[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR393.126]

[Page 451]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 393_PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION--Table of 
Contents
 
         Subpart I_Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo
 
Sec.  393.126  What are the rules for securing intermodal containers?

    (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the 
transportation of intermodal containers. Cargo contained within an 
intermodal container must be secured in accordance with the provisions 
of Sec.  Sec.  393.100 through 393.114 or, if applicable, the commodity 
specific rules of this part.
    (b) Securement of intermodal containers transported on container 
chassis vehicle(s). (1) All lower corners of the intermodal container 
must be secured to the container chassis with securement devices or 
integral locking devices that cannot unintentionally become unfastened 
while the vehicle is in transit.
    (2) The securement devices must restrain the container from moving 
more than 1.27 cm (1/2 in) forward, more than 1.27 cm (1/2 in) aft, more 
than 1.27 cm (1/2 in) to the right, more than 1.27 cm (1/2 in) to the 
left, or more than 2.54 cm (1 in) vertically.
    (3) The front and rear of the container must be secured 
independently.
    (c) Securement of loaded intermodal containers transported on 
vehicles other than container chassis vehicle(s). (1) All lower corners 
of the intermodal container must rest upon the vehicle, or the corners 
must be supported by a structure capable of bearing the weight of the 
container and that support structure must be independently secured to 
the motor vehicle.
    (2) Each container must be secured to the vehicle by:
    (i) Chains, wire ropes or integral devices which are fixed to all 
lower corners; or
    (ii) Crossed chains which are fixed to all upper corners; and,
    (3) The front and rear of the container must be secured 
independently. Each chain, wire rope, or integral locking device must be 
attached to the container in a manner that prevents it from being 
unintentionally unfastened while the vehicle is in transit.
    (d) Securement of empty intermodal containers transported on 
vehicles other than container chassis vehicle(s). Empty intermodal 
containers transported on vehicles other than container chassis vehicles 
do not have to have all lower corners of the intermodal container 
resting upon the vehicle, or have all lower corners supported by a 
structure capable of bearing the weight of the empty container, 
provided:
    (1) The empty intermodal container is balanced and positioned on the 
vehicle in a manner such that the container is stable before the 
addition of tiedowns or other securement equipment; and,
    (2) The amount of overhang for the empty container on the trailer 
does not exceed five feet on either the front or rear of the trailer;
    (3) The empty intermodal container must not interfere with the 
vehicle's maneuverability; and,
    (4) The empty intermodal container is secured to prevent lateral, 
longitudinal, or vertical shifting.

[67 FR 61225, Sept. 27, 2002, as amended at 71 FR 35834, June 22, 2006]