The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides specific requirements regarding shipping of products, including metal coils. The complete FMCSA requirements can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. The following provisions of the code relate to securing cargo and safe loading:

• Shifting or Falling Cargo: FMCSA, 49CFR393.100
• Safe Loading: FMCSA, 49CFR392.9
• Rules for Securing Metal Coils: FMCSA, CFR393.120

It is typical for shipping companies to properly secure cargo. Carriers assume responsibility for complying with DOT regulations, and coil coaters do not accept liability for the carrier’s responsibility to properly secure loads. Some companies require their carriers to acknowledge their familiarity with the federal shipping requirements and to agree to abide by the DOT regulations.

Some companies also include signs in their facilities to make drivers aware of their responsibility to be aware of the applicable regulations. An example of such a sign in a coil coating facility follows:

Notice of U.S. Department of Transportation Shipping Regulations:

The United States Department of Transportation has adopted detailed requirements governing safe shipping of cargo. These requirements address safe loading procedures, provisions designed to prevent shifting or falling cargo, and other provisions generally intended to safeguard the public. Motor carriers are expected to be aware of and to comply fully with all Department of Transportation regulations.

To learn more about these requirements, visit our Toolkit.

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