How often should cargo inspections be performed while driving a commercial vehicle?

Cargo inspections should be performed after every break taken while driving. This is important to ensure that the load remains secure and has not shifted during transit. Changes in driving conditions, acceleration, braking, and turns can all affect the stability of cargo. After taking a break, it is essential to check that everything is still properly secured before continuing the journey.

This practice not only helps in maintaining safety on the road but also complies with regulations that require operators to monitor their cargo to prevent shifting or loss during transit. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early and avoid hazardous situations that could result from improperly secured loads.

The other choices presented do not encompass the most effective safety practice. For instance, inspecting cargo only once at the start of the journey does not account for the changes that may occur during driving. Checking only at checkpoints may lead to neglecting the mid-journey adjustments needed during stops. Performing inspections hourly during long trips, while comprehensive, may be excessive and could disrupt the flow of travel unnecessarily if the cargo is stable. Therefore, the most reasonable and practical approach is to inspect the load after each break taken.