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After starting a trip, when must a truck driver first inspect cargo securement?

Inspect within the first 50 miles.

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  1. Within the first 100 miles
  2. Within the first 50 miles ✔
  3. Only at the next fuel stop

Why: Federal rules require a cargo securement inspection early in the trip, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first.

Huh, didn't know that: You must also recheck the cargo whenever you change duty status.

The dad joke
Why did the trucker stop at 50 miles? To check on his cargo's seatbelt.
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References

Answer: Within the first 50 miles. Federal rules require a cargo securement inspection early in the trip, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first.

  1. 49 CFR 392.9 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-392.9
    Inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure the cargo within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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