New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 13: Large Boulders

What Does This Section Cover?

The requirements in this section apply to any piece of natural, irregularly shaped rock that:

Weighs more than 5,000 kg (11,000 lb.) or has a volume greater than two cubic meters

Is transported on an open vehicle or in a vehicle whose sides are not designed and rated for the transportation of boulders.

Boulders weighing less than 5,000 kg (11,000 lb.) may be secured in one of two ways:

1. Using the requirements for large boulders (this section)

2. In some situations, using the general cargo securement requirements (Section 2) if:

  • Transported in a vehicle designed to carry boulders.
  • Boulders are stabilized and adequately secured by tiedowns.
Rock that is formed or cut to shape and has a stable base can be secured:

Either by the requirements for large boulders.

Or by the requirements for general cargo

Positioning Boulders

Requirements

Place each boulder on the vehicle with its flattest and/or largest side down.

Support each boulder on at least two pieces of hardwood blocking (at least 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) that extend the full width of the boulder.

Place hardwood blocking pieces as symmetrically as possible under the boulder so they support at least 3/4 of the length of the boulder.

Requirements

If the flattest side of the boulder is rounded or partially rounded, place the boulder in a crib made of hardwood fixed to deck of vehicle.

Boulder should rest on both deck and timber, with at least 3 well-separated points of contact that prevent rolling in any direction.

If a boulder is tapered, point the narrowest end towards the front of the vehicle.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

The narrowest end of a boulder should be pointed:
  • It doesn't matter.
  • Towards the front of the vehicle.
  • Towards the sky.
  • Towards the rear of the vehicle.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

If a boulder is tapered, point the narrowest end towards the front of the vehicle.

Next
Specific securement methods are required for boulders that:
  • Weigh more than 5,000 lbs, or have a volume of more than 1.25 cubic meters.
  • Weigh more than 5,000 lbs, or have a volume of more than 4 cubic meters.
  • Have more than five distinct sides.
  • Weigh more than 11,000 lbs, or have a volume of more than 2 cubic meters.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

The requirements in this section apply to any piece of natural, irregularly shaped rock that:

Weighs more than 5,000 kg (11,000 lb.) or has a volume greater than two cubic meters

Is transported on an open vehicle or in a vehicle whose sides are not designed and rated for the transportation of boulders.

Prev
Next
To prevent rolling, how many points of contact are required, at minimum, for a boulder resting on a rounded or partially rounded side?
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 2

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Requirements

If the flattest side of the boulder is rounded or partially rounded, place the boulder in a crib made of hardwood fixed to deck of vehicle.

Boulder should rest on both deck and timber, with at least 3 well-separated points of contact that prevent rolling in any direction.

Prev
Next
When loading and securing a boulder, it should be:
  • Supported on at least 2 pieces of 4in x 4in hardwood blocking, extending the full width of the boulder.
  • All of these are requirements.
  • Placed on symmetrical hardwood blocking that extends 3/4 of the length of the boulder.
  • Placed on the vehicle with its largest or flattest side down.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Requirements

Place each boulder on the vehicle with its flattest and/or largest side down.

Support each boulder on at least two pieces of hardwood blocking (at least 10 cm x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) that extend the full width of the boulder.

Place hardwood blocking pieces as symmetrically as possible under the boulder so they support at least 3/4 of the length of the boulder.

Prev
Finish
Please select an option
[2,4,1,2]
4
Page 148:
Securement Of Roll-On/Roll-Off and Hook Containers
Page 149
Page 150:
Cubic And Non-Cubic Boulder Securement

Click Anywhere To Close

Join Us!

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Register Learn More

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

About Us

TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.

Read More

Becoming A Truck Driver

Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.

Learn More