PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-724

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 724

MARCH 2013
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-724 - Page 3 of 33
2
PS 724
MAR 13
Dear Editor,
In Jan 98, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
(SDDC) Transportation Engineering Agency (TEA) issued MIL-STD-209J,
Interface Standard for Lifting and Tiedown Provisions,
an update to
MIL-STD-209H.
The new information stated that removable provisions (shackles) were no
longer allowed for vehicle tiedowns on new vehicles. However, if shackles are
used on older vehicles, the nut has to be tack-welded in place to prevent the
shackles from being easily removed from the vehicle.
When it’s time to transport the vehicles, they can’t be safely tied down
if the approved and tested shackles are missing! Proper use of vehicle
tiedown provisions is critical when securing vehicles for rail, highway, or
sea transport. Otherwise, the vehicle may come loose on a railcar, truck or
trailer, or ship.
Eventually, in Feb 05, we released MIL-STD-209K and again tried to
encourage the move away from shackles. SDDC spends well over $100,000
a year worldwide on replacement shackles. I asked one CONUS port how
much they spend on shackles each year. Here’s their reply:
2008 - $21,206.96
2009 - $22,887.00
2010 - $23,236.20
2011 - $26,000.00
2012 (first 2 months) - $26,664.00
And this is just from one port. You can imagine the total expense world-
wide paid by SDDC to buy replacement shackles that are supposed to be
B
II
for the vehicles! And imagine the delay in moving vehicles if the right
shackles aren’t at the port!
Unfortunately, when a shackle is missing, the wrong shackle is sometimes
selected to replace it. Just because a shackle looks like it fits doesn’t mean
it’s strong enough to do the job. The wrong shackle could fail.
Plus, sometimes vehicles are tied down without shackles when they should
be. It’s
wrong
to insert the tiedown hook into the shackle bolt hole. The
resulting stress on the tip of the tiedown hook can break it off. Then the
vehicles could move on the deck of a ship. That shouldn’t happen!
Don’t insert
tiedown hook
into shackle
bolt hole!
The hook
could break!
Tiedown Provisions!
Know Your
Tactical Vehicles…
Tiedown Provisions!
Know Your
Once you get
me loaded,
make sure you
tie me down
right!
NO
YES
724 02-03.indd
1-2
1/29/13
2:53 PM
Click here for a copy of this article to save or email.
Back to Top
Back to Top