Flatbed Load Securement For Flatbeds Training & Certification

Load Securement Training | Cargo Securement Training

What is Successful Load Securement?

Load securement is a catch-all word for all phases of attaching an item of equipment or cargo to the truck. Structures of sufficient strength, dunnage or dunnage sacks, shoring bars, tie-downs, or a combination of these must be used to immobilize or secure cargo on or within the vehicle.

How To Do a Proper Cargo Securement

Knowing what equipment, standards, and measures must be followed is just as crucial as using the correct technique to secure a load of cargo. A securement system could potentially meet or exceed the criteria for your cargo. However, if the load is not properly secured, it will still constitute a threat to security and safety.

Personal Protective Equipment

During the loading procedure, you may come into contact with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or other safety concerns. The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) assures your safety in these environments. Loading large gear, for example, may result in cargo being raised over you. A hard hat will keep you safe from any cargo elements that may fall during this process.

Review

Review all transportation information you have about the type of load you will be hauling before you begin. Then consider how your cargo’s weight will be divided. Also, determine the type and number of tie-downs required, and where these tie-downs will be placed and secured. This helps you to be ready to load and secure your stuff in a safe and efficient manner.

Walk-Around

Walk around your truck and trailer to ensure that all anchor points, trailer decks, and other equipment are in good working order. Check that the surface is clear of anything that could cause sliding or cargo damage. Check the condition of your straps, chains, tie-down devices, tarps, and other securement systems. Any spills, debris, exposed nails, or holes in your equipment may create abrasion or let debris, weather, or road spray into the cargo, causing damage.

North American Cargo Securement Standard

The North American Cargo Securement Standard is a set of rules and regulations for commercial loads. It was designed to guarantee that commercial vehicle cargo securement techniques are effective. It requires that every load be contained, immobilized, and secured. You must secure cargo so that it does not leak, spill, or get separated from the vehicle. It also must not shift on or within the truck in such a way that the vehicle’s control is compromised.

This is the standard that is used in North America and is regarded as the region’s general norm. It includes specific regulation differences in some states, provinces, or countries.

This standard applies to commercial vehicles operating on a roadway with an overall vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000. This includes any cargo that is carried. Some cargo categories have additional or different needs. Therefore, securement procedures must be implemented to accommodate those changes.

The requirements state that cargo must be secured before transportation can begin. This includes avoiding cargo movement and any items from dropping off your trailer. A load must be distributed and secured effectively. The framework of the vehicle, as well as the equipment, must be secured.

The cargo must not obstruct the driver’s view ahead or behind. Furthermore, cargo cannot obstruct the free mobility of a driver’s arms and legs. It also should not limit access to emergency equipment or prevent a driver from exiting the truck’s cab. You may create a safe atmosphere for cargo driving by understanding and adhering to these guidelines.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary governing organization for cargo safety in the US. The FMCSA is in charge of developing the regulations and standards that you must follow. Their standards generally comply with the North American Cargo Securement Standard. However, some slight variations may apply depending on your area and your routes.

Specific Standards & Regulations

The following sections will go over the standards and regulations that must be followed when securing cargo. This covers the standards to adhere to, the strategies to employ, and other safety measures.

Securement Systems

To create safe carrying conditions, every load that you haul must be kept from moving. A securement system will be required to prevent shifting. The vehicle’s construction, securing mechanisms, blocking, and bracing equipment can all be used to secure the load.

The securement system you select must be appropriate for the type, size, shape, and weight of your cargo. Furthermore, your cargo must be structurally sound enough to withstand the loading, securement, and transportation processes. This comprises packaged goods, unitized cargo, and stacked freight.

Vehicle Structures

Your vehicle and trailer framework plays an important role in cargo security. Floors, walls, decks, anchor points, headboards, bulkheads, stakes, and posts are all included. All vehicle elements must be able to withstand the forces specified in the standards. Any anchor points you utilize must be in good working order and free of visible damage, distress, or other weakened components.

Anchor Points

Anchor point rating and marking are not required by the securement standards. However, manufacturers are still advised to rate and mark their anchor locations. If the manufacturer’s recommendations are displayed on your equipment, follow them.

Securing Devices & Straps

Securing devices are designed to secure cargo to a truck or trailer. Chains, hooks, clamps, and bracers are examples of such items. Tie-downs are made up of fastening devices attached to anchor points. Tie-downs can attach to cargo directly, pass over it, or go through it. These tie-downs help to increase the downward force between the deck and your cargo, increasing friction and restraint.

Tie-downs must be designed, manufactured, and maintained in order to be used. All tie-down components must be in good functioning order, with no knots, distress, weakened areas, or damage. If you notice a tie-down that is damaged, contact your employer for more information or use a new one. Do not use a tie-down if you suspect that it will fail or break.

Blocking & Bracing

Materials used as blocking, bracing, or dunnage must be sturdy enough to withstand the load and tie-downs without breaking. Dunnage and blocking materials are any items used to fill the gap between cargo elements during transportation. Stakes, bulkheads, and other devices that help brace cargo against movement are examples of bracing material.

