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Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 3: Logs

Special Circumstances: Securing Logs Loaded Lengthwise on Flatbed and Frame Vehicles

Logs loaded lengthwise on these vehicles must meet these requirements in addition to the other logs requirements.

Requirements for shortwood loaded lengthwise
  • Shortwood must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
  • Logs should be centered in the bunk.
  • Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes at each end.
Shortwood and tiedowns requirements
  • Two tiedowns:

    Secure each stack of shortwood with at least two tiedowns.

  • One tiedown

    A stack can be secured with one tiedown if all logs in the stack less than 3.04 m (10 ft) are:

    • Blocked in the front by a headboard strong enough to restrain the load or by another stack of logs.
    • Blocked in the rear by the vehicle's end structure or another stack of logs.

    Position the one tiedown about midway between bunks, stakes, or standards.

Requirements for securing longwood loaded lengthwise
  • Longwood must be cradled in two or more bunks or contained by stakes.
  • Each outside log should bear against at least two stakes, one near each end of the log.
  • Each end of the log should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes.
  • If shorter logs are carried on top of the stack, secure each log with at least two tiedowns.
Longwood and tiedown requirements
  • Secure each stack of longwood with at least two tiedowns at positions along the load that provide effective securement.
  • Secure each outside log of a stack with at least two tiedowns.
Working load limit for longwood and shortwood loaded lengthwise

The aggregate working load limit for all tiedowns must be no less than 1/6 the weight of the stack of logs.

Note: This requirement is much less than the general requirement of an aggregate working load limit equal to 1/2 the weight of the load. This lowered requirement recognizes that the bunks/stakes help to prevent slippage.

Special Circumstances: Securing Logs Transported on Pole Trailers

Requirements for logs on pole trailers

Either at least one tiedown at each bunk.

Or at least two tiedowns used as wrappers that encircle the entire load.

Wrapper requirements

Position front and rear wrappers at least 3.04 m (10 ft) apart.

Large logs - shift prevention requirement

Use chock blocks to prevent the shifting of large diameter single and double log loads.

Large logs - additional tiedowns requirement

Secure large diameter logs that are above the bunks to the underlying load with at least two additional wrappers.

Related Cargo Securement Terms That Every Driver Should Know:

  • Chock:

    A tapered or wedge-shaped piece used to secure round articles against rolling.

  • Pallet:

    A platform or tray on which cargo is placed so that it can be handled as an article. (Same as "Skid")

  • Cleat:

    A short piece of material, usually wood, nailed to the deck to reinforce blocking.

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...

When securing a load of lengthwise longwood logs weighing 42,500 lbs, what is the minimum aggregate WLL required for tiedowns? (rounded up to nearest lb)
  • 10,000 lbs
  • 7,085 lbs.
  • 21,250 lbs
  • 8,550 lbs

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Working load limit for longwood and shortwood loaded lengthwise

The aggregate working load limit for all tiedowns must be no less than 1/6 the weight of the stack of logs.

Note: This requirement is much less than the general requirement of an aggregate working load limit equal to 1/2 the weight of the load. This lowered requirement recognizes that the bunks/stakes help to prevent slippage.

Next
All of these are requirements for securing longwood lengthwise except:
  • Must be cradled in two or more bunks or contained by stakes.
  • Secure each log with at least two tiedowns if shorter logs are carried on top of the stack.
  • Each end of the log should extend at least 3 inches beyond the stakes.
  • Each outside log should bear against at least two stakes, one near each end of the log.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Requirements for securing longwood loaded lengthwise
  • Longwood must be cradled in two or more bunks or contained by stakes.
  • Each outside log should bear against at least two stakes, one near each end of the log.
  • Each end of the log should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes.
  • If shorter logs are carried on top of the stack, secure each log with at least two tiedowns.
Prev
Next
A stack of shortwood loaded lengthwise can be secured with one tiedown if:
  • They are blocked in the back by the vehicle's end structure or another stack of logs.
  • All logs in the stack are less than 10 ft long.
  • They are blocked in the front by a headboard or another stack of logs.
  • All of these apply.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

One tiedown

A stack can be secured with one tiedown if all logs in the stack less than 3.04 m (10 ft) are:

  • Blocked in the front by a headboard strong enough to restrain the load or by another stack of logs.
  • Blocked in the rear by the vehicle's end structure or another stack of logs.
Prev
Next
What is a pallet used for?
  • A vertical barrier across the front of the deck of a vehicle to prevent forward movement of cargo.
  • A waterproof sheet used to cover cargo.
  • A vertical barrier across a vehicle to prevent forward movement of cargo.
  • A platform or tray on which cargo is placed so that it can be handled as an article. (Same as "Skid")

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Pallet:

A platform or tray on which cargo is placed so that it can be handled as an article. (Same as "Skid")

Prev
Next
Which of the following is not a requirement for shortwood loaded lengthwise?
  • Must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
  • Logs should be centered in the bunk.
  • Heavier logs must be stacked on top.
  • Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 6 in beyond the stakes at each end.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Requirements for shortwood loaded lengthwise
  • Shortwood must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
  • Logs should be centered in the bunk.
  • Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes at each end.
Prev
Next
In cargo securement, what is a 'cleat' defined as?
  • A tapered or wedge-shaped piece used to secure round articles against rolling.
  • Part of the structure, fitting, or attachment on a vehicle or cargo to which a tiedown is attached.
  • A tapered piece of material, thick at one end and thin at the other.
  • A short piece of material, usually wood, nailed to the deck to reinforce blocking.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Cleat:

A short piece of material, usually wood, nailed to the deck to reinforce blocking.

Prev
Next
The aggregate WLL for logs loaded lengthwise must be at least:
  • 1/2 the weight of the load.
  • 1/6 the weight of the stack.
  • 4,000 lbs
  • 1/2 the weight of the stack.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Working load limit for longwood and shortwood loaded lengthwise

The aggregate working load limit for all tiedowns must be no less than 1/6 the weight of the stack of logs.

Note: This requirement is much less than the general requirement of an aggregate working load limit equal to 1/2 the weight of the load. This lowered requirement recognizes that the bunks/stakes help to prevent slippage.

Prev
Next
A chock is defined as:
  • A crosswise load bearing structural component, particularly a part of a log bunk.
  • A short piece of material, usually wood, nailed to the deck to reinforce blocking.
  • A structure, device, or another substantial article placed against or around an article to prevent horizontal movement of the article.
  • A tapered or wedge-shaped piece used to secure round articles against rolling.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Chock:

A tapered or wedge-shaped piece used to secure round articles against rolling.

Prev
Finish
Please select an option
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