General Requirements for Tiedowns +11British Columbia · CDL · English

Tiedowns must be designed, constructed and maintained so a driver can tighten them (except steel strapping). They must be taut and must not slip, loosen, unfasten, open or release while the vehicle is in operation. Use edge protectors where a tiedown could be cut or scraped against cargo, and locate tiedowns inboard of rub rails if possible. One long chain may serve as two tiedowns only if each has an independent tensioning device so one failing doesn't cause the other to fail.

• ✓Tiedowns must be tightenable by the driver (except steel strapping)
• ✓Tiedowns must remain taut and not slip, loosen or release in operation
• ✓Use edge protectors where tiedowns could be cut or scraped
• ✓A long chain used as two tiedowns needs an independent tensioning device for each

Tiedowns must not be used if a chain has cracked welds, links, or bent/twisted/stretched/collapsed links, links weakened by gouges/nicks/pits, is incorrectly repaired, or shows loss of strength. Also prohibited: knots in chain/wire rope/webbing, spread or disturbed grab hooks, nylon webbing with cuts/nicks/splits, wire cable with missing strands/wraps, or an anchor point weakened by cracks/breaks/distortion.

• ✓Do not use chains with cracked, bent, twisted, stretched or collapsed links
• ✓Do not use tiedowns with knots in chain, wire rope or webbing
• ✓Do not use nylon webbing with cuts, nicks or splits or wire cable with missing strands
• ✓Do not use tiedowns anchored at weakened or damaged anchor points

When cargo isn't prevented from moving forward: articles 1.52 m or shorter and 500 kg or lighter need 1 tiedown; 1.52 m or shorter and over 500 kg need 2; more than 1.52 m up to 3.04 m need 2; longer than 3.04 m need 2 plus 1 additional tiedown for every additional 3.04 m or part thereof. When cargo is prevented from moving forward, use one tiedown for every 3.04 m of length. A rough guide is two tiedowns for the first 3.04 m and one for each 3.04 m after.

• ✓Article ≤1.52 m and ≤500 kg: 1 tiedown
• ✓Article ≤1.52 m and >500 kg, or >1.52 m to 3.04 m: 2 tiedowns
• ✓Article >3.04 m: 2 tiedowns plus 1 for each additional 3.04 m or part thereof
• ✓If prevented from moving forward: 1 tiedown per 3.04 m of length

The aggregate working load limit of tiedowns used to secure cargo must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. Example: a 600 kg article requires tiedowns with a total working load limit of at least 300 kg. If the article is 3.65 m and not prevented from moving forward, three tiedowns are required, so each must have a working load limit of at least 100 kg. If only 50 kg tiedowns are available, use six. The Standard specifies both minimum number and minimum strength.

• ✓Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight
• ✓Divide required aggregate WLL by number of tiedowns to find per-tiedown requirement
• ✓Both minimum number and minimum strength requirements must be met
• ✓Add more tiedowns if individual capacity is low

The working load limit is marked on the component by the manufacturer. As of January 1, 2010, the Standard prohibits the use of unmarked tiedowns. Standard 10 provides default working load limits for chain, synthetic webbing, wire rope, manila rope, synthetic fiber rope and steel strapping. A chain connector link must be compatible with the grade of chain being used — a chain is only as good as its weakest link.

• ✓Working load limit must be marked by the manufacturer
• ✓Unmarked tiedowns are prohibited as of January 1, 2010
• ✓Chain connector links must match the grade of chain being used
• ✓Standard 10 provides default working load limits by material type

When using load binders you must ensure tiedown assemblies are strong enough — assume they are the lowest grade for their size unless clearly marked otherwise. Protect all assemblies from abrasion, don't use assemblies worn beyond the manufacturer's wear limitation, and lock every load binder handle in place using rope, wire, chain or a locking mechanism (the free end of chain is adequate). Ensure all tiedowns can be tightened unless steel/fiber/synthetic strapping is used, in which case ensure it is taut. An unmarked friction mat is assumed to provide resistance equal to 50% of the cargo weight resting on it. Timber dunnage must not split or crush under load. Rub rails must not be used as anchor points.

