Load Smart: Preventing Common Cargo Securement Mistakes

Yes. All drivers of vehicles carrying cargo, materials, and equipment, including pickups, vans, and trailers must ensure the load is secured.

In BC, vehicles over 4,500 kg are subject to the National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10 cargo securement requirements. Vehicles under 4,500 kg must still comply with the load securement requirements in the Motor Vehicle Act.

A simple rule of thumb: if there is any reasonable chance that cargo could fall, shift, become dislodged, or affect the vehicle’s stability during transit, it must be secured.

Improperly secured loads can lead to tickets, vehicle damage, lost work time, and serious injuries.

Yes. Cargo inside enclosed vehicles needs to be secured because it can still become a hazard if it shifts during a sudden stop, sharp turn, or collision.

Items that could move into the driver area, affect vehicle handling, or injure occupants should be secured. This includes tools, equipment, boxes, fuel containers, and other materials carried in passenger or cargo areas.

National Safety Code Standard 10 is Canada’s cargo securement standard, adopted in BC through Division 35 of the Motor Vehicle Act. It applies directly to vehicles licensed over 4,500 kg, with commodity-specific requirements (e.g., for lumber or pipe). Vehicles under that threshold still must comply with Division 35’s general securement requirement, even though Standard 10’s specific rules don’t apply.

Review the National Safety Code Carrier Safety Guide, published by Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement.

Under 4,500 kg: Yes, properly rated webbing straps are an acceptable alternative to chains. Secure equipment with at least 2 tie-downs (front and rear). If you’re transporting equipment that has an articulating arm (such as a backhoe) that can move side-to-side, secure the arm independently. Lower buckets and attachments fully to the trailer or deck before transport.

Over 4,500 kg: No, straps can’t be used instead of chains. Standard 10 requires 4 chains, each rated for a minimum working load limit of 2,268 kg, plus a fifth chain for any articulating arm.

Chains are generally more durable and resistant to damage than webbing straps and using them is often considered best practice.

Choose tie-downs based on:

• The weight of the cargo
• The shape and size of the load
• Vehicle anchor points and attachment systems
• Potential damage from sharp edges or abrasive surfaces

Protect straps from sharp corners using edge protectors, padding, or other suitable materials. Damaged straps can fail during transport.

Bungee cords are only acceptable for very light items. Bungee cords should not be relied upon to secure tools, equipment, machinery, or heavy materials. Use properly rated straps, chains, load bars, or other approved securement devices.

A working load limit (WLL) is the maximum rated weight a securement device can hold. You’ll find it on a strap’s tag/printing or a chain’s grade stamp. As a general rule, securement devices need to be rated for at least 50% of the cargo’s weight. For example, a single 5,000 kg-rated strap can secure up to 10,000 kg of cargo; heavier loads require additional straps.

There is no minimum weight or volume threshold for the amount of cargo you can carry in an open truck bed before it must be secured. Any item that could bounce, blow, slide, or fall out of the vehicle must be secured. This includes tools, ladders, materials, equipment, and loose debris.

Yes, items on a roof rack need tie-downs unless the rack has a locking mechanism built in for that specific item. Most racks only prevent side-to-side and front-to-back movement. Downward/upward securement still needs to be added separately. Unsecured roof rack loads have caused fatal motor vehicle incidents in BC.

A flat deck has no enclosed structure, so every item on it — from a stray rock to a full pallet — must be secured. Strapping alone isn’t proof of securement. Uneven stacking or mismatched load sizes can leave straps making contact with only some of the load. After strapping, physically test the load by trying to pull pieces free. If anything moves, add dunnage (such as boards or metal sheets) to spread pressure evenly, or re-strap individually.

Loose aggregate material transported in an open vehicle or trailer must be covered unless it is carried in a fully enclosed container. A tarp secured over the load is usually sufficient.

All traffic control equipment must be secured if there is any possibility it could become dislodged during transport. Consider how the items are stored and whether they could move during hard braking, cornering, pothole impacts, or other normal driving conditions.

Proper weight distribution is critical to vehicle stability, steering, and braking performance.

Poorly distributed loads can:

• Increase rollover risk
• Reduce braking effectiveness
• Affect steering control
• Place excessive stress on tires, suspension, and brakes

Cargo should be distributed evenly from side to side and appropriately between the front and rear of the vehicle or trailer. Avoid concentrating all weight at one end or on one side.

Yes, you need to check securement devices before each shift. This is part of the pre-trip inspection required for every commercial vehicle, regardless of size. Smaller vehicles (under 8,200 kg, or 14,600 kg for trucks) are exempt only from filing a written report, not from doing the inspection itself.

When inspecting straps, look for:

• Cuts
• Fraying
• Excessive wear
• Damaged hooks or hardware

When inspecting chains, look for:

• Bent or cracked links
• Excessive wear
• Damaged hooks or binders

Any securement device showing significant damage should be removed from service.