Federal & State Regulations | Cargo loading and securement - Washington

The Washington State Patrol has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), as it exists on October 1, 2023.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission prescribes rules and regulations for household goods carriers, solid waste collection companies, and common carrier brokers in the state of Washington. The agency has adopted Part 393 of the FMCSRs, as in effect on December 31, 2023.

The adoptions include regulations dealing with projecting loads (393.87) and cargo securement (Part 393, Subpart I).

Part 393 applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 or more pounds and vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

In Washington, no vehicle may be driven or moved on any public highway unless constructed or loaded to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping.

No person may operate any vehicle on any public highway unless the load and its covering are securely fastened to prevent the covering or load from becoming loose, detached, or in any manner a hazard to other users of the highway.

Any vehicle operating on a paved public highway with a load of dirt, sand, or gravel susceptible to being dropped, spilled, leaked, or otherwise escaping must be covered to prevent spillage. The covering of the loads is not required if six inches of freeboard is maintained within the bed.

This requirement does not apply to a public maintenance vehicle:

Dropping sand on a highway to enhance traction, or
Sprinkling water or other substances to clean or maintain a highway.

['Cargo loading and securement']

['Loading and unloading - Motor Carrier', 'Cargo securement']

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Cargo loading and securement - Washington