transporting Cargo Safely Page 3-2
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each
ten feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tie-
downs to meet this need. No matter how small the
cargo, it should have at least two tie-downs.
There are special requirements for securing various
heavy pieces of metal. Find out what they are if you
are to carry such loads.
3.3.3 – Header Boards
Front-end header boards ("headache racks")
protect you from your cargo in case of a crash or
emergency stop. Make sure the front-end structure
is in good condition. The front-end structure should
block the forward movement of any cargo you carry.
3.3.4 – Covering Cargo
There are two basic reasons for covering cargo:
To protect people from spilled cargo.
To protect the cargo from weather.
Spill protection is a safety requirement in many
states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you
drive in.
You should look at your cargo covers in the mirrors
from time to time while driving. A flapping cover can
tear loose, uncovering the cargo, and possibly block
your view or someone else's.
3.3.5 – Sealed and Containerized Loads
Containerized loads generally are used when freight
is carried part way by rail or ship. Delivery by truck
occurs at the beginning and/or end of the journey.
Some containers have their own tiedown devices or
locks that attach directly to a special frame. Others
have to be loaded onto flatbed trailers. They must
be properly secured just like any other cargo.
You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should
check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle
weight limits.
3.4 – Cargo Needing Special Attention
3.4.1 – Dry Bulk
Dry bulk tanks require special care because they
have a high center of gravity, and the load can shift.
Be extremely cautious (slow and careful) going
around curves and making sharp turns.
3.4.2 – Hanging Meat
Hanging meat (suspended beef, pork, lamb) in a
refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with a
high center of gravity. Particular caution is needed
on sharp curves such as off ramps and on ramps.
Go slowly.
3.4.3 – Livestock
Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing
unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use false
bulkheads to keep livestock bunched together.
Even when bunched, special care is necessary
because livestock can lean on curves. This shifts
the center of gravity and makes rollover more likely.
3.4.4 – Oversized Loads
Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads
require special transit permits. Driving is usually
limited to certain times. Special equipment may be
necessary such as "wide load" signs, flashing lights,
flags, etc. Such loads may require a police escort or
pilot vehicles bearing warning signs and/or flashing
lights. These special loads require special driving
care.
Section 3
Test Your Knowledge
1. What four things related to cargo are drivers
responsible for?
2. How often must you stop while on the road to
check your cargo?
3. How is Gross Combination Weight Rating
different from Gross Combination Weight?
4. Name two situations where legal maximum
weights may not be safe.
5. What can happen if you don't have enough
weight on the front axle?
6. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for
any flatbed load?
7. What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a
20-foot load?
8. Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo
on an open bed.
9. What must you check before transporting a
sealed load?
These questions may be on your test. If you can't
answer them all, re-read Section 3.
Section 3 - Transporting Cargo Safely Page 3-3
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Section 4
TRANSPORTING
PASSENGERS SAFELY
This Section Covers
• Vehicle Inspection
• Loading
• On the Road
• After-trip Vehicle Inspection
• Prohibited Practices
• Use of Brake-door Interlocks
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver license
if they drive a vehicle designed to seat more than 16
or more persons, including the driver.
Bus drivers must have a passenger endorsement
on their commercial driver license. To get the
endorsement you must pass a knowledge test on
Sections 2 and 4 of this manual. (If your bus has air
brakes, you must also pass a knowledge test on
Section 5.) You must also pass the skills tests
required for the class of vehicle you drive.
4.1 – Vehicle Inspection
Before driving your bus, you must be sure it is safe.
You must review the inspection report made by the
previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier have
been certified as repaired or not needed to be
repaired, should you sign the previous driver's
report. This is your certification that the defects
reported earlier have been fixed.
4.1.1 – Vehicle Systems
Make sure these things are in good working order
before driving:
Service brakes, including air hose couplings (if
your bus has a trailer or semitrailer).
Parking brake.
Steering mechanism.
Lights and reflectors.
Tires (front wheels must not have recapped or re-
grooved tires).
Horn.
Windshield wiper or wipers.
Rear-vision mirror or mirrors.
Coupling devices (if present).
Wheels and rims.
Emergency equipment.
Make sure your bus has the fire extinguisher and
emergency reflectors (3 reflective triangles or at
least 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares) required
by law. The bus must also have spare electrical
fuses, unless equipped with circuit breakers.
