Load Securement Requirements for Transporting Heavy Equipment

Do you work with heavy machinery and need to get it from one job site to another? For example, perhaps you're in the construction industry and need to move excavators, bulldozers, or other large equipment.

Maybe you own a farm and need to transport tractors or other agricultural machinery. To transport heavy equipment, you must know the load securement requirements.

Transporting a heavy piece of equipment, such as agricultural or construction equipment, is trickier than any other transport job. It can go wrong in many ways.

That's why specific guidelines and laws govern the load securement of heavy equipment. They prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to the equipment and ensure the safety of other road users.

This article will discuss the load securement requirements for transporting heavy equipment. And you'll get a step-by-step guide to carrying heavy equipment safely.

What Are Load Securement Regulations?

Load securement regulations are the guidelines that govern how to properly and safely secure cargo on a vehicle. They were enacted by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and are administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program.

These regulations aim to prevent cargo from shifting during transport and prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to the equipment and other road users. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in costly fines.

There are steep consequences if a load is not adequately secured and falls off the truck. If this occurs, the driver can be fined up to $100 per pound of cargo that was not correctly secured. For example, if 1000 lbs of cargo fell off the truck, the driver could be fined $100,000.

Even if an accident does not occur, the driver and carrier are hit with penalty points for each violation (the points tally with the severity of a potential accident that could result from the violation). The violation record remains attached to the carrier's record for two years in the FMCSA system.

What Does the DOT Regulation for Load Securement Say?

According to the FMCSA, the DOT regulations state:

"A load shall be securely fastened or tied down so as to minimize movement." This regulation means meeting the DOT minimum force requirements, which are:

• When braking, the forward force equals 80% of the cargo weight.
• When speeding up, changing gears on a hill, or braking in reverse, the rearward force is 50% of the cargo weight.
• A sideways force equal to 50% of cargo weight when changing lanes, turning, or braking while turning.
• When driving over hills or bumps, a force equal to 20% of the cargo weight.

These regulations apply to all vehicles carrying loads. It includes trucks, buses, trailers, semi-trailers, and flatbed trailers. It also applies to other types of cargo.

Tips to Load Heavy Equipment Securely According to DOT Load Securement Guidelines

You need to keep several things in mind when loading your equipment. These tips will help you avoid problems with load securement.

1. Make sure the equipment is level

The equipment should not tilt towards one side when loaded unto the vehicle. Otherwise, if it is unevenly loaded, it will shift around during transit.

2. Use a sufficient securing system and devices

First, it's essential to know what securing systems and devices are. Securing systems or cargo securement systems refer to a combination of tools that work together to hold heavy pieces of equipment in place while transporting. They include chains, straps, ropes, and cables.

On the other hand, securing devices are tools that help to secure heavy equipment. They include ratchets, locks, and clamps.

So how do you decide if an improper cargo securement technique is used? The best is to use the DOT securement rules. They include:

• DOT tie-down requirement: Strap down all heavy equipment with tie-downs whose collective work loading limit (WLL) is equal to at least 50 percent of the weight of the cargo. So, for a piece of heavy equipment weighing 5000 pounds, use four tie-downs with a combined weight or WLL of at least 2500 pounds.
• Use wheel securement devices such as chocks, wedges, or cradles, if the equipment has wheels. Otherwise, it could roll over during transport.
• Use friction devices or friction mats if the heavy machinery has metal tracks.
• You should use at least two securing systems and devices. The first securing device attaches the equipment to the frame of the vehicle. The second securing device should be used for securing the equipment to itself.
• Engage the parking brake of the trailer.

Additionally, only use securement devices with legible WLL information. Otherwise, you'll receive a ticket for an insufficient tie-down violation.

3. Be careful about load shifting

Heavy equipment may shift during transportation due to rough roads and bad weather conditions. Because this may cause damage to the equipment, ensure the equipment is well balanced before loading.

