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Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 3: Logs

Special Circumstances: Securing Logs Loaded Lengthwise on Flatbed and Frame Vehicles

Logs loaded lengthwise on these vehicles must meet these requirements in addition to the other logs requirements.

Requirements for shortwood loaded lengthwise

• Shortwood must be cradled in a bunk or contained by stakes.
• Logs should be centered in the bunk.
• Each outside log bearing against stakes should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes at each end.

Shortwood and tiedowns requirements

• Two tiedowns:

  Secure each stack of shortwood with at least two tiedowns.

• One tiedown

  A stack can be secured with one tiedown if all logs in the stack less than 3.04 m (10 ft) are:

  • Blocked in the front by a headboard strong enough to restrain the load or by another stack of logs.
  • Blocked in the rear by the vehicle's end structure or another stack of logs.

  Position the one tiedown about midway between bunks, stakes, or standards.

Requirements for securing longwood loaded lengthwise

• Longwood must be cradled in two or more bunks or contained by stakes.
• Each outside log should bear against at least two stakes, one near each end of the log.
• Each end of the log should extend at least 0.15 m (6 in) beyond the stakes.
• If shorter logs are carried on top of the stack, secure each log with at least two tiedowns.

Longwood and tiedown requirements

• Secure each stack of longwood with at least two tiedowns at positions along the load that provide effective securement.
• Secure each outside log of a stack with at least two tiedowns.

Working load limit for longwood and shortwood loaded lengthwise

The aggregate working load limit for all tiedowns must be no less than 1/6 the weight of the stack of logs.

Note: This requirement is much less than the general requirement of an aggregate working load limit equal to 1/2 the weight of the load. This lowered requirement recognizes that the bunks/stakes help to prevent slippage.

Special Circumstances: Securing Logs Transported on Pole Trailers

Requirements for logs on pole trailers

Either at least one tiedown at each bunk.

Or at least two tiedowns used as wrappers that encircle the entire load.

Wrapper requirements

Position front and rear wrappers at least 3.04 m (10 ft) apart.

Large logs - shift prevention requirement

Use chock blocks to prevent the shifting of large diameter single and double log loads.

Large logs - additional tiedowns requirement

Secure large diameter logs that are above the bunks to the underlying load with at least two additional wrappers.