Blocking and Bracing / Cargo Securement

Free Webinar for Members

As part of the 2025 COSTHA Member Educational Series, IVODGA members are invited to the following (free) webinar session:

ON HOLD - DATE TBD

WEBINAR: Blocking and Bracing / Cargo Securement by Road and Rail in the United States and by Water

Contact Anne@ivodga.com
for webinar login details

  • Webinar Topics:

    • Introduction
      • Definition of Terms
      • Responsible Party
      • Modal Differences
    • Regulatory requirements
      • High-Level Overview of Regulatory Requirements
      • Inspections / Enforcement
      • Out of Service Criteria
    • How to Comply / Best Management practices / Experiences
      • Examples of How to
      • Cost of compliance with blocking & bracing (purchasing necessary equipment/tools)
      • Partnering with Carriers
      • Cost of non-compliance / reasons why it’s important

    -- -- -- 

    Panel of Experts: 

    • Clifford Bartley, CDGP, Matson Navigation Company 
    • Allen Creech, Norfolk Southern Load Securement
    • Kelsey Even, Association of American Railroads (AAR)
    • Robert Harris, National Cargo Bureau, Inc. (NCB) 
    • Mark Maday, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
    • Dominic Masi, Apex Logistics International Inc.
    • Eric Rounds, National Cargo Bureau, Inc. (NCB)

 

Below are links to various materials relating to the blocking, bracing, and/or securement of cargo.  IVODGA provides these links for informational purposes only. The material contained on this webpage does not constitute professional advice on this subject matter and does not imply any endorsement by IVODGA. While the information contained within the site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this website is correct, complete, and/or up-to-date.  Nothing on this webpage constitutes advice by IVODGA with respect to the proper blocking, bracing, or securement of any particular type or piece of cargo.  Persons with questions regarding the proper securement of cargo should consult a qualified professional and/or legal counsel.

Educational Videos

Union Pacific Intermodal Guidelines – Three Simple Steps for Damage-Free, Intermodal Shipments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeQpxhBdyS4&feature=emb_logo 

How to Properly Secure Your Cargo l Hapag-Lloyd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXb_PJncSwg

What is General Average? l Trade Risk Guaranty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pND0gn3mi2g&feature=youtu.be

Container Matters l UK P&I Club
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMASnENJ93w&feature=youtu.be

Cargo Lashing l Cargo Tuff LLC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLSxyDDauak&feature=youtu.be

Load Securement in 20’ Container: 18 IBC with (R) Lashing Container, 2x two cross straps l Rothschenk
https://youtu.be/mpO64GAFvmA

Load Securement with (R) Lashing Container l Rothschenk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnvF25kNPpY
Publications

Railroad:

Minimum Loading Standards for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) (Including Drums) in Closed Cars – Association of American Railroads
https://aar.com/standards/DPLS-content/Closed%20Car%20Loading%20Standards/CCLG%20Part%207%20-%20Bulk%20Containers%207-2014.pdf

Union Pacific website on shipment quality
https://www.up.com/customers/shipment_quality/intermodal/index.htm

Union Pacific Hazardous Materials Securement Requirements & HAZMAT Evaluation Table
https://www.up.com/customers/shipment_quality/intermodal/shipping_hazmat/index.htm

Loading and Securement Solutions - Norfolk Southern Railroad
http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/shipping-tools/claims-loading-securement-solutions/loading-securement-solutions.html

Safety Guidelines and Regulations - CN – Canadian National Rail
https://www.cn.ca/en/customer-centre/safety-guidelines-and-regulations/damage-prevention/

Request a Safety Plan - CN – Canadian National Rail
https://www.cn.ca/en/repository/popups/forms/contact/?contactid=%7bD4DED7D0-A880-4877-B250-9C8C45C20781%7d&utm_pp=/en/contact-us

Rules governing the loading, blocking and bracing of freight in closed trailers and containers for TOFC/COFC service.
https://www.cpr.ca/en/customer-resources-site/Documents/AAR-circular-43-E.pdf

Intermodal:

Intermodal Loading Guide for Products in Closed Trailers and Containers
https://aar.com/standards/pdfs/Intermodal%20Loading%20Guide%20January%202016.pdf

Intermodal General Loading Guidelines - Union Pacific Railroad
https://www.up.com/cs/groups/public/@uprr/@customers/documents/up_pdf_nativedocs/pdf_dam-prev_intermodal-load.pdf 

Sea Transport:

"Safe Transport of Containers by Sea Industry Guidance for Shippers and Container Stuffers" published by World Shipping Council and International Chamber of Shipping - http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/containers 

"Pack It Right Pack It Tight" publication by TT Club (P & I) includes proper classification and shipping paper preparation. https://www.ttclub.com/news-and-resources/publications/book-it-right-and-pack-it-tight/ 

Copyright © 2023 jointly held by Thomas Miller P&I Ltd and Through Transport Mutual Services (UK) Ltd. All rights reserved. Users of this guide may reproduce or transmit it verbatim only. Any other use, including derivative guidance based on this guide, in any form or by any means is subject to prior permission in writing from the copyright holders.
Presentations

Rail:

AAR presentation on Intermodal Cargo Securment:
 
Incidents and Press Releases

Unsecured load led to CP derailment: 
https://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/news/Transportation-Safety-Board-Unsecured-load-led-to-CP-derailment--59318

World Shipping Council: Containers Lost at Sea Update 2020: 
http://www.worldshipping.org/Containers_Lost_at_Sea_-_2020_Update_FINAL_.pdf