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1. Do I need to cover my load with a tarp?

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 (KSA 8-1906) requires all vehicles be constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.

2. When does a load require a flag?

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).

3. How many securement devices do I need to secure my cargo?

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, cargo must be secured for length.   If the cargo is not against a front-end structure or other equivalent device, one additional tie-down is required for the first 10 feet of length.  There are additional commodity specific cargo securement rules found in 49 CFR §393.116 – 393.136.