Cargo Securement Regulations
All items carried on a truck must be securely fastened to prevent accidents or injuries. This includes not just the cargo, but also equipment and tools like shovels, chains, spare tires, and pallet jacks. In roadside checks, over 10% of trucks are taken out of service for cargo securement violations.
1. Know the rules
Cargo securement rules are the basic safety requirements for all cargo. You can get them for free from the FMCSA in the U.S. or the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
2. Get the illustrated cargo securement handbook
The handbook covers both U.S. and Canadian rules. You can order it from www.cvsa.org.
3. Download the Driver’s Handbook on Cargo Securement
Give this handbook to drivers and add the relevant parts to your driver policies.
4. Secure all equipment and cargo
Improperly secured equipment like tarps, blocks, chains, spare tires, and pallet jacks is a common violation.
5. Check tie-downs for damage
If tie-downs are worn or damaged, replace them immediately. Do not use defective equipment.
6. Brace and block cargo in trailers
Shifting loads can cause accidents, damage, and hurt your safety rating.
7. Follow best practices
Research and follow best practices for your type of cargo. If unsure, look up the regulations.
Make sure your load cannot:
- Leak, spill, blow off, fall from, or become loose from the vehicle, or
- Shift enough to affect the vehicle’s stability or control.
If necessary, hire a professional for loading.
8. Find the FMCSA cargo securement rules at:
How often must a carrier check a driver’s record?
Carriers must check a new driver’s record within 30 days of hire, though it’s best to check before hiring.
After hiring, carriers must review every driver’s record at least once every 12 months for all states where they held a license in the past year.
Whenever a driver renews their medical certificate, the carrier must get a new driving record showing the updated medical info.
How does a carrier verify a driver is physically qualified?
By getting a copy of the driver’s record and keeping it in the qualification file.
Carriers must keep the driver’s record up to date with valid medical certificate information.
Each time a medical certificate is renewed, the carrier must get an updated driving record and add it to the driver’s file.
After a driver submits their medical certificate, the state has 10 days to update the record. Carriers should consider this when requesting the new record.
Meanwhile, the carrier must keep a copy of the certificate in the file for up to 15 days as proof.
Keep the original record used for hiring for as long as the driver is employed and for three years after they leave.
Annual records can be removed three years after they are received.
Idealease/NPTC safety seminars are in full swing!
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Upcoming Fall seminars confirmed:
- 9/15/2026 - DePere, WI
- 9/17/2026 - Southfield, MI
- 9/22/2026 - Midway, KY
- 9/24/2026 - Chattanooga, TN
- 9/29/2026 - Glendale Heights, IL
- 10/8/2026 - Oxnard, CA
- 10/20/2026 - Nashville, TN
- 10/22/2026 - Atlanta, GA
- 11/10/2026 - Linthicum Heights, MD
👉 Register here:
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.
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