Load Securment

Front 1

What is TMC's Policy for Load Securment?

Back 1

I am required to adhere to customer's safety policies even if they exceed TMC's policies.

Observe the unloading process whenever possible but keep a safe distance and do not stand next to trailer or machinery.

If the customer instructs me to participate in roadside loading/unloading and they do not provide traffic control contact the Safety Department immediately for instruction.

Front 2

What is TMC's PPE requirements?

Back 2

PPE must be worn when loading/unloading and at any time or at any time working on or around the load.

PPE includes:

Hard Hat

Glasses

Orange Vest

Nonslip Leather Shoes/Boots

Jeans

(Long sleeved shirts when required by customer)

Any additional PPE according to customer policies.

Front 3

How Should Loads Be Placed on a Trailer?

Back 3

The load should be centered on the trailer. Once centered, move it rearward about 12 inches.

If the load has multiple stops, the first stop should be loaded at the back of the trailer and the last stop should be loaded at the front.

Front 4

What is the Load Height Limit?

Back 4

Loads cannot be higher than 13'6" at the middle of the trailer (the bow). Use a tape measure.

If the load exceeds 13'6", notify the customer to see if they can resolve the issue. If they cannot resolve it, contact the Safety Department BEFORE leaving the shipper.

Front 5

Where Should Chains Be Secured?

Back 5

Chains should always hook to tie-down that pull up out of the trailer floor as your first option.

If that is not possible, then use stake pockets providing you wrap the chain around two sides and the bottom of the pocket.

The chain is placed over or around the cargo and tightened with a binder

Front 6

How Often Should Loads Be Inspected?

Back 6

First inspection should be 50 miles or 1 hour after leaving shipper and then every 150 miles or three hours.

Vinyl Siding loads should be inspected within 25 miles or 30 minutes from leaving shipper.

Front 7

What is TMC's Load Formula?

Back 7

Weight of load divided by two and timed by three.

40,000 ÷ 2 = 20,000

20,000 × 3 = 60,000

Front 8

What is an Indirect Tiedown?

Back 8

The ends of the tiedown are attached to opposite sides of the trailer, pulling down on the cargo and the trailer deck. This is the most commonly used in TMC's operation.

Front 9

What are Direct Tiedowns?

Back 9

One end of the tiedown is attached directly to the cargo itself and the other end is attached on the trailer.

Or, both ends of the tiedowns are attached to the same side of the trailer and the tiedown is routed through, over, and around the cargo.

WARNING:

The working load limit of a direct tiedown component is automatically reduced by 50%.

Front 10

What is TMC's Metal Load Length Requirement?

Back 10

TMC requires a minimum of 2 securement devices within the first 5 feet of the load, and X-chains count as 1 of two of those devices. You must have a securement device every 4 feet.

X-chains are not allowed to be included in weight calculation for securement (they help prevent forward movement).

Front 11

What is TMC's Length Requirement for Lumber Loads?

Back 11

If the bundle is less than 8 feet long, you must have 2 straps minimum.

If the bundles is 8-16 feet long, you must have 3 straps minimum.

If the bundle exceeds 16 feet in length, you must have 4 straps minimum.

You are required to have a minimum of two securement devices within the first 5 feet of the load, and the X-straps may count as 1 of two of those devices, but X-straps are not allowed to be included in weight calculation for securement.

Front 12

What is TMC's Length Requirements for All Other Loads?

Back 12

You must have a securement device every 8 feet. You are required to have a minimum of 2 securement devices within the first 5 feet of the load.

X-chains/straps are not allowed to be included in your weight calculation for securement - except for palletized loads - they can be used.

Front 13

Always Alternate the Winch Side of Your Sraps.

Back 13

Always Alternate the Winch Side of Your Sraps.

Front 14

When Should X-Straps Be Used?

Back 14

They are required on all non-metallic loads. Note: Due to the nature of some loads, x-straps may not be practical. In these circumstances, contact safety for further instruction.

You are required to have a minimum of 2 securement devices within the first 5 feet of the load, and x-straps may count as 1 of those 2 devices (except palletized loads).

The x-straps are not allowed to be included in your weight calculation for securement.

Front 15

When Should X-Chains be used?

Back 15

Required on all metallic loads. Note: Due to the nature of some loads, x-chains may not be practical. In these circumstances, contact the Safety Department for further instruction.

You are required to have a minimum of 2 securement devices within the first 5 feet of the load, and x-chains may be used as 1 of those 2 devices (except palletized loads). The x-chains are not allowed to be included in your weight calculation for securement.

Front 16

What's the Policy for Multi-tiered Loads?

Back 16

Any cargo 3 tires or higher is required to have belly straps on the second tier. Belly straps must be alternated in direction of pull just like all other straps.

Front 17

When Should Bulkheads Be Used?

Back 17

Required on most metallic loads such as bar stock, channels, angle, etc. If you are not certain in regards to your load, contact the Safety Department for further instruction.

Front 18

What is the Policy for Palletized Loads?

Back 18

1. First pallet(s) at the front of the load is required to have two straps.

2. Back pallet(s) at the rear of the load is required to have two straps.

3. X-straps are required on the front of the load.

4. Skid chain (optional) on front and rear pallets are at the driver's discretion.

For example, you may pick up palletized material that has been stored outside during winter. The pallet may have ice on the underside making it slippery on the trailer deck. Adding a skid chain will aid in keeping the pallet(s) in place.

Front 19

How Should Straps Be Configured on a Load?

Back 19

Always alternate the winch side of straps.

Front 20

What is the Policy for Choke Straps?

Back 20

Required on all bar stock. In most cases, you will use at least two choke straps per bundle(s) length.

For example: 20' long bundles that are placed side-by-side, would require at least 3 straps placed right over top and 2 choke straps as well.

If you are not certain in regards to your load, contact the Safety Department for further instruction.

Front 21

What is the Policy for Cast Iron Pipe?

Back 21

A minimum of five 4" straps are required on each lift, regardless of weight. These are most commonly seen at U.S. Pipe in Lynchburg, VA and Council Bluffs, IA.