Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed. Re-check. Re-check the cargo and securing devices as often as necessary during a trip to keep the load secure. You need to inspect again: After you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles.
What is the purpose of the cargo safety inspection?
(2) Inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure the cargo within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip and cause any adjustments to be made to the cargo or load securement devices as necessary, including adding more securement devices, to ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from the commercial motor vehicle; and
Can a sealed commercial vehicle be opened to inspect its cargo?
(4) The rules in this paragraph (b) 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.
What should I know about hauling cargo safely?
This section tells you about hauling cargo safely. You must understand basic cargo safety rules to get a CDL. If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it properly, it can be a danger to others and yourself. Loose cargo that falls off a vehicle can cause traffic problems and others could be hurt or killed.
What are the new cargo securement rules for commercial vehicles?
The new cargo securement rules apply to the same types of vehicles and cargo as the old rules, covering all cargo-carrying commercial motor vehicles (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) operated in interstate commerce.
What is tie down on a trailer?
What is GCWR in motor vehicle?
How does weight balance affect a truck?
What is a front end header board?
What is blocking in cargo?
What happens if you don't load cargo?
How far back should you inspect a cargo after starting a trip?
See 4 more
About this website
What is the only circumstance you are not required to inspect your cargo?
Cargo securement inspections (§392.9) are required within the first 50 miles after loading, and then every 3 hours, 150 miles or at a duty change, whichever comes first. If transporting cargo sealed in the cargo area or loaded in such a way that checking securement is not possible, the driver is not required to do so.
What precautions must be taken if driving with cargo?
Proper tie-down equipment must be used, including ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices (such as, winches, ratchets, and clinching components). Tiedowns must be attached to the vehicle correctly (with hooks, bolts, rails, rings). See Figure 3.2. Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each 10 feet of cargo.
Why is it important to check before you transport a sealed load?
What must you check before transporting a sealed load? You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.
What are the 2 main reasons for covering cargo?
Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed. Protect people from spilled cargo and to protect cargo from weather.
What is cargo safety?
Safety of cargo involves safe packaging of cargo in containers, prevention of tampering of the cargo container and safely transporting of the container to its final destination. The shipper is responsible for the packaging and labelling of the cargo to protect the contents from damage during transportation.
What are the things to consider before and after loading and unloading cargo?
Best Practices for Loading and Unloading Heavy Cargo Ensure that the loading area has good lighting at all times. The loading area should also be away from both vehicles and pedestrians. Ensure that the loading area is firm, flat, clean, and free from potholes and other obstructions that may cause slips or trips.
What is the most important reason to inspect your cargo?
If you need a HazMat endorsement, you should study Section 9. Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road users. A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later.
What is the importance of proper handling of cargo?
These tasks greatly effect productivity and quality in logistics. Cargo handling is a very important part of logistics, and losses in cargo handling directly increase logistics costs. Cargo handling involves many different tasks, so next we will explain in detail the most common.
When transporting a tanker should you inspect?
8.1 Inspecting Tank VehiclesTank body or shell for dents or leaks.Intake, discharge and cut-off valves. Make sure valves are in correct position before loading, unloading or moving the vehicle.Pipes, connections and hoses for leaks, especially around joints.Manhole covers and vents. ... Special purpose equipment.
Are you required to re inspect your cargo securement when you stop driving and go off duty?
Load securement checks Securement devices must be inspected for tightness and load conditions no more than 80 km from where the cargo is loaded, and then reinspected at every change of the driver's duty status, or if the vehicle has been driven more than three hours, or more than 240 km.
How can we protect cargo?
12 Ways to Prevent Cargo Damage in Supply ChainShipment damage prevention starts with adequate packaging practices. ... Adopt adequate palletizing techniques. ... Avoid extra-handling and reduce manpower resources by appropriate labelling. ... Improve your loading practices. ... Include an effective containerization process.More items...
What things should you check during a trip?
CDL 2.1QuestionAnswerWHAT THINGS SHOULD YOU CHECK DURING A TRIP?WATCH GAGES, USE YOUR SENSES (SMELL, TOUCH, ETC., TIRES, BREAKS, LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS.10 more rows
What is the safest way to transport cargo?
Railways and freight terminals are highly secure spaces with low rates of criminal activity and therefore the safest way to transport your goods over land.
