Content: Proper cargo securement is important. It helps prevent accidents, injuries, damage to the products being hauled, and unnecessary downtime. oad securement is also something that is re!uired under the "ederal #otor Carrier $a%ety &egulations '"#C$&s(. )hen cargo isn*t secured properly, a ha+ardous situation is created. ,nsecured cargo can shi%t, slide, tilt, and %all. -hese conditions can cause a driver to lose control o% the vehicle and create road ha+ards %or other motorists. .ottom line: Cargo securement is important because: 1. -he customer is paying %or sa%e, damage/%ree, and timely delivery o% goods. 0. Damaged cargo results in claims against the company, hurts the carrier*s reputation, and negatively impacts pro%itability. 1. I% not properly secured, an accident could result %rom %alling and shi%ting cargo.
2otes: ,se a load securement video to introduce this topic. $elect one that best re%lects your drivers* e3perience and the type's( o% vehicle's( they operate. 43ercises: Cargo $ecurement 0. Discuss cargo/load securement regulations in $ec. 150.5 o% the "#C$&s. Discuss cargo/load securement regulations in $ec. 150.5 o% the "#C$&s. Content: $ection 150.5 o% the "#C$&s states that a vehicle may not be driven unless the vehicle*s cargo is properly distributed and ade!uately secured as speci%ied in 66 151.177 through 151.180 o% the "#C$&s. -he vehicle*s tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins, spare tire and other e!uipment used in its operation, and the means o% %astening the cargo, must be secured. In addition, the vehicle*s cargo or any other object must not obscure the driver*s view ahead or to the right or le%t sides, inter%ere with the %ree movement o% his/her arms or legs, prevent his/her %ree and ready access to accessories re!uired %or emergencies, or prevent the %ree and ready e3it o% any person %rom the vehicle*s cab or driver*s compartment. $ec. 150.5 also re!uires a driver to inspect his/her vehicle*s cargo and load/securing devices within the %irst 97 miles o% a trip. :%ter the initial inspection, the "#C$&s re!uire the driver to ree3amine the security o% the vehicle*s load a%ter driving %or 1 hours or 197 miles 'whichever comes %irst( and when the driver ma;es a change o% duty status. I% the vehicle is sealed and the driver has been ordered not to open it to inspect or i% the vehicle has been loaded in a way that ma;es it impractical to inspect the cargo the driver may be e3empt %rom the regulation.
2otes: Distribute a copy o% the "#C$&s to each o% your drivers. &eview $ections 151.177 6 151.11<. :lso distribute and discuss any company policy you may have dealing with on/the/road cargo inspection. 43ercises: Cargo $ecurement &e!uirements 1. Discuss the cargo/load securement regulations in Part 151 o% the "#C$&s. Discuss the cargo/load securement regulations in Part 151 o% the "#C$&s. Content: $ubpart I o% Part 151 o% the "#C$&s covers load securement speci%ics. -he regulations, which begin with $ec. 151.177 apply to truc;s, truc; tractors, semi/trailers, %ull trailers, and pole trailers. -he regulations re!uire that each commercial motor vehicle must, when transporting cargo on public roads, be loaded and e!uipped, and the cargo secured, in accordance with the re!uirements o% $ubpart I, and in such a way as to prevent the cargo %rom lea;ing, spilling, blowing or %alling %rom the motor vehicle. :ll cargo must be contained, immobili+ed or secured to prevent shi%ting upon or within the vehicle to such an e3tent that the vehicle*s stability or maneuverability is adversely a%%ected. .e%ore getting into the speci%ic cargo securement re!uirements, ma;e sure your drivers understand the %ollowing de%initions: = :ggregate wor;ing load limit means the summation o% the wor;ing load limits or restraining capacity o% all devices used to secure an article o% cargo on a vehicle. = :nchor point means the part o% the structure, %itting or attachment on a vehicle or article o% cargo to which a tiedown is attached. = :rticle o% cargo means a unit o% cargo, other than a li!uid, gas, or aggregate that lac;s physical structure 'e.g., grain, gravel, etc.