Failing to properly secure a load can result in citations and fines, damaged to vehicles and cargo or even loss or life. To help you avoid the serious risks of improper load securement, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created load securement regulations (found in Subpart 1 of Part 393)

Minimum working load limit for cargo
Securement devices and systems:
The basic cargo securement requirements are based on the “aggregate working load limits” of the tie downs (chains, ropes, straps, webbing, etc.) that are being used. The aggregate working load limit of any securement system must be at least half times the weight of the articles secured. For example, the tie downs used to secure cargo weighing 30,000 pounds would have to have an aggregate working load limit of 15,000 pounds. The aggregate working load limit is determined by adding together:

1. Half the working load limit of each tie down that is attached to an anchor point on the vehicle to an anchor point on an article of cargo;
2. Half the working load limit of each tie down that is attached to an anchor point on the vehicle, passes through, over or around the article of cargo, and is then attached to an anchor point on the same side of the vehicle; and
3. The working load limit for each tie down that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over or around the article of cargo, and then attached to an anchor point on the same side of the vehicle; and
4. The working load limit for each tie down that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over or around the article of cargo, and then attaches to another anchor point on the other side of the vehicle.

The regulations do not require tie downs to be marked. The working load limit of a tie down, associated connector or attachment mechanism is the lowest working load limit of any of its components (including tensioner), or the working load of the anchor points to which it is attached, whichever is less. The working load limits may be determined by using the tables in Part 393.108. The working load limits listed in the tables are to be used when the tie down material is not marked by the manufacturer with the working load limit. When the values in the tables and on marked tie downs differ, the marked value is to be used.

The minimum performance criteria for securement systems, based on forces of acceleration and deceleration, are listed in Part 393.102

Tie downs and associated connectors and mechanisms (except steel strapping) must allow for in-transit adjustment.

If using a front-end structure as part of a cargo securement system, the structure must meet the requirements in Part 393.114

The new cargo securement rules include general securement rules applicable to all types of articles of cargo, with certain exceptions, and commodity-specific rules covering commodities that are considered the most difficult to determine the most appropriate means of securement. Requirements concerning securement, working load limits, blocking and bracing are applicable to all commodities being transported.

The commodity-specific requirements take precedence over the general rules when additional requirement are given for a commodity listed in those sections. That means all cargo securement systems must meet the general requirements, except to the extent a commodity-specific rule imposes additional requirements that prescribe in more detail the securement method to be used.

General Securement Rules (Part 393.106)
The general requirements apply to all types of cargo except commodities in bulk that lack structure or fixed shape (e.g. liquids, gases, grain, liquid concrete, sand, gravel aggregates) are transported in a tank, hopper, box or similar device that forms part of the structure of a commercial motor vehicle.

• A commercial motor vehicle is not to be driven unless the load is properly distributed and adequately secured, and does not obscure the driver’s view.
• Cargo must be firmly secured using vehicle structures dunnage bags, shoring bars, tie-downs or a combination of these.
• Cargo that is likely to roll must be restrained by chocks, wedges, a cradle or their equivalent.
• Articles of cargo placed beside each other and secured by transverse tie downs must either:
• Be placed in direct contact with each other, OR
• Be prevented from shifting towards each other while in transit.

When using tie downs, the minimum number of tie downs required to secure an article(s) depends on the length and weight of the article(s) being secured. When an article is not blocked or positioned by a header board, bulkhead, other cargo or appropriate blocking devices, it must be secured by at least:

• One tie down for articles five feet or less in length, and 1,100 pounds or less in weight.
• Two tie downs if the article is: Five feet or less in length and more than 1,100 pounds in weight; OR Longer than five feet but less than or equal to 10 feet in length, irrespective of the weight.
• Two tie downs if the article is longer than 10 feet, and one additional tie down fore very 10 feet of article length, or fraction thereof, beyond the first 10 feet of length.
• If an individual article is required to be blocked, braced, or immobilized to prevent movement in the forward direction by a header board, bulkhead, other articles which are adequately secured, or by an appropriate blocking or immobilization method, it must be secured by at least one tie down for every 10 feet of article length, or fraction thereof.

Commodity-specific securement rules – In addition to the general requirements described above, there are commodity-specific rules for:

• Logs – Part 393.116
• Dressed lumber/building products – Part 393.118
• Metal Coils – Part 393.120
• Paper Rolls – Part 393.122
• Concrete Pipe – Part 393.124
• Intermodal Containers – Part 393.126
• Automobiles/light trucks/vans – Part 393.128
• Heavy vehicles/equipment/machinery – Part 393.130
• Flattened/crushed vehicles – Part 393.132
• Roll-on/ Roll-off hook lift containers – Part 393.134
• Large Boulders – Part 393.136

Load checks
The driver must examine the load and any load-securing devices within 50 miles of the start of the trip. The driver must reexamine periodically during the trip and make necessary adjustments. Periodic examinations must be made:

• When the driver makes a change of duty status,
• After the vehicle has been driven for three hours,
• After the vehicle has been driven for 150 miles

The driver is not required to check the cargo on a sealed load that is not to be opened, or if checking the cargo is impracticable.

For more information on cargo securement or a copy of the regulations found in Subpart 1 of Part 393, visit http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.