News
The Coast Guard is seeking comments from the public on methods for securing cargo in transport vehicles and freight containers.
It wants to determine if a standardized approval or certification process or improved performance criteria for flexible strapping securing systems is needed.
Under current
The National Cargo Bureau, a non-profit organization that the Coast Guard helped to establish to encourage safe stowage, can be hired to examine and certify proper stowage at the request of carriers that transport containerized cargo, but it has no regulatory authority to enforce proper stowage.
Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting in any direction during transport. Packages of hazardous materials must be braced and dunnaged with wooden blocks within a container so that they are not likely to be pierced or crushed and the materials must be in proper condition for transportation.
Currently, the specific method for securing cargo is left to the discretion of the individual or company packing the container. The Coast Guard is considering whether there is a need for a standardized certification or approval process for cargo securing systems.
Comments and related material must be submitted to the Coast Guard’s online docket at http://www.regulations.gov on or before March 9 or sent to reach its Docket Management Facility by that date.