Use the correct tie-down points on the equipment and vehicle. Otherwise, the equipment can get damaged or tilt to one side during transport.

Also, check the equipment after loading to ensure no parts have shifted.

4. Keep an eye out for loose items

Loose items like bolts, nuts, and screws may fall off during transport. So, after loading the machine, ensure that you tighten all loose nuts, screws, and bolts, and secure all mobile portions of the equipment, too.

5. Don't overload the vehicle

Overloading the vehicle increases its risk of breaking down. In addition, overloaded vehicles require more maintenance and repair costs and will earn you a citation from the DOT.

Be sure to investigate your trailer's carrying capacity before carrying the equipment. Don't forget to factor in the weight of your trailer when calculating the weight of the cargo you'll be carrying. It's best to avoid being close to the carrying capacity for the safety of the driver and other road users.

6. Equipment should not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when loaded

The heavy cargo must not interfere with the driver's visibility to the front or sides. It should also not interfere with the driver's ability to access the controls need to drive the vehicle.

7. Determine if you'll need an oversize/overweight permit

Some states require permits for transporting oversized loads. You need these permits only if the total weight of the load exceeds 80% of the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

However, the definition of an oversized transportation vehicle differs per state. For instance, in Idaho, you'll need an oversize permit if the equipment is:

• 13 feet 6 inches tall
• 8 feet 6 inches wide
• 60 feet long: two-vehicle combination
• 53 feet long: combined semi-tractor-semi-trailer
• 80,000 pounds gross weight — subject to axle weights

So, be sure to confirm your state's DOT regulations.

8. Keep the cargo away from the sides of the trailer

Cargo near the sides may interfere with the steering system. Also, cargo near the sides may get caught under the wheels and cause damage.

Step-by-Step Process to Load Heavy Equipment Securely

Following these steps will help to avoid securement violations:

1. Determine the carrying capacity of your vehicle

As stated earlier, you must not exceed the carrying capacity of your vehicle.

You can get the carrying capacity of your vehicle from the manufacturer. Or, you can calculate it yourself using the following formula:

Carrying capacity = Gross vehicle weight + Trailer weight / 2

2. Check the weight and height of the equipment

Once you know your carrying capacity, check the weight and height of the heavy equipment using the equipment manufacturer manual. If it's still under the limit specified by your state, then there might be no need for any special permit.

3. Inspect the trailer and securement points

Inspect the trailer and clean off dirt. Loose dirt can fly off during transport and damage the windshield of a car nearby. Also, take your time to inspect the securement points on the equipment and trailer. Ensure there are no signs of damage. If there is any damage to the securement points, it's best to change the trailer.

4. Load the heavy equipment

After inspection, load the heavy equipment following relevant safety guidelines. Be sure to wear protective gear during the loading process.

5. Secure the equipment

Now that it's loaded, it's vital to secure all equipment with sufficient tie-downs, as stipulated by the DOT load securement guideline.

Always use the securement points on the equipment and trailer. After securing the equipment, make sure that none of the equipment is hanging out of the secured area.

When driving with the loaded heavy equipment, remember to take it slow and steady. Approach bumps gently, and if you've never hauled that equipment before, consult its manual to ensure you obey safety regulations.

Conclusion

Heavy equipment requires extra care and consideration when being transported. Our breakdown of load securement requirements can help you avoid accidents and regulation breaches. Remember to check all load securement policies in your jurisdiction as well as the states or counties you plan to transit through.

How can you avoid the complexity of transporting heavy loads and get your equipment where it needs to be? You can save significant time and avoid the stress of transporting heavy loads yourself by using a reliable and experienced transporting company to do all the heavy work for you.

A-1 Auto Transport is an experienced transporter of heavy equipment. We can get your heavy equipment to its destination safely so you don't risk damage to your equipment or fines for regulation violations. Get a free quote now to ensure your heavy equipment is in safe hands.