What precautions should you take when following a large truck?
Make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you merge in front; leave extra space. Avoid passing trucks and buses going down hills, mountains, etc., where they tend to pick up speed due to their heavy weight. Avoid passing from the right lane.
What are the precautions to be taken during loading and unloading of goods?
Loading and unloading areas should be: Clear of other traffic, pedestrians and people not involved in loading or unloading. Clear of overhead electric cables so there is no chance touching them, or of electricity jumping to 'earth' through machinery, loads or people. Level.
What are the safety precautions while Travelling in the car?
Rules for the CarWear a seatbelt during every car trip. Fasten the seatbelt before the car is even in motion and leave it on until the end of the trip.Use all parts of the seatbelt. ... Never share seatbelts. ... Sit in the back seat. ... Play it cool. ... Follow the rules in every car.
Drivers Handbook on Cargo Securement - [PDF Document]
Preface Disclaimers This Handbook is based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard and is current as of November 2003. Federal, provincial, and state statutes may…
Is it legal to drive in CA with your truck's tailgate down?
Hi Folks, This question is very "Specific"... Doesn't appear to me that this question has anything to do with a person with a load in their vehicle or how to mark it, how many feet the load ...
Safety Requirements | Caltrans - California Department of Transportation
State of California. Alcohol / Drugs. Drivers operating vehicles which require a commercial driver's license (class A, class B, or a class C with a hazardous materials endorsement) are required to be tested for alcohol and controlled substances according to the federal regulations.
Cargo Securement Rules | FMCSA
On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules. Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the new requirements beginning January 1, 2004. The new rules are based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations, reflecting the results of a multi-year research program to evaluate U.S ...
What is tie down on a trailer?
Tiedowns must be of the proper type and proper strength. Federal regulations require the aggregate working load limit of any securement system used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least 1/2 times the weight of the article or group of articles. Proper tie-down equipment must be used, including ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices (such as, winches, ratchets, and clinching components). Tiedowns must be attached to the vehicle correctly (with hooks, bolts, rails, rings). See Figure 3.2.
What is GCWR in motor vehicle?
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination (articulated) vehicle. In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GCWR will be determined by adding the GVWR of the power unit, the total weight of the towed unit, and any load thereon.
How does weight balance affect a truck?
Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires. Under-loaded front axles (caused by shifting weight too far to the rear) can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely. Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction. The drive wheels may spin easily. During bad weather, the truck may not be able to keep going. Weight loaded with a high center of gravity causes a greater chance of rollover. On flatbed vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the load will shift to the side or fall off. See Figure 3.1.
What is a front end header board?
Front-end header boards (“headache racks”) protect you from your cargo in case of an accident or emergency stop. Make sure the front-end structure is in good condition. The front-end structure should block the forward movement of any cargo you carry.
What is blocking in cargo?
Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing is also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment.
What happens if you don't load cargo?
If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it properly, it can be a danger to others and yourself. Loose cargo that falls off a vehicle can cause traffic problems and others could be hurt or killed. Loose cargo could hurt or kill you during a quick stop or accident. Your vehicle could be damaged by an overload. Steering could be affected by how a vehicle is loaded, making it more difficult to control the vehicle. Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for:
How far back should you inspect a cargo after starting a trip?
After Starting. Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed.
What are the new cargo securement rules?
The new cargo securement rules include general securement rules applicable to all types of articles of cargo, with certain exceptions, and commodity-specific rules cover ing commodities that are considered the most difficult to determine the most appropriate means of securement. Requirements concerning securement, working load limits, blocking and bracing are applicable to all commodities being transported. The commodity-specific requirements take precedence over the general rules when additional requirements are given for a commodity listed in those sections. This means all cargo securement systems must meet the general requirements, except to the extent a commodity-specific rule imposes additional requirements that prescribe in more detail the securement method to be used.
What is the FMCSA front end structure?
FMCSA revised its rules concerning front-end structures or headerboards by changing the applicability of the requirements to cover CMVs transporting cargo that is in contact with the front-end structure of the vehicle. By contrast, the old rules required certain vehicles to be equipped with front-end structures regardless of whether the devices were used as part of a cargo securement system.
What are the new rules for securement?
