Wanderlust World Wanderlust World New DOT tie-down regulations address the following types of vehicles: truck tractors, straight trucks, pull trailers, pole trailers, semi trailers and any other equipment normally operated by a contractor. As of January 2004, these types of vehicles must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) to prevent shifting or loss of load.
The FMCSR has issued a general rule regarding tie-down criteria which states that all cargo "must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage (loose materials used to support and protect cargo) or dunnage bags (inflatable bags intended to fill space between articles of cargo or between cargo and the wall of the vehicle), shoring bars, tie-downs or a combination of these." Additionally, any cargo or materials that have a likelihood of rolling or shifting must be anchored, placed in a cradle or wedged to keep the cargo stable.
Tie-downs may be made of rope, chain or straps and must provide a downward force of 20 percent of the weight of the article the tie-down is securing. Tie-downs of any type cannot be tied and knotted together to form a longer tie-down. If the articles or materials have sharp edges, edge-protectors must be used to prevent wear, rubbing and possible cutting of the tie-down while in transport.
The number of tie-downs required is dependent upon the size and weight of the cargo transported. According to the Cargo Securement Rules manual, one tie-down is required for every five feet or less in length and 1,100 pounds or greater than five feet but less than ten feet, regardless of weight.
Failure to use or improper use of tie-downs, evidence of load shift or loss is subject to ticketing and fines. Highway Safety Enforcement makes frequent spot checks of vehicle tie-downs to ensure compliance with all Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations.