WLL of Trailer Tiedown Points

This is the most likely answer.

The cargo securement rules are the same in Canada and the U.S. (agreed to by a committee) except this one issue (that I am aware of). In the Canadian version of the rules, there is no default for unmarked chain--they cannot be used. Also, it is spelled out that unmarked anchors will be rated the same as the "weakest link."

National Safety Code Standard 10: Cargo Securement (May 2016)
Guidance and Interpretations

Division 4 – Tiedowns

2. Working Load Limit – Tiedown
When determining the WLL of a tiedown (subsections 21(1)(b) and 21(2)(c)), if the anchor point where the tiedown is attached to the vehicle is not rated with a WLL, is the vehicle anchoring point considered the lowest or weakest WLL?

Comments: Anchor points are not currently required to be rated and marked. Consequently unmarked anchor points are considered to be as strong as the weakest link in the securement system (unless there are obvious defects that would place it out of service).

http://ccmta.ca/images/pdf-documents-english/cargo_securement/Interpretations_and_Guidance_2016.pdf
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So, while it isn't spelled out anywhere in the FMCSA documents, I suspect they follow the same rule.

 

I see what you're saying. On the chains etc they default to a base number if the chain isn't marked but on anchor points, since it isn't a requirement to be marked then there isn't a base number to default to at all. This being said, it makes the rest of the securement numbers moot in my opinion. Why bother at all using the "weakest link" mentality if the anchor point has zero value in the process even though it's probably the most integral part? However, it's a great way for them the generate revenue.

 

In the States, if it's not spelled out then it isn't technically enforceable and wouldn't hold water in court.

 

Actually, no...

What is PRECEDENT?

An adjudged case or decision of a court of justice, considered as furnishing an example or authority for an identical or similar case afterwards arising or a similar question of law. A draught of a conveyance, settlement, will, pleading, bill, or other legal instrument, which is considered worthy to serve as a pattern for future instruments of the same nature.

http://thelawdictionary.org/precedent/
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While a specific law, legislation, etc., may not be spelled out, if the rule is commonly enforced and/or judged in a certain manner it does, in fact, hold water in court.

 

One cannot follow the REGULATIONS if they aren't spelled out for them. We're not talking a murder trial based on law. There's a difference between regulations and law.

 

I still stand by my previous comment. Find a dot cop and ask him. See where that conversation goes.

 

JW you will drive yourself crazy trying to make sense of the idiocy of the gov. I went through it when I had a gov job. You are correct that it makes no sense. There is a post on here somewhere about someone getting a ticket for an expired j hook. Some cops just make crap up. Contact the trailer mfr and get the ratings from them. That seems to be the best you can do for now.

 

I agree.

 

But then every officer has a different conclusion of the law and every state trains diffrent. !??????

 

Who here has ever had an officer ticket them for anything regarding the WLL of a trailer tie down point?