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

Tiedown Requirements

Requirements

Use only chain to secure large boulders.

Tiedowns in direct contact with the boulder:

Should be located in valleys or notches across the top of the boulder

Must be arranged to prevent sliding across the rock surface.

Special Circumstances: Securing a Cubic-Shaped Boulder

The securement of a cubic-shaped boulder must meet these requirements in addition to the other large boulder requirements in Section 13.

Secure each boulder individually with at least two chain tiedowns placed side-to-side across the vehicle.

Place tiedowns as closely as possible to the hardwood blocking used to support the boulder.

Note: The aggregate WLL of the tiedowns must be at least 50% the weight of the boulder.

Special Circumstances: Securing a Non-Cubic Shaped Boulder with a Stable Base

The securement of a non-cubic shaped boulder with a stable base must meet these requirements in addition to the other large boulder requirements in Section 13.

Secure each boulder individually with at least two chain tiedowns forming an "X” pattern over the boulder.

Pass the tiedowns over the center of the boulder and attach them to each other at the intersection by a shackle or other connecting device.

Note: The aggregate WLL of the tiedowns must be at least 50% the weight of the boulder.

Special Circumstances: Securing a Non-Cubic Shaped Boulder with an Unstable Base

The securement of a non-cubic shaped boulder with an unstable base must meet these requirements in addition to the other large boulder requirements in Section 13.

Surround the top of each boulder at a point between 1/2 and 2/3 of its height with one chain.

The WLL of the chain must be at least 50% of the weight of the boulder.

Attach four chains to the surrounding chain and the vehicle to form a blocking mechanism that prevents any horizontal movement.

Each chain must have a WLL of at least 25% the weight of the boulder, and the angle of the chain must be less than 45 degrees from the horizontal.

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.

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

To secure a cubic-shaped boulder, how many tiedowns are required, at minimum?
  • 2
  • 5
  • 1
  • 3

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Special Circumstances: Securing a Cubic-Shaped Boulder

The securement of a cubic-shaped boulder must meet these requirements in addition to the other large boulder requirements in Section 13.

Secure each boulder individually with at least two chain tiedowns placed side-to-side across the vehicle.

Place tiedowns as closely as possible to the hardwood blocking used to support the boulder.

Next
Wen securing a non-cubic boulder with an unstable base, the four surrounding chains must have a WLL of at least:
  • 11,000 lbs
  • 25% the weight of the boulder
  • 50% the weight of the boulder
  • 5,000 lbs

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Special Circumstances: Securing a Non-Cubic Shaped Boulder with an Unstable Base

The securement of a non-cubic shaped boulder with an unstable base must meet these requirements in addition to the other large boulder requirements in Section 13.

Surround the top of each boulder at a point between 1/2 and 2/3 of its height with one chain.

The WLL of the chain must be at least 50% of the weight of the boulder.

Attach four chains to the surrounding chain and the vehicle to form a blocking mechanism that prevents any horizontal movement.

Each chain must have a WLL of at least 25% the weight of the boulder, and the angle of the chain must be less than 45 from the horizontal.

Prev
Next
When using tiedowns to secure boulders, all of the following are requirements except:
  • Boulders must be loaded as far back towards the rear as possible.
  • Tiedowns must be arranged to prevent sliding across the rock surface.
  • Use only chain to secure large boulders.
  • Tiedowns should be located in valleys or notches across the top of the boulder.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Requirements

Use only chain to secure large boulders.

Tiedowns in direct contact with the boulder:

Should be located in valleys or notches across the top of the boulder

Must be arranged to prevent sliding across the rock surface.

Prev
Next
Requirements for securing a non-cubic shaped boulder with a stable base include all of the following except:
  • Attach chains together at the intersection
  • Secure each boulder individually with at least two chain tiedowns forming an X pattern over the boulder.
  • Wrap chains around the circumference of the boulder.
  • Pass the tiedowns over the center of the boulder

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Secure each boulder individually with at least two chain tiedowns forming an X pattern over the boulder.

Pass the tiedowns over the center of the boulder and attach them to each other at the intersection by a shackle or other connecting device.

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Finish
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Page 149:
Securing Large Boulders
Page 150
Page 151:
Appendix A: Default WLLs for Unmarked Tiedowns

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