Toolbox Talk: Load Securement Tips
Load securement requirements use two types of reasoning. One is by load length, and the other is by load weight
Points to Remember:
If the item is:
• 5 feet or shorter and 1,100 lbs or lighter, one tie-down can be used.
• 5 feet or shorter and more than 1,100 lbs, two tie-downs must be used.
• Longer than 5 feet but less than or equal to 10 feet, no matter the weight, two tie-downs must be used.
• Longer than 10 feet, two tie-downs must be used, plus one additional tie-down for every additional 10 feet.
• Securing equipment less than 10,000 lbs requires at least two adjustable tie-downs with a Working Load Limit (WLL) of a least half the weight of the cargo.
• Securing equipment of more than 10,000 lbs requires at least four adjustable tie-downs with a Working Load Limit (WLL) of a least half the weight of the cargo.
For more information on the various types of cargo securement see the FMCSR Driver Safety Handbook part 393.100.
Remember these are minimum requirements—the driver has the responsibility to secure the load, no matter how many tie-down devices are needed.
