OOSC, Part II, Item 2. Cargo Securement, (a) - Amendment

I stopped a tractor trailer loaded with Auto Fluff and the trailer had a severe lean to the right side. The right side of the trailer was 14,600 lbs. heavier than the left side and the trailer was leaning to the right. The right side of the rear impact guard was 11” off the ground and the left side was 15.5” off the ground. Currently there is no Out-of-Service condition that addresses the loading of cargo that causes this condition. Any sharp turns or evasive actions needed by this driver at normal highway speeds would have caused the vehicle to unstable and possibly tip over.

Currently there is no Out-of-Service violation for when a load is not properly distributed such as when aggregate or similar materials are dumped over the side into the trailer and the majority of the weight rests to one side of the vehicle. Or when heavy items are loaded on one side of a truck or trailer such as stone, lumber or bricks. There needs to be an Out-of-Service violation that covers when a load is unevenly distributed to the extent that the stability of the vehicle is adversely affected. Not just when the load shifts.

Amend the Out-of-Service Criteria section 2a Cargo Securement to read as follows: (a) Parts of a vehicle or condition of loading such that the spare tire or any part of the load, cargo, or dunnage can fall onto the roadway; or improper distribution of cargo which causes severe vehicle listing and / or may adversely affect vehicle stability.