The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees cargo securement regulations. The organization published an update to the rules in September of 2002 and mandated compliance by all cargo trucks on or before January 1, 2004. At issue is the problem of shifting or falling payload from moving conveyances, which endangers the flow of traffic, obstructs highway lanes and causes danger to cars driving behind cargo trucks. Updates to the securement protocols include the addition of extra tie-down devices that drivers use to latch the goods in place. The (FMCSA) specifically exempts payloads consisting of goods devoid of a defined shape, such as loose grain or sand. Drivers know they are in compliance when the cargo remains in place during 0.8 g forward deceleration and 0.5 g backward and also sideways accelerations.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) defines sizing regulations with respect to various types of cargo trucks. Trucks may measure a maximum 102 inches in width; the one exception is the State of Hawaii, where these vehicles may measure up to 108 inches. Other states have the option of issuing permits to operators of cargo trucks exceeding this size limit. With respect to length, the agency offers a minimum and a maximum figure. Semi-trailers may be as long as 48 feet but tractor semi-trailer combos may not exceed 65 feet. States may issue permits for cargo trucks to go beyond the maximum length but may not require operators to go below the stated minimum length.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issues cargo truck regulations, some of which direct safe docking processes. In the past, workers encountered unsafe conditions when drivers would suddenly move docked cargo trucks. To minimize workplace accidents and maximize worker safety, OSHA devised regulations that govern the safe and continued docking of trucks while being loaded or emptied. Operators may fasten trucks via mechanical means to the dock, which prevents the sudden movement of the vehicle. Other options are wheel chocks that the driver places under the rear wheels of the truck to prevent gradual rolling.