• ✓Assume tiedown assemblies are the lowest grade unless marked otherwise
• ✓Lock every load binder handle in place to prevent unlocking
• ✓Protect assemblies from abrasion and do not use worn ones
• ✓Rub rails must never be used as anchor points

An aggregate load is a collection of small articles like sand, gravel, paper or wood chips. If the load is made of aggregate material and likely to bounce, blow or drop from the moving vehicle, you must use a cover or tarp. Articles placed beside each other and secured by tiedowns passing over two or more must be in direct contact or prevented from moving toward each other. Cargo that may roll must be restrained by chocks, wedges, a cradle or other securing device. Bagged products on pallets require tiedowns and dunnage — interlocking bags and wedging pallets alone is not enough. Loads on rollers require at least one roller locked plus adequate tiedowns.

• ✓Use a cover or tarp for aggregate loads likely to bounce, blow or drop
• ✓Articles under shared tiedowns must be in direct contact or prevented from shifting toward each other
• ✓Restrain rolling cargo with chocks, wedges or a cradle
• ✓Lock at least one roller when a load is supported on rollers

Fixed and portable weigh scales are found throughout B.C. If you drive a commercial vehicle with a licensed GVW of more than 5,500 kg, you must report to a scale whenever directed by a sign, police officer or authorized person. Your vehicle will be weighed and inspected. You may be asked to bring registration, permit papers, log book and trip inspection report into an office.

• ✓If your commercial vehicle has a licensed GVW of more than 5,500 kg, you must report to a scale when directed by a sign, police officer or authorized person
• ✓Your vehicle will be weighed and inspected at the scale
• ✓Bring all registration and permit papers, log book and trip inspection report if asked to go to the office

Fixed weigh scales are permanently located throughout B.C. with highway signs directing drivers. The scale measures weight on axles/axle groups and an officer checks tires and measures the vehicle. Portable weigh scales travel throughout B.C. and may be found on any public road, either set up on the roadside or by a vehicle with flashing lights directing you to pull over.

• ✓At fixed scales, follow the directions on the light board and drive onto the scales when entering the yard
• ✓Portable weigh scales may be set up on the side of any public road and you may be signalled to stop
• ✓A vehicle with flashing lights may direct you to pull over where an inspector may set up a scale

A trailer system has foundation brakes, air chambers, reservoirs and control valves like a truck, but has no air compressor. It relies on the tractor to fill trailer reservoirs and to command brake application/release. Two air line connections link the tractor and trailer: the supply line and the control line.

• ✓The trailer has no air compressor and relies on the tractor for compressed air and brake commands
• ✓The supply line (also called emergency line) fills the trailer reservoirs; the control line (also called service line) carries the brake control signal

Air lines connecting tractor and trailer use quick coupling devices called glad hands. They are colour-coded: blue indicates the control line, red indicates the supply line. When not in use, glad hands should be fastened to dummy couplers or each other to keep out dirt and debris and prevent chafing.

• ✓Blue indicates the control (service) line; red indicates the supply (emergency) line
• ✓When not in use, fasten glad hands to dead-end couplers or to each other to prevent dirt entering the lines

All trailer systems must have an emergency stopping system that fully applies the trailer brakes if the trailer separates. Trailers without spring parking brakes use a relay emergency valve which senses breakaway and applies the service brakes with full reservoir pressure — called dynamiting. Trailers with spring parking brakes use spring force to dynamite the brakes.

• ✓All trailer systems must have an emergency stopping system that fully applies the trailer brakes on separation
• ✓The relay emergency valve dynamites the brakes using full trailer reservoir pressure when it senses loss of supply line pressure

During charging, air passes from the tractor through the supply line to fill the trailer reservoir. During a service application, the control signal reaches the relay emergency valve which delivers reservoir air to the service chambers at about the same pressure as the control signal. When the supply line breaks, the valve delivers full reservoir pressure, dynamiting the brakes.

