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Freight Safety Tool

Load Securement
Planner

Preliminary cargo securement planning based on NSC Standard 10 (Canada) and FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 (US). Calculate required tiedowns, WLL requirements, and download a preliminary report.

Preliminary planning only. Not a substitute for driver inspection, carrier approval, or professional safety review.

Step 1 — Jurisdiction

Quick Presets— pre-fill all fields instantly

Regulatory Jurisdiction

Select a jurisdiction above to choose your origin and destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What regulations govern load securement in Canada?
Load securement for commercial vehicles in Canada is governed by the National Safety Code Standard 10 (Cargo Securement), which aligns with the North American Cargo Securement Standard. All provinces and territories adopt NSC 10, which specifies the minimum number and working load limit (WLL) of tie-downs required based on cargo weight, as well as specific requirements for commodity types like logs, machinery, and vehicles. In the US, the equivalent is FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I.
How do I calculate the minimum number of tie-downs required?
Under NSC 10, the aggregate WLL of all tie-downs must be at least half the weight of the cargo being secured. For example, a 10,000 lb load requires tie-downs with a combined WLL of at least 5,000 lbs. Additionally, NSC 10 specifies minimum tie-down counts by cargo length: articles up to 5 feet require at least 1 tie-down; 5-10 feet require 2; each additional 10 feet adds 1 more. The Load Securement Planner calculates both the WLL requirement and the minimum count for your inputs.
What is working load limit (WLL) and how does it differ from break strength?
Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum load a tie-down, chain, or strap is rated for in normal use -- it is always less than the break strength. WLL accounts for wear, dynamic loading, and safety margin. Regulators require the aggregate WLL of all tie-downs to meet the cargo weight threshold; break strength is irrelevant for compliance purposes. Always use the marked WLL (not the break strength) when checking whether your securement setup meets NSC 10 requirements.
Does load securement change for cross-border Canada-US shipments?
The North American Cargo Securement Standard harmonises Canadian NSC 10 and US FMCSA requirements, so most securement setups compliant in Canada are also compliant for US DOT inspection. However, inspectors in the US apply the FMCSA rules directly, and subtle differences exist for certain commodity-specific requirements (e.g. coils, paper rolls, intermodal containers). Drivers crossing into the US should carry the FMCSA cargo securement guide and confirm commodity-specific requirements with their carrier before departing.

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About this tool

What it calculates

Provides preliminary cargo securement planning based on NSC Standard 10 (Canada) and FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393 (US), calculating minimum tiedown count and WLL requirements.

Who it's for

Carriers and drivers loading flatbed, step deck, or open-top freight who need to verify their securement plan meets regulatory minimums.

What you'll need

Cargo weight, contact area, number of tiedowns available, WLL per tiedown, and cargo dimensions.

How to use the result

Use as a pre-load planning reference. The driver is responsible for the actual securement — conditions at pickup may require additional tiedowns beyond the calculated minimum.

Key assumptions

Calculations assume cargo is not pre-wrapped or unitized in a way that modifies the effective contact area. Special securement rules apply to logs, pipes, metal coils, and other non-standard freight.

When to confirm with a specialist

Preliminary planning only. Confirm final securement meets regulatory standards with a Cargo Securement–certified driver or OTR Logistics Solutions' operations team before moving.

Need help with this shipment?

OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.

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