Cargo Securing Methods for Packages in Transport Vehicles or Freight Containers, 1070-1071 [2010-106]

Download as PDF 1070 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 5 / Friday, January 8, 2010 / Notices Comments’’ portion of the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY section below for instructions on submitting comments. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2009–1079] Cargo Securing Methods for Packages in Transport Vehicles or Freight Containers Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard seeks comments from the public on methods for securing cargo in transport vehicles and freight containers in order to determine if a standardized approval or certification process or improved performance criteria for flexible strapping securing systems is needed. Under current U.S. regulations and international codes, there is no certification or qualification standard for blocking, bracing, or for the use of strapping systems for securing cargo. Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting in any direction during transport. Packages of hazardous materials must be braced and dunnaged within a container so that they are not likely to be pierced or crushed and the materials must be in proper condition for transportation. Currently, the specific method for securing cargo is left to the discretion of the individual or company packing the container. The Coast Guard is considering whether there is a need for a standardized certification or approval process for cargo securing systems. DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before March 9, 2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2009–1079 using any one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:14 Jan 07, 2010 Jkt 220001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, call or e-mail Morgan Armstrong, telephone 202–372–1419, e-mail: Morgan.D.Armstrong@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to submit comments and related material. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting comments: If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (USCG–2009– 1079) and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Notices’’ and insert ‘‘USCG– 2009–1079’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. Click ‘‘Search’’ then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Viewing the comments: To view the comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2009– 1079’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. Privacy Act: Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Background and Purpose It has recently been brought to the Coast Guard’s attention that significant damage and shifting of packages has purportedly occurred in cargo transport units in which the cargo was secured with flexible strapping. There is a concern that without an approval process, certain flexible strapping systems could be used even though they may not adequately secure cargo when properly installed. Requirements for the securing of cargo can be found in 49 CFR 176.76 and in Chapter 7.5 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Additional recommendations can be found in the IMDG Code Supplement. These are the Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs), which were developed in 1996 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Working Party on Combined Transport, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These Guidelines are based on the existing ILO/IMO Guidelines for Packing Cargo in Freight Containers or Vehicles and are applicable to transport operations by all surface and water modes of transportation and the whole international transportation chain. As required in 49 CFR 176.76, cargo, including hazardous materials, transported in vehicles and freight containers must be secured during transport to prevent shifting of the cargo and damage to the container. This requirement is true for all modes of surface transportation due to the fact that containers are transported by vessel, rail, and highway. Accordingly, the cargo must be adequately secured to withstand the unique forces exerted on the packages during each of these modes E:\FR\FM\08JAN1.SGM 08JAN1 pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 5 / Friday, January 8, 2010 / Notices of transport. Although there are recommended methods, the ultimate responsibility for properly securing cargo inside a container (by blocking, bracing, and strapping) resides with the packer of the container. U.S. regulations make reference to dunnage as a method for securing cargo and defines it in 49 CFR 176.2 as ‘‘lumber of not less than 25 mm (0.98 inch) commercial thickness or equivalent material laid over or against structures such as tank tops, decks, bulkheads, frames, plating, or ladders, or used for filling voids or fitting around cargo, to prevent damage during transportation.’’ However, there is no reference made to flexible strapping systems. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued exemptions to 49 CFR 176.76(a)(4), allowing the use of fabric restraint dunnage systems to secure certain hazardous materials, when installed as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. There are a variety of options for developing a standard. One option is to request that the UN ECE, ILO, and IMO consider incorporating flexible strapping systems into their Guidelines. Another option is to have the International Standards Organization (ISO) develop testing and performance requirements. The U.S. could also create domestic regulations for incorporation into 49 CFR part 176. The final option is to continue operations as they currently exist, allowing the packer to determine the best method of securing cargo without a standardized approval or certification process. The Coast Guard invites comments on the following topics: • The need for a new approval process or certification standard for cargo securing systems. • Information on currently used standards for the approval and use of cargo securing systems. • Methods for ensuring or verifying that securing systems adequately secure cargo without damaging the container or cargo. • Existing test methods for securing systems. • Materials used for securing cargo within the container (e.g. wood, plastic, bags, web, wire, chain, etc.). • Allowances for movement of cargo within the container when securing systems are used. • Information on cargo securing systems that are currently being used to secure cargo in containers, both domestically and internationally. Written comments and responses to the above topics will be added to the docket number for this notice (USCG– VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:14 Jan 07, 2010 Jkt 220001 2009–1079). The Coast Guard intends to review and analyze all comments received in order to develop a way forward for securing cargo in containers. This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552. Dated: December 29, 2009. J.G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards. [FR Doc. 2010–106 Filed 1–7–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5375–N–01] Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This Notice identifies unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal property reviewed by HUD for suitability for possible use to assist the homeless. DATES: Effective Date: January 8, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Ezzell, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 7262, Washington, DC 20410; telephone (202) 708–1234; TTY number for the hearing- and speech-impaired (202) 708–2565 (these telephone numbers are not toll-free), or call the toll-free Title V information line at 800–927–7588. In accordance with the December 12, 1988 court order in National Coalition for the Homeless v. Veterans Administration, No. 88–2503–OG (D.D.C.), HUD publishes a Notice, on a weekly basis, identifying unutilized, underutilized, excess and surplus Federal buildings and real property that HUD has reviewed for suitability for use to assist the homeless. Today’s Notice is for the purpose of announcing that no additional properties have been determined suitable or unsuitable this week. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: December 29, 2009. Mark R. Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs. [FR Doc. E9–31169 Filed 1–7–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1071 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWO320000 L19900000 EX0000] Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Control Number 1004–0194 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: 60-day notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces its intention to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) extend approval for the collection of information under 43 CFR subpart 3809. The OMB previously approved this collection of information and assigned it the control number 1004–0194. DATES: You must submit your comments to the BLM at the address below on or before March 9, 2010. The BLM is not obligated to consider any comments postmarked or received after the above date. ADDRESSES: You may mail comments to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Mail Stop 401– LS, 1849 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004–0194. You may also comment electronically at: Jean_Sonneman@blm.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You may contact Adam Merrill, Solid Minerals Group, at (202) 912–7044 (Commercial or FTS). Persons who use a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) on 1–800–877– 8339, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to contact Mr. Merrill. You may also contact Mr. Merrill to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations and forms that require this collection of information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB regulations at 5 CFR 1320, which implement provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501–3521), require that interested members of the public and affected agencies be provided an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d) and 1320.12(a)). This notice identifies information collections that are contained in 43 CFR subpart 3809. The BLM will request that the OMB approve this information collection activity for a 3-year term. Comments are invited on: (1) The need for the collection of information E:\FR\FM\08JAN1.SGM 08JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 5 (Friday, January 8, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1070-1071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-106]



