New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 11: Flattened or Crushed Vehicles

What Does This Section Cover?

The requirements in theis section apply to the transportation of vehicles such as automobiles, light trucks, and vans that have been flattened or crushed.

Securing Flattened or Crushed Vehicles

Securement Requirements

Transport flattened or crushed vehicles so that:

  • Cargo does not shift while in transit AND
  • Loose parts from the flattened vehicles do not dislodge and fall from the transport vehicle

Do not use synthetic webbing to secure vehicles.

Transport vehicle options

Secure flattened or crushed vehicles on a vehicle that meets one of the following four options.

Option 1:

Has containment walls on four sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load.
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward, rearward, and sideways directions.
Option 2:

Has containment walls on three sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward, rearward, and one sideways direction.

Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of two tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Option 3:

Has containment walls on two sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load.
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward and rearward.

Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of three tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Option 4:

Has a minimum of four tiedowns per vehicle stack with each tiedown having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Note: More tiedowns may be required to satisfy the general cargo securement requirement from Section 2 that state: "The sum of the working load limits from all tiedowns must be at least 50% of the weight of the cargo."

Containing Loose Parts

Use a containment system that:

  • Prevents loose parts from falling from all four sides of the vehicle AND
  • Extends to the full height of the cargo.

The containment system can consist of one or a combination of the following methods.

  • Structural walls.
  • Sides or sideboards.
  • Suitable covering material.

The use of synthetic material for containment of loose parts is permitted.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

When securing flattened or crushed cars on a vehicle with containment on 2 sides, how many tiedowns, at minimum, are required?
  • 4
  • 3
  • 1
  • 2

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Option 3:

Has containment walls on two sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load.
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward and rearward.

Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of three tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Next
Which of the following is not an acceptable method of containing loose parts when securing flattened or crushed vehicles?
  • Sideboards or sides.
  • Suitable covering material.
  • Wedge them in between the flattened cars.
  • Structural walls.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Containing Loose Parts

Use a containment system that:

  • Prevents loose parts from falling from all four sides of the vehicle AND
  • Extends to the full height of the cargo.

The containment system can consist of one or a combination of the following methods.

  • Structural walls.
  • Sides or sideboards.
  • Suitable covering material.

The use of synthetic material for containment of loose parts is permitted.

Prev
Next
What is the minimum WLL of each tiedown used to secure crushed or flattened vehicles?
  • 5,000 lbs
  • 2,268 lbs
  • 10,000 lbs
  • It depends on the vehicle

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Option 2:

Has containment walls on three sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward, rearward, and one sideways direction.

Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of two tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Option 3:

Has containment walls on two sides that:

  • Extend to the full height of the load.
  • Block against cargo movement in the forward and rearward.

Secures each stack of vehicles with a minimum of three tiedowns, each having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Option 4:

Has a minimum of four tiedowns per vehicle stack with each tiedown having a minimum WLL of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb.).

Prev
Next
Which of these is specifically prohibited when securing crushed or flattened vehicles?
  • Wire rope.
  • Synthetic webbing.
  • Chains.
  • Containment walls.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Securement Requirements

Transport flattened or crushed vehicles so that:

  • Cargo does not shift while in transit AND
  • Loose parts from the flattened vehicles do not dislodge and fall from the transport vehicle

Do not use synthetic webbing to secure vehicles.

Prev
Finish
Please select an option
[2,3,1,2]
4

Join Us!

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

About Us

TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.

Read More

Becoming A Truck Driver

Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.

Learn More