Research & Technology Transporter (December 1997)

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Research Helps Secure Truck Loads
Throughout North America

In response to several incidents involving loss of metal coils from trucks operating in Canada and the United States, particularly in New York, FHWA's Office of Motor Carriers and Transport Canada recently completed a research project on commercial motor vehicle load securement. The project was a joint effort between various public agencies and private organizations in the United States and Canada.

The research program involved the testing of trailer anchor points (i.e., stake pockets, D-rings, tensioning ratchets, etc.); the effect of binder type, chain size, and chain length on the tension of the tiedown assembly; equalization of tension in the spans of chain and webbing tiedowns; lateral and longitudinal movement of the cargo on tiedown tension; and blocking and bracing, friction between the load and the vehicle or between individual articles being transported (e.g., concrete pipe, lumber products, etc.). The research program also examined securement practices for transporting metal coils and intermodal cargo containers.

Results of the research are being expected that all of the jurisdictions used to develop and implement the throughout the United States, North American Cargo Securement Canada, and Mexico will adopt the Standard. Mexico, Canada, and the new standard as a replacement to United States will incorporate the their current cargo securement standard into their commercial regulations so that a vehicle carrying any type of cargo will be able to travel through all three countries without having to stop at borders to resecure the load to meet the different standards that now exist.

Draft versions of the North American standard are available from the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators at www.ab.org/ccmta, (613) 736-1003. A series of research reports is also available from the same source. The final version should be published before the middle of 1998, and it is expected that all of the jurisdictions throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico will adopt the new standard as a replacement to their current cargo securement regulations.
-- Milt Schmidt , (518) 431-4239.

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LTAP CD-I Modules Train and Win

The CD-I training module is available in English and Spanish.

The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) released for distribution two compact disc interactive (CD-I) training modules on Motor Grader Operations for local transportation agencies. Each module is 40-minutes long and features full-motion video and animation sequences, and are available in English and Spanish. The modules provide all relevant measurements in metric units.

The two modules won the Silver Award at the 1996 International CD-I Association held in Orlando, Florida, last year. The award was given "for outstanding achievement in the production of the best title for use in vocational or skill training using CD-I."

Copies of the CD-I's are available to each of the 57 LTAP centers. Additional copies are available from the LTAP Technology Transfer Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse may be reached at the American Public Works Association, 1301 pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 501, Washington, DC 20004, patriot.net/~ltap/ltap.html, (202) 347-7267.
-- Bob Kelly, (202) 366-1565.