Cargo securement: when to recheck the load

Remember 80 km, 3 hours and 240 km

Inspect the cargo and its securement system before driving. After cargo is loaded, recheck it no more than 80 km from the loading point.

After that, re-inspect and adjust the securement system whenever the first of these events happens:

• The driver changes duty status
• The vehicle has been driven for three hours
• The vehicle has been driven for 240 km

The official MTO handbook says a driver does not have to inspect cargo that is sealed inside a vehicle when ordered not to open it, or when the cargo is inaccessible.

Walk around the load, not just the truck

1. Know the cargo. Confirm what is being carried and whether commodity-specific rules apply.
2. Check distribution. Look for leaning, gaps, poor balance or weight that could shift.
3. Inspect the system. Check tiedowns, chains, straps, binders, blocking, bracing, dunnage, anchor points and edge protection.
4. Secure loose equipment. Store unused straps, chains, tarps and dunnage so they cannot fall or interfere with the vehicle.
5. Close the vehicle. Confirm doors, gates, racks, curtains, tarps and locks are properly secured.
6. Protect visibility. Make sure cargo and equipment do not hide required lights, reflectors, plates or markings.

A marked tiedown matters

Ontario Regulation 363/04 adopts National Safety Code Standard 10 requirements. A manufacturer-marked tiedown uses the working load limit determined under the standard. An unmarked tiedown is treated as having a working load limit of zero.

The working load limit of a tiedown is limited by its weakest component. Do not rely on a strap, chain, binder, hook or anchor point that is cut, cracked, bent, badly worn or otherwise unable to perform safely.

Extra checks drivers often miss

• Recheck after hard braking, a sharp manoeuvre, rough road or any sign that cargo moved.
• Use proper edge protection where cargo could cut or damage a tiedown.
• Confirm blocking and dunnage are strong enough and cannot split or crush under the load.
• Follow commodity-specific Standard 10 rules for items such as logs, metal coils, vehicles, heavy equipment, boulders and intermodal containers.
• If a permit has load-securement conditions that conflict with the regulation, follow the permit conditions as required by Ontario Regulation 363/04.
• Mark a rear overhang of 1.5 metres or more as required: a red light during required-lighting periods, and a red flag or red marker at other times.

Confirm the current legal requirements

This Rig Toolbox page is an original plain-language driver aid. The law, official standard, permit conditions and carrier procedures control if anything differs.

Related Rig Toolbox resources: interactive pre-trip checklist, minor vs major defects and border document checklist.