Loading Regulations by State?

rmonio · Jul 6, 2005

Hello -

Having just purchased a set of rachet binders (much easier than the traditional ones that I've been using) for chaining up my 4600 on my 10K trailer, I was talking to a fellow at the Northern dealer who said that 1) the Minnesota DOT is now frowning on anyone using the traditional binders (and they might make it a law to use the rachet type) and 2) that you need to have 4 of the binders in place when you're hauling.

Is this true? I've only been doing it with 2 binders and 2x20' segments of heavy load chain. Has anyone else heard this? I don't haul much - probably once or twice a month lately as I've been helping my father-in-law with his new house landscaping - but I'm not hauling regularly and never had any issues with being pulled over at all. It's also a bear to find anything on the MNDOT website (even if the state is in shutdown mode due to the budget not being approved) so I'm curious what others have to say.

Thanks!

-Bob

LarryRB · Jul 6, 2005

federal DOT law is one chain per corner with binders and also added equipment such as a chain around hoe and FEL. It is not Minnesota, they are just activating federal laws that have been in place a long time,

DKinWA · Jul 6, 2005

Here's a link to FMCSA's Drivers handbook on cargo securement. Chapter 10 deals with securing equipment, but machines under 10,000# may be secured via chapter 9. Provided, you meet the general cargo securement requirements in chapter 2. If you meet the DOT requirements, I doubt you'll run afoul of any inspections by local law enforcement officers.

em14 · Jul 6, 2005

Interesting information. Thanks
Leo

rmonio · Jul 7, 2005

Larry and DK -

This is great information - thanks for the link. From what I understand, I'm in compliance with Chapter 9 of the manual for securing my tractor (implements include the loader and a boxblade) by chaining at 4 points (2 front and 2 back - side to side). My only question is whether I need to have 4 separate chains with 4 separate binders - or if I am in compliance by using my 20' chains looped through side to side (secured in the pockets on one side - both front and back) with one binder on each chain. That means I can still use my 2 20' chains and my 2 rachet binders. If this is not the case, then I suppose I could buy another 2 chains and get 2 new binders - but I'd prefer not to since this arrangement has never been a problem for me (in 2+ years of hauling I've never had it move at all on my trailer).

Any thoughts? Thanks again for your help!

-Bob

LarryRB · Jul 7, 2005

I live within a mile of a weigh station on I 84. When I have to use that section of highway, and YES, I have to go through it just like the old days with my tractor trailers, I have a chain and binder on all four corners of the tractor, one for the hoe with binder and one also with the FEL. When I do not have to use that area, I use one chain each front and rear and a binder for each as you are doing now. The long and short of DOT law is four corners, four chains and four binders plus additions (ie) your box blade and FEL..I have 7, 20' grade 70 chains and six binders on a 12,000 trailer..

rmonio · Jul 7, 2005

Larry -

Thanks for the feedback - since we have no weigh stations around our area anymore, I probably stick with the current racheting situation that I'm using. I'll look into getting additional chains if I do alot more hauling and continue to talk to the local folks about what the best rule of thumb around here is.

Thanks again.

-Bob

Jagmandave · Jul 7, 2005

When the local heavy equipment place comes out to move something for me in my plant, they secure the 15,000 lb forktruck to the semi trailer bed using one chain in front and one in back, looped over and thru the forktruck with ratchet binders on one side, FWIW. Everytime they've come out here (4 times in 5 years) it's been tied down this way.............

BigEddy · Jul 7, 2005

I bought 4 hooks, and cut my 2x20' chains into 4x 10' chains. I figure if I need 20', I can hook them together. Makes them easier to handle anyway.
Just my (sometimes unusual) way of doing it.