ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 18) — Members of the Truck-Trailer Manufacturers Association have pledged to voluntarily mark the working load limits of all equipment involved in the securement of cargo — every stake-pocket, D-ring, bulkhead, even the walls of van trailers.

The TTMA, comprised of trailer and trailer equipment suppliers in Canada and the U.S., said the policy would be outlined as a recommended practice for its members. The TTMA said it made the decision in support of the development of a North American standard on cargo securement.

“Right now, for example, carriers may be using transport-grade chain but not have any idea of the strength of the anchor point that chain is tied down to,” said John Pearson, an Ottawa-based transportation consultant who helped draft the proposed rules. “It¹s encouraging that the manufacturers are taking this step. It¹s going to help carriers choose the equipment that¹s appropriate to the cargo they haul, which ultimately makes for a more effective regulation.”

The voluntary marking effort is in advance of a possible regulated requirement — the latest draft of the proposed rules calls for tie-down materials, anchor points, and the like to be rated and clearly marked starting in 2002.

Consultations on the proposed rule are ongoing. To what extent older equipment must be marked has yet to be settled.