Load Securing & Weight Limits Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Load Securing & Weight Limits flashcards as text
What is a 'plated weight' and a 'design weight', and which takes precedence?
Answer: The plated weight is the legal maximum; if lower than the design weight, the plated weight applies
The plated weight (shown on the vehicle plate issued after testing) is the legal maximum weight for operation. If the plated weight is lower than the manufacturer's design weight, the plated weight is the legal limit.
What is the 'drawbar weight' limit relevant to when operating a lorry and drawbar trailer combination?
Answer: The combined gross weight of the lorry plus trailer — typically up to 44 tonnes for five axles or more
A drawbar combination (rigid lorry towing a trailer) is subject to combined gross weight limits depending on axle count. The combination must not exceed its train weight limit, which varies by configuration.
A consignment of frozen food arrives at a cold store and the driver finds the temperature log shows the load exceeded the required temperature during transit. What should the driver do?
Answer: Report it to the transport manager immediately and note it on the delivery documentation — do not falsify records
Temperature excursions on food loads must be reported accurately and documented. Falsifying records is a criminal offence. The transport manager and customer must be notified so appropriate food safety decisions can be made.
What load securing considerations apply when carrying a vehicle on a car transporter?
Answer: Wheels must be chocked and vehicles tied down at all four axles to dedicated anchor points
Vehicles on car transporters must be properly secured at all four corners using wheel chocks to prevent rolling and straps or chains attached to dedicated anchor points on the vehicle chassis. Single-point securing is insufficient.
What is the legal consequence of operating a vehicle where the load causes the gross weight to exceed the authorised maximum?
Answer: The driver and operator can both be prosecuted and fined — the operator may also face licence revocation proceedings
Overloading is an offence for which both the driver and operator can be prosecuted. Fines can be substantial. For repeated or serious overloading, the Traffic Commissioner may take action against the operator's licence.
What does 'payload' mean in the context of goods vehicle operation?
Answer: The maximum weight of cargo the vehicle can carry — gross weight minus unladen vehicle weight
Payload is the weight available for cargo: gross weight minus the vehicle's own unladen weight. Drivers must know their vehicle's unladen weight to calculate how much cargo can be legally loaded.