Don't Get a Ticket; Follow the FMCSA's Hauling Rules

Years ago, when motorists needed to transport cargo from one place to another; they'd toss some ropes over the load and fasten the ends to whatever they could find. Nowadays, if you employ this type of strategy, you may end up with a big fine. For about a decade, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has required cargo-haulers to follow specific guidelines that spell out exactly how truck tie downs should be used to stabilize cargo. If you need to transport a big load from one point to another; become familiar with FMCSA's standards first.

Requirements

Although you might think you can secure your cargo using only one tie down; the FMCSA might disagree. These days, the administration only allows a single tie down to be used for loads weighing fewer than 1,100 lbs. and/or shorter than 5 feet in length. If your cargo's weight exceeds this, or its length falls between 5 and ten feet, two are required. Additionally, an extra tie down is required for each additional five-foot length.

Best practices

The FMCSA generally recommends that drivers secure their cargo by placing dunnage (inflatable or soft articles) or structures between loose items in a truck bed to prevent shifting. Once motorists have secured the items using buffers, they should place straps over the top and fasten them to bull ring tie downs or a durable bolted ring, securely fastened into the bed wall. Motorists should never try to hook the ends of their tie downs into holes or along edges of the tail gate and/or bed walls; as this could result in detachment.

Additionally, the FMCSA insists that drivers use soft buffers between tie downs and cargo to reduce the chances of cutting due to consistent abrasion. In most cases, soft bedding or pillows will suffice; however, motorists can buy buffer pads if they wish.