( including articles grouped together so that they can be handled as a single unit or uniti+ed by wrapping, strapping, banding or edge protection device's(. = .loc;ing means a structure or device placed against or around an article o% cargo to prevent hori+ontal movement. = .racing means a structure or device placed against an article o% cargo to prevent it %rom tipping and shi%ting. = Dunnage means all loose materials used to support and protect cargo. = Dunnage bag means an in%latable bag intended to %ill otherwise empty space between articles o% cargo, or between articles o% cargo and the wall o% the vehicle. = 4dge protector means a device placed on the e3posed edge o% an article to distribute tiedown %orces over a larger area o% cargo than the tiedown itsel%, to protect the tie/down and/or cargo %rom damage, and to allow the tiedown to slide %reely when being tensioned. = "riction mat means a device placed between the dec; o% a vehicle and article o% cargo, or between articles o% cargo, intended to provide greater %riction than e3ists naturally between these sur%aces. = $horing bar 'or load bar( means a device placed transversely between the walls o% a vehicle and cargo to prevent cargo %rom tipping or shi%ting. = -iedown means a combination o% securing devices which %orms an assembly that attaches articles o% cargo to, or restrains articles o% cargo on, a vehicle or trailer, and is attached to anchor point's(. = )or;ing load limit ')( means the ma3imum load that may be applied to a component o% a cargo securement system during normal service, usually assigned by the manu%acturer o% the component. -he cargo securement rules are applicable to the transportation o% all types o% cargo, e3cept commodities in bul; that lac; structure or %i3ed shape 'e.g., li!uids, gases, grain, li!uid concrete, sand, gravel, aggregates(.
:ll cargo must be %irmly immobili+ed or secured on or within a vehicle by structures o% ade!uate strength, dunnage or dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination o% these. Cargo that is li;ely to roll must be restrained by choc;s, wedges, a cradle or other e!uivalent means to prevent rolling. -he means o% preventing rolling must not be capable o% becoming unintentionally un%astened or loose while the vehicle is in transit. Cargo placed beside each other and secured by tiedowns must either: = .e placed in direct contact with each other, or = .e prevented %rom shi%ting towards each other while in transit. -he aggregate wor;ing load limit o% any securement system used to secure cargo against movement must be at least one/hal% times the weight o% the cargo. -he aggregate wor;ing load limit is the sum o%: = 6 the wor;ing load limit o% each tiedown that goes %rom an anchor point on the vehicle to an anchor point on an article o% cargo> = 6 the wor;ing load limit o% each tiedown that is attached to an anchor point on the vehicle, passes through, over, or around the article o% cargo, and is then attached to an anchor point on the same side o% the vehicle> and = -he %ull wor;ing load limit %or each tiedown that goes %rom an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over, or around the article o% cargo, and then attaches to another anchor point on the other side o% the vehicle. -he wor;ing load limit ')( o% a tiedown, associated connector or attachment mechanism is the lowest wor;ing load limit o% any o% its components, or the wor;ing load limit o% the anchor points to which it is attached, whichever is less. -he wor;ing load limits o% tiedowns may be determined by using either the tiedown manu%acturer*s mar;ings or by using the tables %ound in $ec. 151.17?. -he wor;ing load limits listed in the tables are to be used when the tiedown material is not mar;ed by the manu%acturer with the wor;ing load limit.
)hen tiedowns are being used, your drivers should also be trained in the minimum amount o% tiedowns re!uired %or a given load. -he regulations state that the minimum number o% tiedowns depends on the length and weight o% the cargo. In general: = @ne tiedown is re!uired %or cargo 9 %eet or less in length, and 1,177 pounds or less in weight> = -wo tiedowns are re!uired i% the cargo is: 9 %eet or less in length and more than 1,177 pounds in weight> or onger than 9 %eet but less than or e!ual to 17 %eet in length, irrespective o% the weight. = -wo tiedowns are re!uired i% the cargo is longer than 17 %eet, and one additional tiedown %or every 17 %eet o% cargo length, or %raction thereo%, beyond the %irst 17 %eet o% length. I% an individual article is bloc;ed, braced, or immobili+ed to prevent movement in the %orward direction by a headerboard, bul;head, other articles which are ade!uately secured, or by an appropriate bloc;ing or immobili+ation method, it must be secured by at least one tiedown %or every 17 %eet o% article length, or %raction thereo%.
