One of the leading causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles on the road is improperly secured cargo. To prevent these incidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established clear and mandatory cargo securement regulations, applicable in California and across the United States.

These standards are outlined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 393, Subpart I, and aim to ensure that cargo remains stationary during transport, preventing shifts, tip-overs, or spills that could endanger both drivers and other road users.

What Does the FMCSA Require?

• Securement Device Strength: Straps, chains, ropes, and tensioners must withstand at least half the weight of the secured load. For example, if a load weighs 10,000 pounds, the securement devices must resist at least 5,000 pounds of force.
• Movement Prevention: Cargo must be secured so that it does not shift, tip, or move forward, backward, sideways, or upward during transit.
• Regular Inspections: Drivers must inspect their loads:
  • Before beginning the trip.
  • Within the first 50 miles of travel.
  • Every 150 miles or every 3 hours thereafter, whichever comes first.

This includes checking tensioners, anchor points, and the condition of tie-downs.

• Minimum Number of Tie-Downs: Depending on the cargo´s length and weight, a minimum number of tie-downs is required:
  • Loads shorter than 5 feet and under 1,100 pounds: 1 tie-down.
  • Loads over 5 feet or over 1,100 pounds: at least 2 tie-downs.
  • For loads longer than 10 feet: add 1 additional tie-down for every extra 10 feet.
• Tie-Down Protection: Edge protectors must be used to prevent tie-downs from fraying or cutting on sharp corners of the cargo.

Special Requirements for Certain Cargo

• Cylinders, drums, and coils must be specially secured to prevent rolling.
• Heavy machinery must be tied down with approved chains and anchors.
• Loose or bulk materials must be covered and contained to prevent scattering on the highway.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with FMCSA securement regulations can result in fines, a loss of points during BIT inspections, and, in serious cases, vehicle immobilization.
Moreover, accidents caused by improperly secured cargo can expose drivers and companies to civil or even criminal liability.
Proper cargo securement is not just a legal requirement — it´s a fundamental act of professional responsibility.
Safety starts the moment the cargo is loaded onto the truck.