Load/Cargo securement

Federal regulation and state law do not specifically require tarps, but some city ordinances require certain types of cargo be tarped, such as sand, gravel, dirt, mulch, etc.Federal cargo securement regulation (49 CFR §393.100) requires all cargo be secured to prevent the cargo from leaking, spilling, blowing or falling from the motor vehicle. Kansas state law

Any load extending more than 4 feet to the rear, or 4 inches to the side must be flagged.The flags must be 18” square, red or orange fluorescent for the federal regulation, and 12” square red for state law (49 CFR §393.87 and KSA 8-1715).

In general, one securement device is required for every 10 feet of length or fraction thereof. There must be enough securement devices (i.e., chains, straps, etc.) to cover half the weight of the cargo, based on the working load limit of the securement devices and how they are attached to the transport vehicle. Additionally,