2otes: Distribute a copy o% the "#C$&s to each o% your drivers. &eview $ections 151.177 6 151.11<. :lso distribute and discuss any company policy you may have dealing with cargo securement. 43ercises: -iedowns 8. Discuss securing devices and techni!ues. Discuss securing devices and techni!ues. Content: -here are many ways to legally secure cargo and many securement devices that can be used. -hese include bloc;ing and bracing, tiedowns, header boards, cargo covers 'tarps(, and sealed container loads. .loc;ing. .loc;ing is used in the %ront, bac;, or sides o% a piece o% cargo to ;eep it %rom sliding. .loc;ing is shaped to %it snugly against the cargo. It is secured to the cargo dec; to prevent cargo movement. .racing. .racing is also used to prevent movement o% cargo. .racing goes %rom the upper part o% the cargo to the %loor or walls o% the cargo compartment. -iedowns. @n %latbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo must be secured to ;eep it %rom shi%ting or %alling o%%. In closed vehicles, tiedowns can help prevent cargo shi%ting that could a%%ect the vehicle*s handling. Proper tiedown e!uipment includes ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices 'winches, ratchets, clinching components(. -hese tiedowns must be attached correctly 'using hoo;s, bolts, rails, or rings(. Aeader .oards. "ront/end header boards 'also ;nown as headache rac;s( protect the driver %rom his/her cargo in the event o% an accident. -he driver should always be sure the structure is in good condition> it should bloc; the %orward movement o% the cargo being transported. 2ote that i% the header board is used as part o% the cargo securement system, then it must comply with the standards in 6151.118. Cargo covers. Protecting other vehicles %rom a cargo spill and protecting the cargo %rom weather are two reasons drivers use cargo covers. $pill protection is re!uired in many states. Bour drivers will need to be %amiliar with the re!uirements in the states in which they drive. -he driver should chec; cargo covers in his/her mirrors %rom time to time. -he cover can tear loose causing a ha+ard %or other drivers or bloc; the driver*s view. $ealed container loads. Containeri+ed loads are generally used when %reight is carried part o% the way by rail or ship. $ome containers have their own tiedown devices or loc;s that attach directly to a special %rame while others have to be loaded onto %latbed trailers and are secured li;e any other large cargo. Bour drivers may not have a choice in what they haul. .ecause o% this, they need to be especially aware o% how their trailers are loaded. Discuss the types o% cargo your drivers haul. Di%%erent types o% cargo call %or di%%erent types o% securement options.
