Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 393.102(c) defines “equivalent means of securement” as a means of securing articles of cargo that are considered to meet the performance requirements of 49 CFR 393.102 (a)(1) if the cargo is immobilized such that the cargo cannot shift or tip to the extent that the vehicle’s stability or maneuverability is adversely affected.
The following documents contain cargo securement methods that have been analyzed and tested by a professional engineer. The professional engineers have verified that the methods of cargo securement in the following documents meet or exceed to performance requirements outlined in 393.102(a)(1). The engineering documents only apply to the motor carriers outlined in the document and the securement must be consistent with the method described in the document to be considered an “equivalent means of securement.”
Drivers must provide a copy of the engineering document to a roadside inspector upon request. Failure to meet all aspects of the securement method described in the engineering document may result in cargo securement violations.
Equivalent Means of Securement Documentation
- Intermodel Shipping Container Chassis Engineering Document – October 2020
- Nested Pipe Securement Engineering Document – August 2019
- Technical Review of Industy Cargo Securement Practices for Square Bales of Hay and Straw – September 2007
U.S.
Motor carriers that would like to submit an “alternative means of securement” method must have the proposed securement method analyzed by a qualified professional engineer. The professional engineer must provide written proof that the proposed method meets the performance requirements outlined in 49 CFR 393.102. The documents must be forwarded to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for verification. To obtain engineering document templates or to submit an analysis to FMCSA, please contact David.Sutula@dot.gov.
Canada
Motor carriers that would like to submit an “alternative means of securement” method must have the proposed securement method analyzed by a qualified professional engineer. The professional engineer must provide written proof that the proposed method meets the performance requirements outlined in National Safety Code Standard 10, Section 5. The documents must be forwarded to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) for verification. To submit an analysis to CCMTA, please contact info@ccmta.ca.