Common Cargo Securement Mistakes & Violations

Failure To Prevent Shifting or Loss of Load

Always ensure that your load is effectively contained so that it does not spill, break, or tumble off the vehicle. Shifting weights can cause accidents and damage to your equipment. To avoid shifting, avoid vacant spaces when packing your cargo and secure your load firmly to stabilize it.

Failure To Secure Truck Equipment To Flatbed

Not only should your vehicle’s load be secured, but so should the little things! Inspectors will scrutinize any load-securing equipment you utilize including:

• Tarps
• Dunnage
• Trowels
• Shovels

Take the time to ensure that everything in the trailer or on the catwalk behind the cab is securely fastened and will not collapse or blow off the truck.

Damaged Tie-Downs

Keep an eye out for chain wear and tear, as well as tears or rips in web straps. Replace everything that appears to be tearing or breaking. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If a tie-down fails, the load may shift, resulting in a major accident or injury.

Not Enough Tie-Downs

Keep a guideline in your cab to ensure you have the correct number of ties for your cargo. Special-purpose vehicles are subject to additional regulations. If this pertains to you, make sure you’ve reviewed the Code of Federal Regulations to ensure you are in alignment with them.

Loose Tie-Downs

This is very simple, but it is critical that you double- or even triple-check the security of your tie-downs before getting on the road. Tie-down violations account for most of the load securement violations. This is because they are easily ignored if your cargo securement is not thoroughly inspected. For more information check out our related articles What are the Requirements and Regulations for Load Securement and What are the Two Main Load Restraining Methods

What’s in Our Flatbed Load Securement Training Course?

Here at Hard Hat Training, we offer a Cargo Securement Safety Training Course. This course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirement. Each class contains sections on governing bodies, requirements, securing processes, specific cargo, and more.

This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.

Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 1.5-2 hours.

Cargo Securement Safety Training Course

• Tiedowns: Tiedowns are one of the most common methods of containing and securing cargo. Tiedowns are made up of straps, chains, or other restraining devices that are attached to anchor points on the trailer or vehicle. These tiedowns can be attached in many ways, such as directly to the cargo or over it. These attachment methods can affect how much that tiedown contributes to the securement system’s overall restraining power. It’s important to know what requirements exist and how your tiedowns contribute to meeting that standard.
• Blocking: Blocking devices help to prevent cargo from shifting or falling from the trailer. Blocking helps to ensure that your load stays in the same position you’ve loaded it in and doesn’t shift toward any empty space on the trailer. Blocking is often made up of space-filling material like pallets, spacers, or even other cargo. If cargo is used as blocking, it must be able to withstand any forces from other cargo, tiedowns, and any other forces encountered during transit.
• Bracing: Bracing features help to further secure the load against movement. These pieces of equipment are often parts of the trailer’s structure, such as headboards or posts, and work in tandem with tiedowns to prevent cargo from coming loose or shifting. Bulkheads are a common bracing feature that helps to prevent cargo from moving forward. Stakes are a common method to stop cargo from shifting laterally. When cargo is rounded, such as a group of pipes, chocks and cradles may be used to prevent it from rolling.

Other requirements are set according to the weight, length, and type of your cargo. Securement methods need to be adjusted based on these factors, which you can learn more about in our upcoming Cargo Securement Safety Training. In the meantime, check out our safety training website for hundreds of our other current safety trainings. Good luck, and stay safe!

The Hard Hat Training Series is excited to announce a new training course: Cargo Securement Safety Training. Cargo securement is the process of securing cargo against movement or shifting in any direction so that it can be safely transported. Improper cargo securement can carry heavy consequences, such as vehicle damage, fines, insurance costs, or even injury and death. Cargo securement is accomplished through securement systems, which are made up of certain devices and structures that prevent cargo from shifting or falling. We’ve listed some of the key components of a securement system below!

• Tiedowns: Tiedowns are one of the most common methods of containing and securing cargo. Tiedowns are made up of straps, chains, or other restraining devices that are attached to anchor points on the trailer or vehicle. These tiedowns can be attached in many ways, such as directly to the cargo or over it. These attachment methods can affect how much that tiedown contributes to the securement system’s overall restraining power. It’s important to know what requirements exist and how your tiedowns contribute to meeting that standard.
• • Blocking: Blocking devices help to prevent cargo from shifting or falling from the trailer. Blocking helps to ensure that your load stays in the same position you’ve loaded it in and doesn’t shift toward any empty space on the trailer. Blocking is often made up of space-filling material like pallets, spacers, or even other cargo. If cargo is used as blocking, it must be able to withstand any forces from other cargo, tiedowns, and any other forces encountered during transit.
• • Bracing: Bracing features help to further secure the load against movement. These pieces of equipment are often parts of the trailer’s structure, such as headboards or posts, and work in tandem with tiedowns to prevent cargo from coming loose or shifting. Bulkheads are a common bracing feature that helps to prevent cargo from moving forward. Stakes are a common method to stop cargo from shifting laterally. When cargo is rounded, such as a group of pipes, chocks and cradles may be used to prevent it from rolling.

Other requirements are set according to the weight, length, and type of your cargo. Securement methods need to be adjusted based on these factors, which you can learn more about in our upcoming Cargo Securement Safety Training. In the meantime, check out our safety training website for hundreds of our other current safety trainings.