[[Page 1070]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2009-1079]


Cargo Securing Methods for Packages in Transport Vehicles or 
Freight Containers

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard seeks comments from the public on methods for 
securing cargo in transport vehicles and freight containers in order to 
determine if a standardized approval or certification process or 
improved performance criteria for flexible strapping securing systems 
is needed. Under current U.S. regulations and international codes, 
there is no certification or qualification standard for blocking, 
bracing, or for the use of strapping systems for securing cargo. Cargo 
must be secured to prevent shifting in any direction during transport. 
Packages of hazardous materials must be braced and dunnaged within a 
container so that they are not likely to be pierced or crushed and the 
materials must be in proper condition for transportation. Currently, 
the specific method for securing cargo is left to the discretion of the 
individual or company packing the container. The Coast Guard is 
considering whether there is a need for a standardized certification or 
approval process for cargo securing systems.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before March 9, 2010 
or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2009-1079 using any one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department 
of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
call or e-mail Morgan Armstrong, telephone 202-372-1419, e-mail: 
Morgan.D.Armstrong@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to submit comments and related material. All 
comments received will be posted, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have 
provided.
    Submitting comments: If you submit a comment, please include the 
docket number for this notice (USCG-2009-1079) and provide a reason for 
each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and 
material online, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only 
one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a 
mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions 
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Notices'' and insert ``USCG-2009-1079'' in the ``Keyword'' box. Click 
``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' column. 
If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an 
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would 
like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, 
self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and 
material received during the comment period.
    Viewing the comments: To view the comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ``read comments'' box, which will 
then become highlighted in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-
2009-1079'' and click ``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in 
the ``Actions'' column. If you do not have access to the Internet, you 
may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility 
in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to 
use the Docket Management Facility.
    Privacy Act: Anyone can search the electronic form of comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a 
Privacy Act, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in 
the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Background and Purpose

