A driver is transporting a load of heavy, irregularly shaped machinery on a flatbed trailer. The machinery is secured with chains. What is the minimum number of tiedowns required for a piece of equipment that is 15 feet long and weighs 25,000 pounds, assuming no blocking is used?
- A3 tiedowns
- B5 tiedowns
- C2 tiedowns
- D4 tiedowns
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 4 tiedowns
Federal regulations (FMCSA 393.110) state that cargo must be secured by at least two tiedowns for the first 10 feet of length, and one additional tiedown for every 10 feet or fraction thereof beyond the first 10 feet. For a 15-foot piece of machinery, this means two tiedowns for the first 10 feet, and one additional tiedown for the remaining 5 feet (fraction of 10 feet), plus one more for its weight (over 10,000 lbs). The rule is 1 tiedown for every 10 feet, or fraction, plus minimum of 2. Another rule is 1 tiedown for every 5,000 lbs, or fraction, if no blocking. For 25,000 lbs, that's 5 tiedowns. However, the rule states 'sufficient tiedowns to secure the article against movement in any direction'. The minimum is typically 2, but must be one for every 10 feet of cargo, or fraction thereof, plus one for every 5,000 lbs or fraction if not blocked. For this question, we follow the length rule for general cargo which is 1 tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo or fraction thereof. For an article 15 feet long, that means 2 tiedowns for the first 10 feet, and 1 for the remaining 5 feet, totaling 3. Additionally, for articles weighing over 1,100 lbs or not contained, a minimum of two tiedowns are required. However, for articles weighing 10,000 pounds or more, an additional rule applies: 'an article of cargo that is 10 feet (3.04 meters) or longer must be secured by a minimum of four tiedowns'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. While the 'one for every 10 feet' rule suggests 3, the specific rule for heavy articles (over 10,000 lbs) or articles 10 feet or longer requires more.
- B. Incorrect, 5 tiedowns would be required if the 'one per 5000 lbs' rule was the only applicable one without blocking and for lighter items, but the length rule for heavy items supersedes it to a degree in this context.
- C. Too few. Two tiedowns are the absolute minimum for any article, but not sufficient for this length and weight.
Minimum Tiedowns (Length & Weight)
Federal regulations specify minimum tiedown requirements based on cargo length and weight to prevent movement.
- Minimum of 2 tiedowns for any article.
- One tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo length, or fraction thereof.
- For articles 10 feet or longer AND weighing 10,000 lbs or more, a minimum of 4 tiedowns are required.
Memory trick: Length first, then weight, don't forget the big four for heavy freight!