Go to the Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - PDF Version - HTML Version

Educational Materials Cover Cargo Securement

These materials for drivers and trainers are based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations developed in a cooperative program by the United States and Canada. Some of the recommendations are more conservative than the FMCSA requirements.

On September 27, 2002, FMCSA revised its regulations concerning protection against shifting and falling cargo for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) engaged in interstate commerce. The new cargo securement standards are based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations. They reflect the results of a multi-year comprehensive research program to evaluate current United States and Canadian cargo securement regulations; the motor carrier industry's best practices; and recommendations presented during a series of public meetings. The meetings involved United States and Canadian industry experts, Federal, State and Provincial enforcement officials, and other interested parties.

The new regulations require motor carriers to change the way they use cargo securement devices to prevent articles from shifting on or within, or falling from, CMVs. In some instances, the changes may require motor carriers to increase the number of tiedowns used to secure certain types of cargos. However, the rule generally does not prohibit the use of tiedowns or cargo securement devices currently in use. Therefore, motor carriers are not required to purchase new cargo securement equipment to comply with the rule.

The intent of the new regulations is to reduce the number of crashes caused by cargo shifting on or within, or falling from, CMVs operating in interstate commerce, and to harmonize to the greatest extent practicable United States, Canadian, and Mexican cargo securement regulations.

The agencies and organizations participating in the program to develop the North American Cargo Securement Model Regulations established a Training and Education Committee responsible for developing a training package for motor carriers and enforcement officials to ensure that the model regulations now being considered for adoption throughout North America are understood by all affected parties.

The training package covers all of the requirements in the model regulations, and to some extent, best practices for securing cargo. Some of the information presented in the training materials essentially recommends or suggests more conservative approaches to securing cargo than the FMCSA's regulations require. In those situations, motor carriers are encouraged to consider these industry best practices, but you are not required under 49 CFR Part 393 to comply with the recommendations or suggestions. You must, however, comply with all applicable Federal cargo securement regulations.

Disclaimer

The training materials may be used to help motor carriers better understand how to properly secure different types of cargo and to ensure they are aware of what is required. Enforcement officials could also use the training material to ensure that they have an understanding of the new requirements. The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. The contents of the cargo securement training materials reflect the views of the United States and Canadian authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information presented therein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The training materials do not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

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