Keep all cargo safe and secure
It’s a professional driver’s job to safely and efficiently transport cargo to the customer damage-free and on time. Proper cargo securement is a make-or-break hazard situation. Failing to properly secure a load can result in citations, fines, accidents, damages, and even loss of life.
Proper cargo securement is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and addressed in the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program.
TIP: Distribute copies of the FMCSRs to your drivers. Review and discuss the applicable sections of Part 393, Subpart I.
The general requirements
According to 391.13 and 392.9 of the FMCSRs, a driver must know how to properly locate, distribute, and secure cargo. The regulations require drivers to be familiar with the proper cargo securement methods and procedures in or on the vehicle. A vehicle may not be driven unless the cargo is correctly secured with its weight appropriately distributed across the cargo area.
Cargo rules
Remind drivers that the vehicle’s cargo must not:
•Block the driver’s view ahead or to the left/right sides,
•Interfere with the driver’s arm or leg movement,
•Prevent the driver from reaching emergency equipment, or
•Prevent the driver or anyone else from exiting the vehicle.
The driver must also perform a load check:
•Before starting out;
•Within 50 miles of the trip; and
•When one of the following occurs, whichever
happens first:
- A change of duty status
- After the vehicle has been driven for 3 hours, or
- After the vehicle has been driven for 150 miles.
Exemptions
A driver may be exempt if:
•The vehicle is sealed,
•The driver has been ordered not to open or inspect the cargo, or
•The cargo has been loaded in a way that makes it impractical to inspect.
TIP: Include a question-and-answer session in your training to help fill any gaps.
Do the tiedown math
Tiedowns, such as straps and chains, are typically used to secure cargo. A key concept in determining how many tiedowns are required is the aggregate working load limit (WLL) of the tiedowns, i.e., the restraining capacity of all the tiedowns combined. Usually, the WLL of a tiedown is marked on the device by the manufacturer. If it’s not listed on the device, the table in 393.108 must be used.
In addition to meeting the standard for the aggregate WLL, the minimum number of tiedowns required to secure an article or group of articles depends on the length of the article(s) being secured, and the weight of the article(s).
Section 393.110 of the FMCSRs specifies the minimum number of tiedowns that must be used to secure cargo.
Follow the guidance in the table below when an article IS NOT blocked or positioned to prevent forward movement by a headerboard, a bulkhead, other secured cargo, or other appropriate blocking devices.
IF the article is: 5 feet or shorter, AND 1,100 pounds or lighter
THEN use at least: 1 tiedown
IF the article is: 5 feet or shorter, AND over 1,100 pounds
THEN use at least: 2 tiedowns
IF the article is :Longer than 5 feet but not more than 10 feet, no matter the weight
THEN use at least: 2 tiedowns
IF the article is: Longer than 10 feet
THEN use at least: 2 tiedowns, plus 1 additional tiedown for every additional 10 feet, or fraction thereof beyond the first 10 feet
When an article is blocked, braced, or immobilized to prevent forward movement, it must be secured by at least one tiedown for every 10 feet of article length, or fraction thereof. ♦
TIP: Provide drivers with a quick-reference card that they can use to determine tiedown needs on the road.
Provided by J.J. Keller & Associates
To view the full monthly newsletter click here: Cargo Securement Article February 2026
