FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules
Page updated: March 22, 2024
Overview
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented new cargo securement rules on January 1, 2004, derived from the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations.
These changes arose from extensive research and consultations across the U.S. and Canada, aiming to harmonize cargo securement regulations across North America, including Mexico, as much as possible.
Primary Objective
Enhance road safety by minimizing accidents caused by cargo shifting or falling from commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.
Applicability of the New Rules
The new cargo securement rules apply to the same types of vehicles and cargo as the old rules, covering all cargo-carrying commercial motor vehicles (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) operated in interstate commerce.
✅ Applies To:
All types of articles of cargo
❌ Exceptions:
Commodities in bulk that lack structure or fixed shape (e.g., liquids, gases, grain, liquid concrete, sand, gravel, aggregates) transported in a tank, hopper, box or similar device that forms part of the structure of a commercial motor vehicle.
Performance Criteria
FMCSA requires that cargo securement systems be capable of withstanding the forces associated with the following three deceleration/accelerations, applied separately:
0.8 g
Deceleration in the forward direction
0.5 g
Acceleration in the rearward direction
0.5 g
Acceleration in a lateral direction
Motor carriers are NOT required to conduct testing of cargo securement systems. Cargo immobilized or secured in accordance with the general or commodity-specific rules are considered to meet the performance criteria.
Key Highlights of the Regulations
Securement Devices
All devices and systems used for securing cargo must meet performance criteria. FMCSA has updated references to manufacturing standards for various types of tiedowns.
Important: Existing cargo securement devices compliant with old regulations are deemed satisfactory under new rules. Motor carriers do NOT need to purchase new equipment solely for compliance.
Proper Use and Placement of Tiedowns
- Tiedowns must remain secure during transit
- Position tiedowns inboard of rub rails when feasible
- Use edge protection to prevent damage from sharp cargo edges
Unmarked Tiedowns
No prohibition on using unmarked tiedowns, but certain assumptions about working load limits apply. Unmarked welded steel chain is considered to have working load limit equal to grade 30 proof coil.
General Securement and Placement Rules
General Rule
Cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage, dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination of these.
Cargo Placement and Restraint
- • Articles likely to roll must be restrained by chocks, wedges, cradle or equivalent means
- • Articles placed beside each other must be in direct contact OR prevented from shifting towards each other
Minimum Working Load Limit
The aggregate working load limit of any securement system must be at least one-half the weight of the article or group of articles.
Minimum Number of Tiedowns
When an article of cargo is NOT blocked or positioned to prevent movement in the forward direction:
1 Tiedown Required:
Articles 5 ft or less in length AND 1,100 lbs or less in weight
2 Tiedowns Required:
- • 5 ft or less in length and MORE than 1,100 lbs in weight, OR
- • Greater than 5 ft but less than 10 ft (regardless of weight)
Longer than 10 ft:
Two tiedowns for first 10 ft + one additional tiedown for every 10 ft (or fraction thereof) beyond first 10 ft
If Blocked/Braced:
At least one tiedown for every 10 ft of article length (or fraction thereof)
Commodity-Specific Securement Requirements
FMCSA has adopted detailed requirements for the securement of the following commodities. These commodity-specific guidelines take precedence over the general rules when applicable:
§393.116 - Logs
Transportation of logs with specific exceptions for unitized logs and firewood
§393.118 - Dressed Lumber
Bundles of dressed lumber, packaged lumber, and similar building products
§393.120 - Metal Coils
Metal coils weighing 5,000 lbs or more (individually or grouped)
§393.122 - Paper Rolls
Paper rolls weighing 5,000 lbs or more (individually or together)
§393.124 - Concrete Pipe
Concrete pipe on flatbed and lowboy trailers
§393.126 - Intermodal Containers
Freight containers for interchangeable multi-mode transportation
§393.128 - Automobiles
Automobiles, light trucks, and vans weighing 10,000 lbs or less
§393.130 - Heavy Vehicles
Heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery weighing 10,000 lbs or more
§393.132 - Flattened Vehicles
Vehicles that have been intentionally flattened or crushed
§393.134 - Roll-on/Roll-off
Roll-on/roll-off or hook-lift containers
§393.136 - Large Boulders
Natural, irregularly shaped rock exceeding 11,000 lbs or 2 cubic meters
Key Takeaways
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. The information on this page is not legal advice and does not portend to be the official rules. We do our best to provide accurate information, but rules, regulations and laws change so it's important that you confirm the information for yourself at the official FMCSA website.
Official Resources
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division (MC-PSV)
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
www.fmcsa.dot.govPublication Information
Publication No.: MC-P/PSV-04-001
Last updated: Monday, March 3, 2014
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