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The rules and regulations regarding safe loading practices of enclosed and flatbed types of trailers can be extensive and a little confusing.
Here are some tips to help:
Selection of Binding Chains: (49 CFR 393.102)
Truckers frequently use chains to tie down their loads securely, to enhance safety and abide by the law. There are two important factors to keep in mind when evaluating chains:
1. The word "grade" describes the type of chain. For example, a "Grade 7" chain is popular with many carriers, despite its higher expense. It is a strong chain specifically for load securement, made from heat-treated carbon steel with a boron additive. "Grade 8" and "Grade 10" chains are made of alloy steel designed for heavy lifting.
2. The "safety factor" of chains refers to a fraction of maximum load weight that the chain can carry before breaking. If a chain can hold 1,000 pounds before breaking, and has a safety factor of 4, the chain would have a working load limit of 250 pounds (250=1/4 of 1000). Truckers are required to use chains with a "working load limit" equal to 1/2 times the weight of the load (49CFR 393.102(a)(2)). In this example, using a chain that has a working load limit of 250 pounds, truckers would need one chain for every 500 pounds.
Tie Downs: Ratchet vs Lock Binders: (49 CFR 393.102)
Applicable U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) state there must be one tie down every 10 feet for general cargo and every 8 feet for metal cargo. There must be enough tie downs so that when combined their working load limit equals half the weight of the cargo secured. At least two tie downs must be used in securing metal articles. Since there are several variables in determining how many tie downs are required for securing cargo, check out regulation 49 CFR 393.110 for more detailed information. Selection of ratchet or lock binders is not specified and left to the user's discretion and preferences.
Sources:
Title 49—Transportation, 49CFR 393, Subparts A & I, Protection Against Shifting Cargo
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title49-vol5/xml/CFR-2010-title49-vol5-part393.xml
CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) www.cvsa.org
Don’t get tied down with anxiety over regulations. There is an abundance of useful resources that can help you get answers to your specific compliance questions.
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