Securement
Cargo securement, in detail
Saying "matched strapping and chains" means nothing. Here are the rules we apply, and why they exist.
Cargo securement in Canada is governed by Standard 10 of the National Safety Code, adopted in Quebec through the cargo securement regulation. This is not an internal best practice: it is a requirement, verifiable at a roadside inspection.
A badly secured load means a fine, a vehicle put out of service, and above all a real risk to everyone else on the road. On an open deck there is no wall to catch a mistake.
Securement
The rules we apply
These requirements come straight from Standard 10. Our drivers and our partner carriers follow them without exception.
Aggregate working load limit
The combined working load limit of the tiedowns must reach at least 50% of the cargo weight.
Forces to resist
Securement must withstand 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward and 0.5 g laterally, in other words, an emergency stop.
Minimum number of tiedowns
One tiedown if the article is 1.52 m or less and 500 kg or less; two beyond that; two between 1.52 m and 3.04 m; then one more per additional 3.04 m.
Chains matched to tonnage
Machinery and heavy steel: grade 70 chains at four points minimum, more depending on mass. Straps are reserved for loads that will not cut.
Edge protection
Edge protectors are mandatory anywhere steel or lumber can shear a strap. A cut strap gives no warning before it fails.
Checks en route
Inspection within the first 80 km, then at every driver change, every break and at least every 240 km.
Securement
Heavy and light tarping
The choice of tarp depends on what you are protecting: the freight, or the public.
Light tarping
Lumber, panels, dry materials. A 14 to 18 oz tarp, fitted to keep water and dust out.
Heavy tarping
Steel, machinery, sharp-edged pieces. An 18 oz or heavier tarp, reinforced at the corners, able to take abrasion at 100 km/h.
No tarp: Conestoga
When the freight tolerates no risk of a badly fitted tarp, the rolling-tarp trailer removes the question entirely.
Winter protection
From November to April, add road salt and calcium spray, frozen straps and accumulated snow weighing the tarp down. We double up tarping on painted or finished pieces, we check tension more often because cold stiffens straps, and we clear snow before departure rather than letting it come off on the highway.
Photos of our own loads to come: they will replace this note as soon as they are supplied.
Got a load to move?
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