TM 55-2200-001-12
Change 3
Section No. 1-General Rules (Rev.-9-1983)
Rule 5. Location of Load - All Cars.
(a)
The weight of load on one truck must not exceed one-half of the load weight limit stenciled on car. In case of
doubt, this must be verified by weighing.
(b)
The load must be located so that the weight along both sides of car is equal for the entire length of the load.
When the load is of such character that it cannot be placed so as to obtain equal distribution of weight, crosswise of car,
suitable ballast must be used to equalize the weight.
(c)
Gondola cars-Loads not covered by individual figures and where the vacant space across car between the piles
and between the load and car sides exceeds a total of 18 Inches, must be secured so as to prevent moving or tipping
towards sides of car.
(d)
All cars-Regardless of the vacant space across car, the load must be secured so as to prevent it falling off car.
(e)
Large and heavy material such as ingots, slabs, billets, molds, castings, machines, etc., not covered by
individual figures, must be loaded with the largest dimension on floor to prevent tipping. Such lading should not be
loaded above the top of the gondola sides if there is available space within the car to contain the entire load below the
top of the car sides. When load extends above the top of car sides, side stakes and/or rods must be used as
securement. When weight of load exceeds 25 tons and total vacant space across the car exceeds 8 inches, the load
must be secured to prevent moving or tipping toward sides of car.
(f)
Machines and other items, having high center of gravity or narrow base, must be secured to prevent them from
tipping over in transit.
(g)
Single trailer must be secured to the hitch at the end of car to ensure that the trailer wheels will be located near
the center of the car. See Figure 104, Section No. 4.
(h)
Container cars suitable for multiple units must have containers placed on car as shown in Figure 105, Section
No. 4.
Rule 6. Weight of Load (Rule 4) on Bearing Pieces, 2 or More Cars, With or Without Sliding Pieces.
(a)
Weight carried on one bearing piece of car should not exceed the percentage of stenciled load weight limit, as
shown in column 8 of tables Nos. 80 to 72, inclusive, of Rule 18, depending on the class of car as shown in the tables.
Rule 7. Overdimenslonal Loads.
(a)
The height, width and length of a load on one car for unrestricted movement must be within the outline diagram
published in "Railway Line Clearances". Rules 16 and 18 must govern loads requiring the use of more than one car. For
loads on one car exceeding dimensions shown in Rules 16 and 18, shipper and originating carrier must verify clearances
over the entire route prior to movement. This rule does not authorize shippers to exceed the height, width and length
dimensions, when shown in specific figures.
(b)
Lading equipped with doors or other appurtenances, including machinery with adjustable treads or wheels, liable
to become loose and extend Into line of clearances, must be adequately secured.
(c)
Cylindrical objects subject to rotating and having protruding appurtenances which may become involved in
clearances, must be properly secured.
Rule 8. Idler Cars.
To be used as follows:
(a)
When load projects beyond end sill of carrying car, or cars, or when necessary to space two carrying cars, used
for handling long load.
(b)
Sufficient clearance must be provided, when loading, to maintain 4 inch clearance below overhanging portion of
load and any part of idler car which load may contact.
(c)
Space on idler cars may be utilized for loading, provided. the ends of such materials are located not less than
2 ft. from ends of overhanging portions for cars equipped with conventional draft gears, and not less than 6 ft. from the
ends of overhanging portions for cars, when either one or all, are equipped with sliding or end-of-car cushioning devices.
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