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Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 2: General Cargo Securement Requirements

General Cargo Securement Requirements

Aggregate Working Load Limit

What is the Aggregate Working Load Limit?

The sum of the working load limits of each device used to secure an article on a vehicle is called the aggregate working load limit.

How do you calculate Aggregate Working Load Limit for tiedowns?

To calculate Aggregate Working Load limit, add together:

• 50% of the WLL of each end section of a tiedown that is attached to an anchor point.
• 50% of the WLL of each end section that is attached to the cargo

Example:
50% of A
+ 50% of B
+ 50% of C
+ 50% of D
+ 50% of E
+ 50% of F
+ 50% of G
+ 50% of H
= Aggregate Working Load Limit

Example:
50% of A
+ 50% of B
+ 50% of C
+ 50% of D
= Aggregate Working Load Limit

How much should the Aggregate Working Load Limit be?

The aggregate working load limit of any securement system must be at least 50% of the weight of the cargo being secured.

Inspection Requirements

The driver is responsible for the following cargo securement inspection activities:

• Inspect Cargo and Securing devices:

  • Pre-Trip: Yes
  • Within first 50 mi: Yes
  • When duty status of driver changes: Yes
  • At 3 hour intervals or every 150 mi, whichever is first: Yes

• Inform Carrier if Packaging is Not Adequate:

  • Pre-Trip: Yes
  • Within first 50 mi: No
  • When duty status of driver changes: No
  • At 3 hour intervals or every 150 mi, whichever is first: No

• Adjust Cargo and/or Securing devices:

  • Pre-Trip: As necessary
  • Within first 50 mi: As necessary
  • When duty status of driver changes: As necessary
  • At 3 hour intervals or every 150 mi, whichever is first: As necessary

• Add Additional Securing devices:

  • Pre-Trip: As necessary
  • Within first 50 mi: As necessary
  • When duty status of driver changes: As necessary
  • At 3 hour intervals or every 150 mi, whichever is first: As necessary

Note: The inspection rules do not apply to the driver of a sealed commercial motor vehicle who has been ordered not to open it to inspect its cargo or to the driver of a commercial motor vehicle that has been loaded in a manner that makes inspection of its cargo impracticable.

Driver inspection checklist:

Pre-Trip

• Make sure that cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured (in other words, according to the Standard).
• Make sure that all securement equipment and vehicle structures are in good working order and used consistent with their capability.
• Stow vehicle equipment.
• Make sure that nothing obscures front and side views or interferes with the ability to drive the vehicle or respond in an emergency.
• Inform carrier if packaging is not adequate. For example:
  • Banding is loose or not symmetrical on package.
  • Banding attachment device(s) are inefficient.
  • Wrapping is broken or ineffective.
  • Pallets are broken.

Periodic inspections during transit:

• Inspect cargo and securing devices.
• Adjust cargo or load securement devices as necessary to ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from, the commercial motor vehicle.
• As necessary, add more securing devices.

Law enforcement inspections

Law enforcement is responsible for roadside inspections in accordance with federal, state, or provincial laws.