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

New York State Metal Coil Endorsement Securement Manual

SECTION 2: GENERAL PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Strength Rating for Blocking Systems:

The working load limit of all components used to block cargo from forward movement must be 50% (or more) of the weight of the article being blocked.

The most important securement task is to prevent an article from moving forward, and the best way to prevent forward movement is to immobilize the cargo.

This can be done by placing it against a headboard, bulkhead , stakes or other vehicle structure, or against other cargo that is immobilized in that manner. Blocking and bracing can be placed between the article and vehicle structure, other cargo, or a void-filler.

A “void-filler” is material used to fill a space between articles of cargo and the structure of the vehicle, that has sufficient strength to prevent movement of the articles of cargo (for example, 4 ft. x 4 ft. timbers placed between two adjacent articles of cargo to fill the void).

A direct tiedown can also be used to secure cargo against forward movement.

Securement System Strength Rating for Marked Components:

The working load limit of a tiedown is the working load limit of its weakest part, including anchor points (that is, a tiedown is only as strong as its weakest link). In the case of synthetic webbing, the working load limit is the working load limit of the tiedown assembly or the anchor point, whichever is the least.

Some manufacturers mark their manufactured tiedown assemblies, or components, with a numeric Working Load Limit value. In the absence of other information, this value should be used as the working load limit of the component or assembly.

Other manufacturers mark components using a code or symbol that is defined in a recognized standard. For example, a piece of grade 7 chain may be marked with a 7 or 70, in accordance with the standard of the National Association of Chain Manufacturers. The standard then gives the Working Load Limit for that piece of chain, depending on its size.

Securement System Strength Rating for Unmarked Components:

Securement components and assemblies which are not marked are considered to have working load limits as specified in the Working Load Limit Table

Note: If markings cannot be read, the tiedown will be considered unmarked.

Carriers should try to purchase and use components that are rated and marked by their manufacturer. That way, the carrier, driver, shipper and inspector can all verify that the proper equipment is being used for the job.

Note: Friction mats provide a resistance to horizontal movement equal to 50% of the cargo weight that is resting on the mat.

Cargo Placement and Restraint:

Articles of cargo that are placed beside each other and secured by side-to-side, indirect tiedowns must be either:

• Placed in direct contact with each other, or
• Prevented from shifting towards each other.

Some tiedowns lose their initial tension very quickly in normal driving if there are gaps between articles. Articles must be placed in contact with each other to ensure that there are no gaps, or must be secured by some means to prevent them from moving towards each other in transit.

This requirement applies to all layers and stacks of articles that are loaded across a vehicle.

Where two or more long articles (like metal ingots or bundles of reinforcing bars) are loaded lengthwise on a vehicle, if the space between articles cannot be filled with other cargo or blocking, transverse tiedowns can be wrapped around each article to immobilize it against side-to-side movement.