2otes: Distribute and review your company policy dealing with securement systems. :lso, review any state re!uirements that may apply. 43ercises: 2one 9. Discuss cargo weight and balance. Discuss cargo weight and balance. Content: :ll vehicles must stay within the legal weight limit. #any states have ma3imum limits %or Cross Dehicle )eight 'CD)(, Cross Combination )eight 'CC)(, and a3le weights. -he idea behind the limits is to prevent the overloading o% bridges and roadways. @verloading a vehicle can a%%ect steering, bra;ing, and speed control. @n an upgrade, truc;s travel at a slower rate. @n downgrades, they may gain too much speed. :n overloaded truc; can increase stopping distances, and bra;es can %ail i% they are %orced to wor; too hard. $a%e handling is based, in part, on the vehicle*s center o% gravity. : high center o% gravity 'cargo piled high or heavy cargo on top( can cause a truc; to tip or rollover. @n %latbed vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the load will shi%t to the side or %all o%%. -op/heavy loads are most dangerous in curves or i% the driver has to swerve to avoid a ha+ard. oading the heaviest cargo on the bottom and the lightest on top is the best way to distribute the cargo. oading a vehicle is, at times, a balancing act. Poor weight management can ma;e a vehicle unsa%e. "or e3ample: = too much weight on the steering a3le can cause hard steering, damaging the steering a3le and tires> = shi%ting weight too %ar to the rear o% a vehicle causes under loaded %ront a3les and can ma;e the steering a3le weight too light to steer sa%ely> and = too little weight on the driving a3les can cause poor traction 'the drive wheels may spin easily(, especially in bad weather when the truc; may not have enough traction to ;eep going. 2otes: 43ercises: 2one <. Discuss special loads and cargo. Discuss special loads and cargo. Content: )hen hauling a load that is di%%icult to manage, special care is necessary to complete an incident and accident %ree run. Di%%icult loads include, but are not limited to, tan;ers, hanging meat, and livestoc;. -an;ers. : high center o% gravity and li!uid movement ma;e driving a tan;er a challenging job. #uch o% a tan;er*s weight is carried high up o%% the road. -his ma;es the vehicle top/heavy, and easy to roll over, especially on curves. @ne o% the best ways to prevent a roll/over is to drive below the posted speed limit on curves. $urging li!uid can also a%%ect a tan;er*s center o% gravity. )hen coming to a stop, li!uid may surge bac; and %orth. )hen the wave hits the end o% the tan;, it can push the truc; in the direction the wave is moving, especially on slippery sur%aces. 43tra care is needed when coming to a stop with a tan;er. Aanging meat. $uspended meat 'bee%, por;, lamb( in a re%rigerated truc; has a high center o% gravity and can be a very unstable load. :s with tan;ers, the driver needs to be care%ul, and slow down on sharp curves. ivestoc;. ivestoc; o%ten move around the trailer and tend to lean on curves. -he shi%t in the center o% gravity can cause a roll/over. Certain types o% cargo have speci%ic securement re!uirements as listed in sections 151.11< 6 151.11<. I% any o% the %ollowing types o% cargo apply to operation, ma;e you review the speci%ic regulations with your drivers: = ogs '$ec. 151.11<( = Dressed limber/building products '$ec. 151.11?( = #etal coils '$ec. 151.107( = Paper rolls '$ec. 151.100( = Concrete pipe '$ec. 151.108( = Intermodal containers '$ec. 151.10<( = :utomobiles/light truc;s/vans '$ec. 151.10?( = Aeavy vehicles/e!uipment/machinery '$ec. 151.117( = "lattened/crushed vehicles '$ec. 151.110( = &oll/on/roll/o%%/hoo; li%t containers '$ec. 151.118( = arge boulders '$ec. 151.11<(
2otes: Distribute and review your company policy dealing with securement systems. :lso, review any state re!uirements that may apply. 43ercises: ,nbalanced oad E. Discuss driver at/the/shipper responsibilities. Discuss driver at/the/shipper responsibilities. Content: Cargo securement begins at the shipper. Drivers should care%ully review and chec; all shipping papers. It is their responsibility to ensure the cargo loaded on their trailer matches the bill o% lading. -he cargo they sign %or must be accurately counted and securely loaded on the trailer 6 nothing more, nothing less. -horough pre/trip inspections and basic house;eeping are the %irst considerations. .e%ore loading any trailer, drivers should ma;e sure that it is sa%e, in good condition, and %ree o% debris. Pre/loading chec;list 6 Chec;lists are help%ul learning and habit/ %orming tools because they serve as brie% reminders o% what needs to be done: = Complete a thorough pre/trip inspection o% the trailer. #ost trailers ta;e a lot o% abuse. #a;e sure all trailer components, parts, and accessories are sa%e, secure, and in good wor;ing order. = Inspect the trailer be%ore any loading begins. Chec; %or loose debris, nails, splinters, or other material that could cause damage to cargo. )hen possible, always sweep the trailer. = $ecure the vehicle a%ter bac;ing to the loading doc;. 2o vehicle should ever be le%t unattended until the driver is con%ident it is secure %rom moving. :t the loading doc; 'area( 6 @nce at the shipper*s doc; or loading area, your drivers* responsibilities move up a level. 