January 1, 2011 is d-day. As the owner or operator of a trailer that is used to carry cargo in Canada or in the United States you will need to secure your cargo to your trailer using tie downs that are rated and marked with the manufacturers working load limit.
“Cargo securement consists of positioning loads carefully and holding them against the platforms and walls of the vehicle by appropriate means (adequate loading arrangement, blocking mechanisms, tie-down devices and systems, etc.) in order to prevent goods from shifting or falling during transport.” [1]
As of January 1, 2010, the National Safety Code Standard 10 Part 1, Division 3, Section 11 (4) will be modified to read the following: “On and after January 1, 2010, a person shall not use a tie down or a component of a tie down to secure cargo to a vehicle unless it is marked by the manufacturer with respect to its working load limit.” [2]
The working load limit, also known as the WLL, represents the strength of the tie down. This provision, which states that tie downs used to secure cargo to a trailer or flatbed truck clearly indicate the WLL as per the manufacturer of the tie down and the tie down assembly, impacts both Canadian and American carriers and shippers using tie downs to secure cargo. This provision is aimed more precisely at carriers and shippers using flatbed trucks and trailers.
During a twelve month transitional and educational period, the tie downs rated and marked with a WLL will be implemented. This period, ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2010, will be used to create awareness and to increase knowledge regarding this new requirement.
During this transition and education period the following will occur:
As of January 1, 2011, every tie down required in order to reach the minimum number of tie downs according to the NSC 10 must be rated and clearly marked with a Working Load Limit. [3]
As of January 1, 2011, all Canadian and American carriers and shippers using tie downs to secure cargo, more precisely the carriers and shippers using flatbed trucks and trailers, must be in full compliance with the provisions of the NSC Standard 10. [4]
Visit Kerr Trailers in order to view our wide range of trailers. Kerr Trailers is the only trailer manufacturer in Québec that is in compliance with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers USA (NATM) program. Kerr Trailers manufacturer of quality, safe and reliable trailers.
1. http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/entreprises_en/camionnage/arrimage_charges
2, 3, 4. http://www.ccmta.ca/english/pdf/Standard%2010.pdf