• ✓The trailer brakes are dynamited when the supply line breaks, glad hands are disconnected, or the trailer supply valve is closed
• ✓Motor vehicle safety standards require dynamited systems to remain applied for a minimum of 15 minutes

Most current trailers use spring parking brakes for parking and breakaway stopping. A common system uses one reservoir, a relay valve for service brakes, and a trailer spring brake valve that fills the reservoir and controls the spring brakes. Some systems fill the reservoir before releasing spring brakes; others release spring brakes first.

• ✓Always perform a tug test after coupling the tractor to the trailer
• ✓If supply and service lines are reversed, the spring brakes won't release and the service brakes won't function

If the trailer separates and the air lines break, tractor air rushes out through broken lines. The tractor protection system — consisting of a trailer air supply valve in the dash and a tractor protection valve behind the cab — automatically shuts off air loss to preserve enough pressure for a safe stop.

• ✓The tractor protection system automatically shuts off air loss on breakaway; some allow pressure to drop to as low as 20 p.s.i. (138 kPa) before shutting off
• ✓A peace officer may place your vehicle out of service if it allows tractor pressure to drop below 20 p.s.i. (138 kPa) without the trailer air supply valve closing

The dash-mounted trailer air supply valve directs air pressure to the trailer and senses supply line pressure. Most are an octagon-shaped red button. When no trailer is connected, it stays in the closed position so no air is lost through disconnected glad hands during bobtail driving.

• ✓The trailer air supply valve is usually an octagon-shaped red button on the dash
• ✓When bobtailing, the trailer air supply valve must be closed to prevent air loss

The hand valve allows the driver to apply the trailer brakes independently of the tractor, useful when coupling. It is spring-loaded and returns to released when let go. The foot valve applies about the same pressure to both tractor and trailer brakes.

• ✓Never use the hand valve for parking or for normal/emergency service braking — always use the foot valve for service braking
• ✓To park, apply tractor parking brakes, close the trailer supply valve, and block the trailer wheels

A dual air tractor for towing a trailer adds a trailer air supply valve, tractor protection valve, hand control valve, and a pair of two-way check valves. In most systems the parking brake control (yellow button) is interlocked with the trailer supply valve (red button) so applying the parking control applies all tractor and trailer parking brakes.

• ✓Two-way check valves are installed so whichever brake (foot or hand valve) is applied sends a control signal to the trailer
• ✓Automatic shutoff of trailer air supply occurs when the highest-pressure reservoir drops to between 20 and 45 p.s.i. (138 and 310 kPa) — check this in pre-trip inspection

With a dual air system, if the primary system fails the low-air warning alerts the driver and the gauges confirm only one part is lost. A foot valve application applies the front brakes and passes air through both two-way check valves to signal the trailer brakes. If the secondary fails, the rear brakes apply and still signal the trailer.

• ✓Even with a primary or secondary system failure, the driver can make a controlled stop and still signal the trailer brakes
• ✓The automatic trailer supply shutoff requirement must be checked during pre-trip; if not functioning the vehicle must be placed out of service

A two-way check valve allows either the hand valve or foot valve — whichever has the highest application pressure — to send a control signal to the trailer brakes. It is identical in construction to the one used in spring parking brake installations.

• ✓Directs the highest application pressure from either the hand valve or foot valve to the trailer brakes
• ✓Two-way check valves ensure a control signal reaches the trailer whether the foot valve or hand valve is applied

Driving a tractor without a trailer is called bobtailing. With little weight over the drive axles, rear brakes lock easily. A bobtail proportioning system reduces drive axle braking pressure by up to 75% when bobtailing while giving full pressure to the steering axle, improving control and stopping distance.

• ✓When bobtailing, drive axle braking pressure is reduced by as much as 75% to prevent lockup
• ✓Higher than normal pedal pressure is required when bobtailing because the steering axle brakes do most of the braking

When a brake chamber has stroked less than half its maximum, the brake is correctly adjusted. Stroking more than half indicates excessive travel needing adjustment. Cast iron drums expand when heated, causing the chamber to stroke further. On long downgrades, hot drum expansion can cause total loss of braking and a runaway.