4ven in situations where drivers are not re!uired to actually count and load the cargo, they should still supervise all loading activity to ensure no damaged cargo is put on the trailer, and that the cargo is loaded properly. In all cases, i% your drivers have any !uestions or concerns, they should contact their supervisor or dispatcher. -rain your drivers in the %ollowing: = $upervise all loading activity. #a;e sure all cargo listed on the bill o% lading and other shipping documentation matches what is actually loaded on the trailer. :ny discrepancies should be reported immediately. = )atch out %or incompatible cargo loaded on the same pallet 'mi3ed ha+ardous materials %or instance(. I% you are unsure or apprehensive about the contents o% any cargo, bring it to the attention o% the responsible shipping personnel or your supervisor. = Inspect all cargo be%ore it is loaded. Drivers should assess the condition o% all cargo. :ny lea;ing, damaged, or suspicious %reight should be !uestioned be%ore it is loaded onto the trailer. :gain, drivers should be instructed to contact their dispatcher in all such cases. = #a;e sure the cargo is loaded properly. Drivers need to ensure cargo is evenly distributed throughout the trailer, and that lighter cargo is stac;ed on top o% heavier %reight. = &e/chec; the paper wor; and cargo be%ore signing. Bour drivers* responsibilities do not end a%ter the cargo is loaded. -hey need to witness the sealing o% the trailer doors, and ma;e sure the seal numbers are accurately recorded on the shipping papers. = #a;e sure all cargo is secured according regulation, and company policy and procedures.
2otes: -his concludes the portion o% the lesson dealing with cargo/load securement. @pen your training session to discussion. 43ercises: oading ?. Discuss the loading and unloading process and %reight inspection with regard to cargo the%t prevention. Discuss the loading and unloading process and %reight inspection with regard to cargo the%t prevention. Content: -he driver should never leave cargo unattended during the loading and unloading process. -his is when the%t can most easily occur. -he driver should never use a wor;er that is unauthori+ed to load or unload his/her vehicle. #any companies have policies dictating who is allowed to handle a vehicle*s cargo. -he driver should chec; the s;id or pac;age count be%ore leaving the terminal and ma;e sure the %reight is properly described and in good condition. I% there is a discrepancy it should be reported to terminal management and investigated immediately. I% the discrepancy is not corrected it should be noted on the bill o% lading. -he driver should be aware o% signs o% damage to the shipment. Damaged pac;ages could mean that the contents o% the pac;ages have been tampered with. In some cases cargo thieves care%ully open pac;ages, remove some or all o% their contents, and reseal the pac;age. -he driver should loo; %or any sign o% tampering, including bro;en seals or damaged tape.
2otes: Distribute copies o% your company policy dealing with loading and unloading vehicles. :s; your drivers %or input. #any have probably seen items stolen at loading doc;s or may have e3perienced a the%t. Bou may also want to use the e3ercise included in this training program to prompt discussion. 43ercises: Cargo oading 5. Discuss the importance o% maintaining accurate vehicle and cargo in%ormation. Discuss the importance o% maintaining accurate vehicle and cargo in%ormation.
Content: Dehicle identi%ication in%ormation should be ;ept with the driver at all times. -his in%ormation should include the license and serial numbers o% both the tractor and trailer. -his will assist law en%orcement o%%icials should the driver*s vehicle ever be stolen. -he driver should also ;eep in%ormation on the cargo he/she is hauling. :s well as a general description o% the %reight, the in%ormation should include lot numbers and, i% relevant, the types o% containers being used. -he driver should ma;e note o% any distinguishing mar;ings or inventory numbers on the containers. 2otes: 43ercises: 2one 17. Discuss stopping procedures. Discuss stopping procedures. Content: Drivers should be aware o% the areas they are traveling through. -hey should always plan out their runs to include scheduled stops, brea;s, %ueling, etc. Drivers should ;now where they are going to stop and what to do i% approached by a stranger. :ll drivers should avoid ma;ing unauthori+ed or unnecessary stops. -his increases a driver*s chances o% being a victim o% the%t. I% a driver travels a regular or semi/regular route he/she should never get into the pattern o% stopping at the same place's( at the same time's(. )hen ma;ing a stop, a driver should choose a truc; stop or rest area where there are other truc;ers. -here*s sa%ety in numbers. )hen possible, a driver should par; in a well lit area, avoiding dar; and deserted places. 4mpty par;ing lots and other secluded areas should be avoided. Conversations with strangers should also be avoided. )hat may start as a %riendly conversation could lead to a driver being robbed.
