Cargo Securement Heavy Machinery

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name: cargo-securement-heavy-machinery
description: |
  Use this skill for transporting heavy machinery (construction, agricultural, industrial). Covers § 393.130 rules, lashing requirements, and platform compliance.
---

# Heavy Machinery Cargo Securement

Heavy machinery requires special securement under § 393.130. Machinery is high-value, heavy, and often has multiple anchor points.

## Securement requirements
- Each tiedown rated for heavy load (5,000+ lbs WLL typical)
- Multiple tiedowns (typically 4-6)
- Tiedowns at machine attachment points (rated)
- Crossing tiedowns where possible (better stability)

## Machinery preparation
- Hydraulic systems isolated (pressure released, valves closed)
- Wheels chocked
- Boom/arm secured in transit position
- Operating fluids checked for transit (no leaks)
- Loose parts removed or strapped

## Trailer considerations
- Heavy haul trailers (purpose-built for machinery)
- Reinforced deck
- Anchor points rated for heavy use
- Platform compliance (length, weight rating)

## Driver inspection
- Pre-trip: verify tiedowns, chocks, hydraulic isolation
- Mid-trip: stop + verify no shift
- Post-trip: confirm delivery, document any damage

## Weight + permit considerations
- Loads over 80,000 lbs gross may require oversize permits
- Per-state permit rules vary
- Pilot car requirements for very large machinery
- Roadway weight restrictions

## Common violations
- Tiedowns rated too low for machinery weight
- Tiedowns not crossing (linear, less stable)
- Machinery moves during transit
- Missing chocks (wheels can roll)
- Inadequate platform (under-rated trailer)

## Cargo damage prevention
- Padding/dunnage at contact points (prevent paint chipping)
- Tiedown points avoid finished surfaces
- Boom support to prevent stress

## Compass cargo securement
- Heavy machinery checklist
- WLL calculator + tiedown configuration
- Permit compliance reminder (if oversize)

## CFR citations
- **49 CFR § 393.130**

## How Compass surfaces this
Searchable in Compass Ask. Runs against carrier fleet data when invoked from the relevant tracker. Read-only; no actions without explicit user approval.


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## Built by X3 Compass

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*This skill is published under the X3 Compass open skills initiative. Contributions welcome at https://github.com/x3fleetsafety/skills*