Safe Loading
Each driver has the responsibility not only safe loading when he begins a trip, but also to inspect it after 50 miles, and also at least every 150 miles. This 150 mile requirement can also be helpful in auditing a driver’s log, to see if it comports to what hours of service the driver actually drove.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations pertaining to Safe Loading are below:
- (b)(2) Inspect the cargo and the devices used to secure the cargo within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip and cause any adjustments to be made to the cargo or load securement devices as necessary, including adding more securement devices, to ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from the commercial motor vehicle; and
- (b)(3) Reexamine the commercial motor vehicle’s cargo and its load securement devices during the course of transportation and make any necessary adjustment to the cargo or load securement devices, including adding more securement devices, to ensure that cargo cannot shift on or within, or fall from, the commercial motor vehicle. Reexamination and any necessary adjustments must be made whenever –
- (b)(3)(i) The driver makes a change of his/her duty status; or
- (b)(3)(ii) The commercial motor vehicle has been driven for 3 hours; or
- (b)(3)(iii) The commercial motor vehicle has been driven for 150 miles, whichever occurs first.
NEXT: Inspection
For more information go to Atty. Gordon Johnson