DOT Cargo Securement Standard

Name: DOT Cargo Securement Standard
Author: KnowledgeCity

Learn about the DOT Cargo Securement Standard to safely secure and transport your cargo.

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Course: On-Demand

(intense music) Cargo-related highway accidents can have devastating results, not only for people and property, but for businesses' and drivers' careers as well. Preventing these accidents begins with organizing and standardizing the securement process. So the North American Cargo Securement Standard requires motor carriers and their employees to secure the cargo on the vehicles that they operate using securement systems. The standard requires any system that is used to restrain a load be appropriate for the cargo's size, shape, strength, and characteristics. More specifically, it must be able to withstand physical forces equal to 80% of the cargo weight in a forward direction, such as occurs when a truck that is driving straight ahead puts on the brakes, 50% of the cargo weight in a rearward direction, which can occur when a truck is accelerating, shifting gears while climbing a hill, or braking in reverse, 50% of the cargo weight in a sideways direction, such as occurs when a truck is turning, changing lanes, or braking while turning, and 20% of the cargo weight in an upwards direction, which can occur when a truck is traveling over bumps or cresting a hill. To achieve all of this, a securement system can make use of vehicle structures, blocking and bracing equipment, and securing devices. Vehicle structures include floors, walls, decks, headboards, bulkheads, anchor points, stakes, and posts. Blocking and bracing can include chocks and cradles, as well as any material used for dunnage, such as tarps, plastic wrapping, liner bags, and matting. Securing devices are devices that have been specially manufactured to attach or secure cargo to a vehicle or trailer. These can include chains, synthetic webbing, Manila rope, clamps and latches, grab hooks, binders, shackles, D-rings, friction mats, and more. Tiedowns are another important concept in cargo securement. They are assembled by connecting several securing devices together. For example, a tiedown could include a couple of grab hooks, a length of chain, a shackle, and a ratchet tightening device. One end of a tiedown attaches to an anchor point on the vehicle. The other end can be attached to the cargo directly, or passed through, around, or over the cargo, then fastened to a second anchor point. In situations where a tiedown rests against the cargo, edge protection should be used to prevent them from damaging one another. The Cargo Securement Standard requires that all of these vehicle structures, blocking, bracing, and securing devices, including tiedowns, have adequate strength to restrain the cargo that a vehicle is transporting. The standard also specifies that wood which is used for blocking, bracing, or dunnage should be properly seasoned hardwood free of knots, splits, or decay, with grain that runs lengthwise. If the elements of a securement system become worn or damaged, their strength and function could be compromised, so all securement equipment must be inspected before use and replaced if it shows signs of any problems.

Beginner Provider : KnowledgeCity 6 Lessons · 18m in English, Spanish, Urdu

Course Description

As a truck driver, it’s important for your cargo to be correctly and safely secured at all times. In this course, we will cover the DOT Cargo Securement Standard, which is based on guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In these lessons, you will learn methods for securing various types of cargo, such as tiedowns and friction mats. You will understand how to determine how much cargo a truck can safely carry, and where to find guidance on what securement methods to use. By the end of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of the Cargo Securement Standard and how it will keep you safe.

What You'll Learn

Understand the DOT Cargo Securement Standard based on guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Secure various types of cargo using methods such as tiedowns and friction mats
Determine how much cargo a truck can safely carry based on the vehicle
Identify where to find guidance on which securement methods to use
Apply securement systems when loading and restraining cargo

Key Takeaways

The DOT Cargo Securement Standard is based on guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Cargo can be secured using methods such as tiedowns and friction mats.
Truck drivers must determine how much cargo a truck can safely carry based on the vehicle.
Correctly and safely securing cargo at all times helps keep the driver safe.
The course covers where to find guidance on what securement methods to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is for truck drivers, who need their cargo to be correctly and safely secured at all times.

What does this course cover?

It covers the DOT Cargo Securement Standard, methods for securing various types of cargo such as tiedowns and friction mats, how to determine how much cargo a truck can safely carry, and where to find guidance on what securement methods to use.

What skills will I gain from this course?

The course covers skills including cargo handling, cargo security, load securement, and truck driving.

What lessons are included?

Lessons include Introduction, The DOT Cargo Securement Standard, Securement Systems, Working with Load Limits, Loading and Restraining Cargo, and Conclusion.

What will I understand by the end of the course?

By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of the Cargo Securement Standard and how it will keep you safe.