4.1.2 – Access Doors and Panels
As you check the outside of the bus, close any open
emergency exits. Also, close any open access
panels (for baggage, restroom service, engine, etc.)
before driving.
4.1.3 – Bus Interior
People sometimes damage unattended buses.
Always check the interior of the bus before driving
to ensure rider safety. Aisles and stairwells should
always be clear. The following parts of your bus
must be in safe working condition:
Each handhold and railing.
Floor covering.
Signaling devices, including the restroom
emergency buzzer, if the bus has a restroom.
Emergency exit handles.
The seats must be safe for riders. All seats must be
securely fastened to the bus.
Never drive with an open emergency exit door or
window. The "Emergency Exit" sign on an
emergency door must be clearly visible. If there is a
red emergency door light, it must work. Turn it on at
night or any other time you use your outside lights.
4.1.4 – Roof Hatches
You may lock some emergency roof hatches in a
partly open position for fresh air. Do not leave them
open as a regular practice. Keep in mind the bus's
higher clearance while driving with them open.
4.1.5 – Use Your Seatbelt!
The driver's seat should have a seat belt. Always
use it for safety.
4.2 – Loading and Trip Start
Do not allow riders to leave carry-on baggage in a
doorway or aisle. There should be nothing in the
aisle that might trip other riders. Secure baggage
and freight in ways that avoid damage and:
Allow the driver to move freely and easily.
Section 4 - Transporting Passengers Safely Page 4-1
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an
emergency.
Protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.
4.2.1 – Hazardous Materials
Watch for cargo or baggage containing hazardous
materials. Most hazardous materials cannot be
carried on a bus.
The Federal Hazardous Materials Table shows
which materials are hazardous. They pose a risk to
health, safety, and property during transportation.
The rules require shippers to mark containers of
hazardous material with the material's name,
identification number, and hazard label. There are
nine different four-inch, diamond-shaped hazard
labels. See Figure 4.1. Watch for the diamond-
shaped labels. Do not transport any hazardous
material unless you are sure the rules allow it.
Hazard Class Definitions
Class Class Name Example
Ammunition,
Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear
gas, irritating material.
More than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons.
Explosives in the space occupied by people,
except small arms ammunition.
Labeled radioactive materials in the space
occupied by people.
More than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous
materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any
one class.
Riders sometimes board a bus with an unlabeled
hazardous material. Do not allow riders to carry on
common hazards such as car batteries or gasoline.
4.2.3 – Standee Line
No rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver's
seat. Buses designed to allow standing must have
a two-inch line on the floor or some other means of
showing riders where they cannot stand. This is
called the standee line. All standing riders must stay
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
None
None
Explosives
Gases
Flammable
Flammable
Solids
Oxidizers
Poisons
Radioactive
Corrosives
Miscellaneous
Hazardous
Materials
ORM-D (Other
Regulated
Material-
Domestic)
Combustible
Liquids
Figure 4.1
Dynamite,
Fireworks
Propane, Oxygen,
Helium
Gasoline,
Acetone
Matches, Fuses
Ammonium
Nitrate, Hydrogen
Peroxide
Pesticides,
Arsenic
Uranium,
Plutonium
Hydrochloric Acid,
Battery Acid
Formaldehyde,
Asbestos
Hair Spray or
Charcoal
Fuel Oils, Lighter
Fluid
behind it.
4.2.4 – At Your Destination
When arriving at the destination or intermediate
stops announce:
The location.
Reason for stopping.
Next departure time.
Bus number.
Remind riders to take carry-ons with them if they get
off the bus. If the aisle is on a lower level than the
seats, remind riders of the step-down. It is best to
tell them before coming to a complete stop.
Charter bus drivers should not allow riders on the
bus until departure time. This will help prevent theft
or vandalism of the bus.
4.3 – On the Road
4.3.1 – Passenger Supervision
Many charter and intercity carriers have passenger
comfort and safety rules. Mention rules about
smoking, drinking, or use of radio and tape players
4.2.2 – Forbidden Hazardous Materials
Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled
ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs.
You can carry small amounts of some other
hazardous materials if the shipper cannot send
them any other way. Buses must never carry:
at the start of the trip. Explaining the rules at the
start will help to avoid trouble later on.
While driving, scan the interior of your bus as well
as the road ahead, to the sides, and to the rear. You
Section 4 - Transporting Passengers Safely Page 4-2
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
PAGE 15