• ✓Stroking less than half of maximum indicates correct adjustment
• ✓Cast iron brake drums expand when heated, causing further chamber stroke
• ✓Hot drum expansion on long downgrades can cause total loss of braking and a runaway

Ensure the vehicle is safely parked with wheels blocked, air system at full pressure and spring parking brakes released. Turn the engine off to listen for air leaks. Each brake on an axle should have similar pushrod travel — left should be similar to right.

• ✓Always block the wheels before checking any brakes
• ✓Turn the engine off so you can listen for air leaks
• ✓Each brake on an axle should be adjusted to have similar pushrod travel left and right

The most common air brake chamber is the Type 30, with a maximum available stroke of 2½ inches (65 mm). A long stroke Type 30 is designated Type 30LS with a maximum stroke of three inches. When correctly adjusted, running clearance between lining and drum is only a few thousandths of an inch.

• ✓The Type 30 chamber has a maximum available stroke of 2½ inches (65 mm)
• ✓Type 30LS long stroke has a maximum available stroke of three inches
• ✓When correct, running clearance is only a few thousandths of an inch

Before beginning a pre-trip inspection, park safely, secure the vehicle, and prepare to walk the circle check facing oncoming traffic.

• ✓Choose a safe location away from traffic and park on level ground if possible
• ✓Set parking brakes, shut off engine, and block wheels of large commercial vehicles
• ✓Walk counter-clockwise for the circle check so you face oncoming traffic
• ✓Remove keys from ignition to prevent anyone moving the vehicle while inspecting underneath

Pre-trip inspections may be done in any order but should follow the same routine every time. Class 1 tractor-trailer inspections should take under 45 minutes; Class 3 single-unit truck under 30 minutes.

• ✓Class 1 tractor-trailer pre-trip inspection should be completed in less than 45 minutes
• ✓Class 3 single-unit truck pre-trip inspection should be completed in less than 30 minutes
• ✓Conduct inspection in the same order every time to avoid missing items
• ✓The final step is to pull ahead slowly to check brake and steering response

Specific tools are needed to properly conduct a pre-trip inspection, particularly for checking tires, pushrod stroke and air brakes.

• ✓Carry a flashlight, tire pressure gauge, chalk/marker, ruler, pry tool, wrench, and timing device
• ✓Wear sturdy clothing, a hard hat and eye protection
• ✓Timing device is used to check air brake leakage and buildup time

B.C. has many mountainous roads with signs posted before steep or long downgrades. You must stop in the pullout area and inspect the braking system before proceeding, and check load security. Verify the compressor maintains full reservoir pressure, no audible air leaks, glad hands and air lines secure, brake drums and hubs not overheated, and pushrod travel within limits — even with automatic slack adjusters. For hydraulic brakes, check adequate pedal reserve, drums not overheated and no fluid leaks. You may be fined for failing to stop.

• ✓You must stop in the pullout area and inspect the braking system and load before a steep downgrade
• ✓Pushrod travel must be checked even on vehicles with automatic slack adjusters
• ✓Failing to stop for a required brake pre-hill inspection may result in a fine

As you drive, vehicle condition can change, so inspect at regular intervals. The NSC requires re-inspecting the cargo securement system within 80 km from the loading point, and regularly during the trip at the earliest of: a change in duty status, three hours of driving, or 240 km of driving since the last inspection. Record cargo securement on your daily log. You need not inspect sealed cargo you're ordered not to inspect, or inaccessible cargo. Check tires/wheels, brakes/hubs, trailer coupling, cargo/dangerous goods signs, suspension and driveline.

• ✓Re-inspect cargo securement within 80 km of loading
• ✓Re-inspect at the earliest of a duty status change, three hours of driving, or 240 km since the last inspection
• ✓Record cargo securement on your daily log

Stay aware of the braking system's condition at all times by checking air pressure gauges frequently, watching the dashboard low-air warning indicator, and feeling the braking response with each application. Do not continue driving if smoke comes from an oil-filled hub or the hub is too hot to touch.

