Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

Containerized loads are typically associated with which form of transportation?

1. Freight carried by truck only

2. Freight carried partway by rail or ship

3. Local deliveries in urban areas

4. Freight exclusively transported by air

The correct answer is: Freight carried partway by rail or ship

Containerized loads are most commonly associated with freight carried partway by rail or ship because containers are designed for easy transfer between different modes of transportation. This method enables efficient loading, unloading, and movement of goods, allowing them to be shipped over long distances via ships or trains before being delivered to their final destination by truck. The use of containers helps in standardizing cargo handling, improving security and protection of goods, and facilitating international trade. Once a container is loaded onto a ship or rail car, it can be easily switched to a truck for the last leg of the journey without needing to unpack or repack the cargo, streamlining the logistics process. Other options such as freight carried exclusively by truck or air transport do not utilize containerization to the same extent, as trucks often handle loads directly without the need for containers, and air freight requires specialized cargo handling distinct from containerized shipping. Local deliveries in urban areas typically involve smaller packages and do not utilize large containers designed for intermodal transport.