Truck Crash Reference

Cargo loading and securement

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Contents
  1. Holding the load in place
  2. No universal strap count
  3. Driver inspection and sealed loads
  4. Related entries
  5. References
Cargo loading and securement
Securement rules49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I[1][2]
Driver checks49 CFR 392.9, including inspection exceptions[3]

Cargo-securement rules address movement or loss of a load during commercial transportation. Part 393, Subpart I sets performance and equipment requirements; Section 392.9 addresses operation and driver checks. A shifted load raises both technical and responsibility questions, but a loading company's involvement does not by itself establish which participant is legally responsible.[1][2][3]

See: Truck rollover crashes

Holding the load in place

Section 393.102 specifies performance criteria for cargo-securement systems under forces in different directions. Section 393.104 addresses components and their condition. Section 393.106 includes general placement and restraint requirements and the aggregate working-load limit of tiedowns used to secure an article or group. Those requirements are more specific than saying a trailer merely appeared full or a strap was present.[1][2][4]

No universal strap count

Section 393.110 sets minimum tiedown rules that depend on the article's length, weight and whether it is blocked against forward movement. Its general formula should not be substituted for commodity-specific requirements. A proper assessment identifies the load, the securement method and the relevant rule before deciding whether the number or capacity of restraints was adequate for that shipment.[5][4]

Driver inspection and sealed loads

Section 392.9 generally requires a driver to inspect cargo and securement within the first 50 miles and to re-examine them at specified later intervals, including after a duty-status change, three hours or 150 miles, whichever occurs first. Its inspection provisions include exceptions for sealed vehicles the driver has been ordered not to open and loads made inaccessible by their loading. Those exceptions do not answer every separate state-law duty question.[3]

References

  1. abc 49 CFR 393.102: Performance criteria for cargo securement. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and GPO. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-393.102. official. Checked . Source record
  2. abc 49 CFR 393.104: Cargo securement devices and systems. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and GPO. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-393.104. official. Checked . Source record
  3. abc 49 CFR 392.9: Inspection of cargo and securement. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and GPO. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-392.9. official. Checked . Source record
  4. ab 49 CFR 393.106: General cargo securement requirements. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and GPO. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-393.106. official. Checked . Source record
  5. ^ 49 CFR 393.110: Minimum tiedown requirements. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Office of the Federal Register and GPO. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-393.110. official. Checked . Source record