• ✓Check air pressure gauges and the low-air warning indicator frequently while driving
• ✓Do not continue driving if a hub is smoking or too hot to touch

At the end of the final trip of the day you must inspect the commercial vehicle and complete a trip inspection report noting any defects found. This report may be added to the pre-trip inspection report for the same vehicle completed earlier. Examine lights and reflectors every inspection for proper colour, operation, mounting and visibility, per the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations. Commercial trailers 2.05 m or wider require rear and side reflective markings.

• ✓A trip inspection report must be completed and must note all defects found
• ✓Lights and reflectors must be checked for proper colour, operation, mounting and visibility
• ✓Commercial trailers 2.05 m or wider require reflective markings to the rear and sides

A front-end structure is a vertical barrier across the front of the deck preventing cargo from moving forward (a cab shield/protector is NOT a front-end structure under Standard 10, though WorkSafe BC requires cab protectors on logging trucks). If under 1.83 m tall, it must withstand a static load of at least 50% of total cargo weight; if 1.83 m or taller, at least 40%. It must be no shorter than 122 cm above the deck and no narrower than the vehicle width, and must resist cargo penetration at 6.1 m/s² deceleration with no gaps allowing cargo through.

• ✓Front-end structures under 1.83 m must withstand 50% of total cargo weight; 1.83 m or taller must withstand 40%
• ✓Must be no shorter than 122 cm above the deck and no narrower than the vehicle width
• ✓Must resist penetration at 6.1 m/s² deceleration with no openings allowing cargo through

A front-end structure must be attached per the manufacturer's recommendations and identified either by permanent marking (model/serial number, manufacturer name/address, rated capacity) or by a signed letter from the manufacturer or professional engineer carried in the vehicle. Loads generally can't be wider than 2.6 m; vehicles carrying loose hay or straw can't exceed 3.1 m including load.

• ✓Loads can't be more than 2.6 m wide (loose hay/straw vehicle and load max 3.1 m)
• ✓Front-end structure must be permanently marked or accompanied by a signed certification letter in the vehicle

Commercial drivers must record on-duty and off-duty time in logbooks under the Motor Vehicle Act and National Safety Code. Understanding duty status categories is essential for compliance, and rules may differ for other jurisdictions.

• ✓Record on-duty and off-duty time accurately in a logbook
• ✓Comply with hours of service rules under the Motor Vehicle Act and National Safety Code
• ✓Be aware hours of service rules can differ across jurisdictions

Besides s-cam brakes, three other foundation brake types found on air-braked vehicles are wedge brakes, air disc brakes, and air-over-hydraulic brakes.

• ✓Other foundation brake types are wedge brakes, air disc brakes, and air-over-hydraulic brakes
• ✓These are found on air-braked vehicles in addition to standard s-cam brakes

Wedge brakes use one or two small air chambers with wedge-shaped pushrods, usually found only on steering axles. When applied, air pushes the wedge between two rollers forcing the linings against the drum. Most have internal automatic adjusters. Adjustment is checked through inspection holes; if linings move more than 1/16 inch it needs attention.

• ✓Wedge brakes are usually found only on steering axles
• ✓Air pressure pushes the wedge pushrod between two rollers to force the linings against the drum
• ✓Most wedge brakes have internal automatic adjusters; adjustment is checked through inspection holes in the backing plate

All vehicles must stop at controlled crossings when signalled. A controlled crossing has a flag person, stop sign, crossing gate, or electric/mechanical signal. When stopping, stop 5 to 15 m from the crossing, look both ways and listen (open window or bus door), then move forward when safe. Don't shift gears while crossing.

