The Fundamentals of
Cargo Securement

Issuance of citations/fines to you and/or your company.
Higher insurance rates.
Your vehicle being placed out of service.

The rules
Cargo securement isn't just a good idea - it's required.

In the U.S, you must follow the rules in 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I, Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo.
In Canada, you must comply with National Safety Code Standard 10, Cargo Securement, and provincial standards.
These regulations are both based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard, designed to harmonize and improve the securement practices across North America.

Which vehicles are covered?
The standards apply to commercial motor vehicles, including vehicle combinations, that are operated on a highway and either:
1. Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or more, whichever is greater; OR

2. Are used in transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations.

How well must the securement system work?
Each cargo securement system must be able to withstand a minimum amount of force in each direction, as follows:

Forward Force - 80% of cargo weight when braking while driving straight ahead.
Rearward Force - 50% of cargo weight when accelerating, shifting gears while climbing a hill, or braking in reverse.
Sideways Force - 50% of cargo weight when turning, changing lanes, or braking while turning.
Upward Force - 20% of cargo weight when traveling over bumps in the road or cresting a hill.