When Must a Truck Driver Inspect Cargo Securement during a Trip?

Under 49 CFR 392.9, a truck driver must confirm cargo is properly distributed and secured before driving, inspect the cargo and securement devices within the first 50 miles of a trip, and reexamine them whenever the driver changes duty status, or after 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, whichever comes first.

Before the trip (49 CFR 392.9(a) and (b)(1)). A driver may not operate a CMV, and a carrier may not require or permit it, unless:

• The cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured under 49 CFR 393.100 through 393.136.
• The tailgate, doors, tarps, spare tire and other equipment, and the means of fastening the cargo, are secured.
• The cargo does not obscure the driver's view ahead or to the sides, interfere with the driver's movement, block access to emergency accessories, or block exit from the cab.

Within the first 50 miles (392.9(b)(2)). The driver of a truck or truck tractor must inspect the cargo and securement devices and make any needed adjustments, including adding securement devices, so cargo cannot shift or fall.

During the trip (392.9(b)(3)). The driver must reexamine the cargo and securement devices and adjust as needed whenever:

• The driver changes duty status.
• The vehicle has been driven for 3 hours.
• The vehicle has been driven for 150 miles.

Whichever comes first triggers the check.

Exceptions (392.9(b)(4)). These in-trip inspection rules do not apply to a driver of a sealed vehicle who has been ordered not to open it, or to a vehicle loaded in a way that makes inspection impracticable.

The detailed tiedown and working load limit rules are in 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I.

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