Interpreting PA Tie Down Regulations

[strum456]

I'm trying to interpret the tie down regs, as per the PA State Police Cargo Securement Brochure.

Found Here: https://www.psp.pa.gov/law-enforcem...rgo Securement Brochure - Rev. 12-26-2015.pdf

I copied and pasted the following:

The aggregate WLL of tiedowns must be at least
one-half the weight of the article or group of articles
and is the sum of:

1/2 the WLL of each tiedown that goes from an
anchor point on the vehicle to an anchor point
on an article of cargo.

1/2 the WLL of each tiedown that is attached to
an anchor point on the vehicle, passes through,
over, or around the article of cargo and is then
attached to an anchor point on the same side if
the vehicle

The WLL for each tiedown that goes from an
anchor point on the vehicle, through, over, or
around the article of cargo, and then attaches to
anchor point on the other side of the vehicle.

Here is what I gather from the above information:

1. Adding up the capacity of all tiedowns need only equal HALF the weight of your cargo.
2. If you tie with 4 chains and 4 binders, one from each corner, only HALF of each chain's capacity goes to the total "aggregate" that is needed to secure the load.

Say you have a 10000 pound load.

You would need a total capacity to secure only half of that ie. 5000 pounds between all chains and binders.

However, if you use one chain/binder in each corner, you may only count HALF of each chain's capacity towards that 5000 lbs. Meaning each of the 4 total chains would need a minimum working load limit of 2500 lbs. (Half of 2500 = 1250 x 4 = 5000).

What really doesn't make sense, is if you take a single chain the whole way a cross the cargo, then you count the chain's ENTIRE working load limit towards the total "aggregate". Given a 10000 lbs load, again, we only need capacity for half of that ie. 5000 lbs. It appears that you could secure the same 10000 lbs load with a single chain at each end running across the load, as long as the capacity of each chain is 2500 lbs or more. This seems like half the holding capacity as the first option to me.


The second question would be, how much of this even applies to a "farmer". How about a "private individual" (not for hire). Clearly, no matter who you are, if you're hauling something heavy, you should tie down your load properly. However, I just read in another thread that a lot of the DOT requirements are not applicable for "not for hire" applications. It seems that farming has its own rules with a lot of this stuff, (usually more lax than commercial applications).

 

[Industrial Toys]

And like here, the "Anchor Point" could be some loop stuck on with a blob of snot from someones buzz box.

 

[prof fate]

Interesting.

I've done a lot of research on towing - what capacity is, how it's defined, etc. Got that covered.

Never looked into securing loads...haven't hauled much of any substance very far, until recently - a 900lb brush hog, brought a 300lb tiller 50 miles (it shook loose). Most i've tied down is motorycles, but you use their suspension to keep the hold downs tight. Harder to get tension on steel on steel and compressing tires.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have just about buckled commercially built utility trailers (single 3500# axle) by tying stuff down with chain and binders.

 

[prof fate]

I have just about buckled commercially built utility trailers (single 3500# axle) by tying stuff down with chain and binders.

I got used to non-wratchet straps with motocycles..put e-track in my cargo trailer and rarely have anything move wiht the 'friction' straps. I do have one big wratched for it - moved a few freezers and some furniture and wanted it to say put.

moving my tiller the two wratchet straps come off (Ohio has some of the worst roads on earth) but the friction strap stayed put and kept the tiller on.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I towed a big 3PH wood chipper back from Minnesota Last year. I beg to differ about the worlds worst roads.

 

[MossRoad]

For your 10,000# load:

With two chains @ 2500# apiece, going across the load, for 5000# total capacity, if one breaks, you only have 2500# capacity holding the load. That would not be allowed.

With four chains @ 2500# apiece, fixed to the load, if one breaks, you still have 7500# capacity holding the load. That's more than half of the 10,000#.

 

[strum456]

For your 10,000# load:

With two chains @ 2500# apiece, going across the load, for 5000# total capacity, if one breaks, you only have 2500# capacity holding the load. That would not be allowed.

With four chains @ 2500# apiece, fixed to the load, if one breaks, you still have 7500# capacity holding the load. That's more than half of the 10,000#.

I agree, 4 chains are better than 2. Now, is that what the regulation says?

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Just remember; no matter about the law and/or whatever you do or do not do to comply; lose that load and you and your insurance will pay through the nose. It is still the driver's responsibility to secure his load, that cannot be transferred or delegated. I always do more than what is required for my own peace of mind. I figure if I can afford the tractor I can afford the proper tie down equipment. I have refused to drive a load my employer said "the gear you have is good enough"; if I use substandard equipment then I get to share in the liability. Cannot for the life of me figure why owners/drivers are always looking at going cheap or why a farmer would do less because he is allowed too. The life you save may be your own!!

Ron

 

[4570Man]

If I tied my backhoe down with four 6800 WILL chains and it weighs 16.5k what does that leave for the loader and boom? I’m pretty sure they have to be tied down but since my other chains far exceeded the requirements can I just throw a really cheap 400 pound rated strap over the boom and the loader?