• ✓Stop 5 to 15 m from the railway crossing
• ✓Open driver's window or bus door to listen for trains
• ✓Don't shift gears while crossing the tracks
• ✓Don't park within 15 m of the nearest rail
• ✓Never cross if the crossing gate is down

Certain vehicles must stop at all uncontrolled main railway crossings: school buses carrying children, buses carrying passengers, and vehicles transporting explosive, poisonous, flammable, combustible, corrosive liquids or liquefied petroleum gas (empty or loaded). Uncontrolled main crossings don't include industrial tracks in business/residential districts or spur lines.

• ✓School buses with children and buses with passengers must stop
• ✓Vehicles carrying explosives, flammables, corrosives, or LPG must stop (empty or loaded)
• ✓Uncontrolled main crossings exclude industrial tracks and spur lines

Crossing is especially hazardous in large vehicles: longer trucks need more time to clear, heavier trucks need more room to stop, big vehicles can cause a train to derail in a collision, and low clearances may cause trailers to hang up. Before crossing, ensure the track is clear enough to give at least 10 seconds to cross, and ensure room exists on the other side.

• ✓Ensure the track is clear enough to give at least 10 seconds to cross (more for longer vehicles/multiple tracks)
• ✓Be certain there's room for your vehicle on the other side before crossing
• ✓Never stop on the tracks; do not shift gears while crossing
• ✓Watch for humpback crossings that may catch low-clearance trailers
• ✓Don't assume the train you see is the only one when crossing multiple tracks

Follow standard projection limits unless you hold a permit. Front: a load can't extend more than one metre beyond the front wheels or front bumper. Front projections on trailers can't extend more than a two-metre radius beyond the articulation point for TAC (BC) vehicles, or 2.25 m for non-TAC vehicles. Rear (straight truck): can't extend more than four metres beyond the turn centre. If a load projects more than 1.2 m past the rear, attach a red flag/cloth in daylight or a red light at night. Allow extra room for projections when turning.

• ✓Front load can't extend more than one metre beyond the front wheels or front bumper
• ✓Rear load on a straight truck can't extend more than four metres beyond the turn centre
• ✓If a load projects more than 1.2 m beyond the rear, attach a red flag/cloth by day or red light at night

Before applying you must: hold or have held a full-privilege Class 5 or 6 (or out-of-province equivalent); have an acceptable driving record (fewer than four penalty-point offences in the previous two years and zero motor-vehicle-related Criminal Code convictions in the previous three years); meet minimum age; have no outstanding fines/debts; and meet medical standards.

• ✓Acceptable driving record requires fewer than four penalty-point offences in the previous two years
• ✓Zero motor-vehicle-related Criminal Code convictions in the previous three years are required, with no outstanding fines or debts

The learner's licence is valid for one year and allows supervised practice. The supervisor must be at least 19 years old and hold the appropriate licence class for the vehicle. The supervisor must sit beside the driver, or immediately behind and to the right if there is no seat beside the driver.

• ✓A commercial learner's supervisor must be at least 19 and hold the appropriate class of licence for the vehicle
• ✓The supervisor must sit beside the driver, or immediately behind and to the right if no seat is beside the driver's seat

When operating a bus, taxi, ride-hailing vehicle or ambulance with a learner's licence, no passengers are permitted other than your supervisor and other learners being trained on the same class of vehicle who hold the same class of learner's licence.

• ✓No passengers are allowed in a bus, taxi, ride-hailing vehicle or ambulance operated on a learner's licence except the supervisor
• ✓Other learners of the same class being trained may also be present

The licensing process for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence, heavy/house trailer endorsement or air brake endorsement is conducted entirely in English. Applicants must communicate in both spoken and written English without assistance.

• ✓All commercial licensing tests are conducted entirely in English
• ✓Applicants must communicate in spoken and written English without assistance

Every carrier you work for is required to check your driving record before hiring you and once a year after hiring. You must provide proof of an acceptable driving record before obtaining a commercial licence.

• ✓Carriers must check a driver's record before hiring and annually thereafter
• ✓Applicants must provide proof of an acceptable driving record, obtaining an abstract from any out-of-province jurisdiction held in the past three years