Securement and a Hump-Backed Crossing
You are hauling a flatbed loaded with three steel coils, each weighing 10,000 lb, on a 48-foot trailer. The coils are arranged in a row, each lying on its side with the eye horizontal, and are secured with four 2-inch nylon straps rated at 3,000 lb working load limit each. There is no blocking or chocking. One strap has a cut in the webbing; the others show minor abrasion. You are on a two-lane road in Massachusetts approaching a passive railroad crossing marked with a crossbuck and a stop line. The crossing has a hump that rises about 8 inches. A line of cars is stopped just beyond the tracks, and your trailer has 40 feet of overhang. It has been raining. You need to cross to reach the terminal two miles ahead.
1. Is the load securement compliant? Explain the calculation and the defects.
Read the worked answer
No. The general securement rule requires the aggregate working load limit of the tiedowns to be at least 50% of the cargo weight. The cargo weighs 30,000 lb, so the tiedowns must provide at least 15,000 lb of aggregate WLL. Four straps at 3,000 lb each provide only 12,000 lb, which is 40% of the cargo weight. The load fails the aggregate WLL requirement even before considering the damaged strap.
In addition, the cut strap is defective and must be removed from service; abrasion on the others should be inspected against the manufacturer’s criteria. Steel coils also have specific securement requirements, including blocking or chocking and a sufficient number of tiedowns, so the absence of blocking is a second concern. The load must be re-secured with additional rated tiedowns and proper blocking/chocking before the vehicle moves.
2. How should you approach and cross the railroad crossing with this load?
Read the worked answer
Do not start across unless you are sure the entire vehicle, including the 40-foot trailer overhang, will clear the tracks before you stop. The line of cars beyond the tracks means you could be trapped on the crossing. Slow down, stop at the stop line if one is present, and look and listen in both directions.
Because the crossing has an 8-inch hump, approach slowly and at an angle if the road allows, and select a low gear before the tracks. Do not shift while crossing; a stall or missed shift could leave you on the rails. Once you have enough clear space beyond the crossing, proceed steadily and completely across. If the gate or traffic situation changes and you cannot clear, stop before the tracks rather than entering.
3. If the vehicle stalls or becomes stuck on the tracks, what should you do?
Read the worked answer
Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately and move away from the tracks, toward the direction from which a train would come if you can determine it safely, or at least far enough to avoid debris. Do not stay in the cab to try to restart the engine or call the carrier first. Call 911 and give the crossing location; if a railroad emergency number is posted at the crossing, call it as well so the railroad can stop or warn trains.
If there is time and it is safe, warn others away from the crossing. Do not attempt to move the vehicle unless it can be done immediately and without risk. The exam point is that a stalled CMV on tracks is an emergency: people first, then notification.