    It has recently been brought to the Coast Guard's attention that 
significant damage and shifting of packages has purportedly occurred in 
cargo transport units in which the cargo was secured with flexible 
strapping. There is a concern that without an approval process, certain 
flexible strapping systems could be used even though they may not 
adequately secure cargo when properly installed.
    Requirements for the securing of cargo can be found in 49 CFR 
176.76 and in Chapter 7.5 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods 
(IMDG) Code. Additional recommendations can be found in the IMDG Code 
Supplement. These are the Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport 
Units (CTUs), which were developed in 1996 by the United Nations 
Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Working Party on Combined 
Transport, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the 
International Maritime Organization (IMO). These Guidelines are based 
on the existing ILO/IMO Guidelines for Packing Cargo in Freight 
Containers or Vehicles and are applicable to transport operations by 
all surface and water modes of transportation and the whole 
international transportation chain.
    As required in 49 CFR 176.76, cargo, including hazardous materials, 
transported in vehicles and freight containers must be secured during 
transport to prevent shifting of the cargo and damage to the container. 
This requirement is true for all modes of surface transportation due to 
the fact that containers are transported by vessel, rail, and highway. 
Accordingly, the cargo must be adequately secured to withstand the 
unique forces exerted on the packages during each of these modes

[[Page 1071]]

of transport. Although there are recommended methods, the ultimate 
responsibility for properly securing cargo inside a container (by 
blocking, bracing, and strapping) resides with the packer of the 
container.
    U.S. regulations make reference to dunnage as a method for securing 
cargo and defines it in 49 CFR 176.2 as ``lumber of not less than 25 mm 
(0.98 inch) commercial thickness or equivalent material laid over or 
against structures such as tank tops, decks, bulkheads, frames, 
plating, or ladders, or used for filling voids or fitting around cargo, 
to prevent damage during transportation.'' However, there is no 
reference made to flexible strapping systems. The Department of 
Transportation (DOT) has issued exemptions to 49 CFR 176.76(a)(4), 
allowing the use of fabric restraint dunnage systems to secure certain 
hazardous materials, when installed as specified by the manufacturer's 
instructions.
    There are a variety of options for developing a standard. One 
option is to request that the UN ECE, ILO, and IMO consider 
incorporating flexible strapping systems into their Guidelines. Another 
option is to have the International Standards Organization (ISO) 
develop testing and performance requirements. The U.S. could also 
create domestic regulations for incorporation into 49 CFR part 176. The 
final option is to continue operations as they currently exist, 
allowing the packer to determine the best method of securing cargo 
without a standardized approval or certification process.
    The Coast Guard invites comments on the following topics:
     The need for a new approval process or certification 
standard for cargo securing systems.
     Information on currently used standards for the approval 
and use of cargo securing systems.
     Methods for ensuring or verifying that securing systems 
adequately secure cargo without damaging the container or cargo.
     Existing test methods for securing systems.
     Materials used for securing cargo within the container 
(e.g. wood, plastic, bags, web, wire, chain, etc.).
     Allowances for movement of cargo within the container when 
securing systems are used.
     Information on cargo securing systems that are currently 
being used to secure cargo in containers, both domestically and 
internationally.
    Written comments and responses to the above topics will be added to 
the docket number for this notice (USCG-2009-1079). The Coast Guard 
intends to review and analyze all comments received in order to develop 
a way forward for securing cargo in containers.
    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552.

    Dated: December 29, 2009.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2010-106 Filed 1-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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