The new rules require that all devices and systems used to secure cargo to or within a vehicle must be capable of meeting the performance criteria. All vehicle structures, systems, parts and components used to secure cargo must be in proper working order when used to perform that function with no damaged or weakened components that could adversely affect their performance. The cargo securement rules incorporate by reference manufacturing standards for certain types of tiedowns including steel strapping, chain, synthetic webbing, wire rope, and cordage. FMCSA has updated the rules to reference the November 15, 1999, version of the National Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM) Welded Steel Chain Specifications. The agency notes that some of the working load limit values in the 1999 version differ slightly from the previous edition of this publication. Also, the 1999 version includes working load limits for a new grade of alloy chain, grade 100. The agency also changed its reference for synthetic webbing from the 1991 edition to the 1998 edition of the Web Sling and Tiedown Association's publication. Generally, the working load limits are the same as those in the 1991 publication. Changes in the references do not necessarily mean the older securement devices need to be replaced. Motor carriers are not required to replace tiedown devices purchased prior to January 1, 2004. If the tiedowns satisfied the old rules, the devices should also satisfy the new rules.
How many tiedowns are required for cargo securement?
When an article of cargo is not blocked or positioned to prevent movement in the forward direction, the number of tiedowns needed depends on the length and weight of the articles. There must be - one tiedown for articles 5 ft or less in length, and 1,100 lbs or less in weight; two tiedowns if the article is -
Why do carriers change their cargo securement devices?
The new rules require motor carriers to change the way they use cargo securement devices to prevent articles from shifting on or within, or falling from commercial motor vehicles. The changes may require motor carriers to increase the number of tiedowns used to secure certain types of cargo. However, the rule generally does not prohibit the use ...
What are the rules for logs?
393.116 - Logs#N#The rules for the transportation of logs are applicable to the transportation of almost all logs with the following exceptions: 1 Logs that are unitized by banding or other comparable means may be transported in accordance with the general cargo securement rules. 2 Loads that consist of no more than four processed logs may be transported in accordance with the general cargo securement rules. 3 Firewood, stumps, log debris and other such short logs must be transported in a vehicle or container enclosed on both sides, front, and rear and of adequate strength to contain them. Longer logs may also be transported in an enclosed vehicle or container.
What is the difference between acceleration and deceleration?
FMCSA has adopted new performance requirements concerning deceleration in the forward direction, and acceleration in the rearward and lateral directions, that cargo securement systems must withstand. Deceleration is the rate at which the speed of the vehicle decreases when the brakes are applied , and acceleration is the rate at which the speed ...
What is tie down on a trailer?
Tiedowns must be of the proper type and proper strength. Federal regulations require the aggregate working load limit of any securement system used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least 1/2 times the weight of the article or group of articles. Proper tie-down equipment must be used, including ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices (such as, winches, ratchets, and clinching components). Tiedowns must be attached to the vehicle correctly (with hooks, bolts, rails, rings). See Figure 3.2.
What is GCWR in motor vehicle?
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination (articulated) vehicle. In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GCWR will be determined by adding the GVWR of the power unit, the total weight of the towed unit, and any load thereon.
How does weight balance affect a truck?
Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires. Under-loaded front axles (caused by shifting weight too far to the rear) can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely. Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction. The drive wheels may spin easily. During bad weather, the truck may not be able to keep going. Weight loaded with a high center of gravity causes a greater chance of rollover. On flatbed vehicles, there is also a greater chance that the load will shift to the side or fall off. See Figure 3.1.
What is a front end header board?
Front-end header boards (“headache racks”) protect you from your cargo in case of an accident or emergency stop. Make sure the front-end structure is in good condition. The front-end structure should block the forward movement of any cargo you carry.
What is blocking in cargo?
Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing is also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment.
What happens if you don't load cargo?
If you load cargo wrong or do not secure it properly, it can be a danger to others and yourself. Loose cargo that falls off a vehicle can cause traffic problems and others could be hurt or killed. Loose cargo could hurt or kill you during a quick stop or accident. Your vehicle could be damaged by an overload. Steering could be affected by how a vehicle is loaded, making it more difficult to control the vehicle. Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for:
How far back should you inspect a cargo after starting a trip?
After Starting. Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed.
