Tie Down Technical Committee Report

By Steve Schroeder, Chair

I am pleased to report that the Tie Down Technical Committee had an extremely productive meeting last September in Denver. Members were treated to an excellent video produced by the German standards organization BG. Karl-Heinz Keisewitt and Udo Dolezych of Dolezych GmbH & Co. were responsible for supplying the video and also spoke on its origin as well as its effects on the use of tie downs throughout Europe. It was suggested that the committee consider the development of a similar tie down video for distribution.

Vice-Chairman Ralph Abato reported on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Final Ruling, which went into effect on January 1, 2004. This ruling (which is linked to the WSTDA website) has been closely scrutinized by the committee. Our main concerns have focused on section 393.104 (f) (3) and (4).

Executive Director Fred Stringfellow contacted the FMCSA asking for clarification as to whether only certain strap configurations would be acceptable, resulting in the user possibly being required to purchase all new straps. Fred further inquired about straps being used exclusively inboard of the rub rails. In September, our concerns were addressed and the results positive. Robert F. Proferes, Director of Bus and Truck Standards & Operations, stated that existing cargo securement devices would obstensively adhere to the new ruling provided they did not represent an “unsafe operation.” Tie down straps, while encouraged to be inside the rub rails, are not prohibited outboard. The full correspondence is available to members as well as their customers.

The committee reviewed Draft 2 of the T-1 Standard, which had been circulated among committee members for comment & review. The major change agreed upon in this standard will be the inclusion of a section (with illustrations) on the calculations of “G’ forces. Karl-Heinz Keisewitt has agreed to work on verbiage as well as a chart and graphics. Between the Denver meeting and our upcoming San Diego meeting we have been able to approve many other changes via e-mail balloting. I believe we will be able to finish the revision mid-year and send it to the board for final review.

Our next projects will be the timely discussion & review of Standards T3 & T4. Ken Webb is also chairing an Ad-Hoc Committee on interior van webbing and this will be discussed in March.

Lastly, Jessica Mitchell of Securall has volunteered to be part of the Tie Down Committee. We look forward to her participation and hope to see everyone at the Spring Meeting.

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