Employee Handout - Cargo Securement

1. Discuss cargo/load securement.

Discuss cargo/load securement.

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