2otes: -here are many sa%ety/security videos on the mar;et. $elect one that addresses the types o% situations your drivers may deal with while on the job. 43ercises: 2one 11. Discuss the use o% cargo seals and high/security seal loc;s to sa%eguard cargo. Discuss the use o% cargo seals and high/security seal loc;s to sa%eguard cargo.
Content: #any companies use anti/the%t devices on their trailers. #any drivers and their companies ma;e use o% a combination o% seals and loc;s. @ne easy and cost e%%ective the%t prevention option is cargo seals. -he main objective o% using cargo seals use is to e3pose any signs o% load tampering. -he more systematic the procedure %or using seals, the better chance there is o% reducing the%t. $eals should be ordered %rom one supplier and stored in a controlled area. : log o% inbound and outbound numbers should be ;ept. -he %ollowing in%ormation should be included in the log: = date and time the seal was applied> = trailer number> = destination o% load in the trailer> = name o% the person applying the seal> and = the name o% the driver o% the vehicle. I% the seal must be bro;en be%ore the load reaches its destination, appropriate in%ormation should be recorded and %iled with the terminal manager or other designated party. : regular cargo seal may help with inventory control, but can be easily bro;en. : carrier may opt %or a heavy/duty, sel%/loc;ing high/security seal made o% plastic or steel, 'that re!uires bolt cutters to remove( to help deter the%t. 2otes: 43ercises: 2one 10. Discuss the use o% padloc;s and ;ingpin loc;s to sa%eguard cargo. Discuss the use o% padloc;s and ;ingpin loc;s to sa%eguard cargo. Content: Padloc;s are another way to deter the%t. : company*s procedure %or padloc; use should be similar to its cargo seal procedure. -he procedure should include the maintenance o% a padloc; log covering the %ollowing in%ormation: = time and date the ;ey and padloc; are issued> = the number o% the trailer where the loc; will be used> = the name o% the person applying the loc;> = the destination o% the load in the trailer> and = the name o% the driver. Feys and padloc;s should be numbered and master ;eys should only be available to designated people. : ;ingpin loc; provides protection against trailer the%t in terminal yards 'whenever a trailer is separated %rom the power unit(. $ecurity measures similar to those %or seals and padloc;s should be used.
2otes: $how your students samples o% the seals and loc;s your company uses. &eview your company*s policy on seals and loc;s. 43ercises: 2one 11. Discuss how a driver should handle the the%t o% a vehicle or cargo. Discuss how a driver should handle the the%t o% a vehicle or cargo.
Content: )hat a driver does immediately a%ter he/she discovers a the%t can ma;e a di%%erence as to whether the property is recovered. "irst, he/she should immediately call the local police. )hen dealing with the police give them as many details as possible including: = the license number's( on the e!uipment> = the e!uipment*s serial number's(> = a description o% the vehicle 'be as detailed as possible(> = a description o% the cargo> = the time when the incident occurred 'i% the driver is not e3actly sure he/she should give police a time period when he/she believes the the%t may have occurred(> and = a description o% any suspicious people the driver may have noticed near the vehicle. -he more details a driver can give police the better chance there is o% recovering the vehicle and/or cargo. 2e3t, the driver should noti%y the company. -he company will need to ;now about the the%t %or insurance and record;eeping purposes. -he company may also have speci%ic directions %or the driver to %ollow. 2otes: Distribute and discuss your company policy. 43ercises: 2one