TRAILER CHOCKS

Each boat requires two wheel chocks and one tongue chock. These must be constructed prior to loading day.

Materials required:

• Twelve – Duplex nails (4 per chock)
• Two – 3/8” X 2” lag bolts & washer for trailer tongue chain
• Eight - #12 X 2” screws
• ¾” plywood pre-cut as described below

Tip: Duplex nails make for easy removal. CN policy is that duplex nails must be used to secure loads to the floor – not screws.

Tools required:

• Heavy hammer
• Drill index with sharp drill bits
• Small socket wrench and 9/16” socket to fit 3/8” lag bolts for trailer chocks
• Crowbar for removing nailed chocks.

Tip: Consider making U-shaped wheel chocks for added security.

SECURING THE BOAT & TRAILERS INSIDE THE CONTAINER

Tip: The boats can shift in the container if not secured properly. You cannot overtighten the securing straps. Make them as tight as you can!

1. Using a tilting flat deck tow truck roll the boats one at a time into container stern end first. Load all boats and position them before blocking and securing the trailers. They will have to be skewed at about 15 degrees such that the tongue of one trailer overlaps the stern of the next boat. Position each boat so that there is a minimum of 12” clearance to the walls of the container.
2. Once positioned, lower the trailer third wheel to the container floor. Place the tongue chock under the trailer tongue and nail with duplex nails to the floor of the container (see photo).
3. Stretch each safety chain tight and drill a pilot hole into the tongue chock. Use a 9/16” socket wrench to fasten the chains to the tongue chock NOT into the container floor, using a 3/8” X 2” lag bolt and large washer.
4. Chock each trailer tire with one wheel chock. Place one forward of the wheel and one behind the other wheel – otherwise the trailer will be able to move. Nail each chock to the floor using duplex nails.
5. Secure each trailer to the sides of the container using four ratchet type tie down straps crosswise from the trailer frame across to the side of the container. Watch for abrasive edges on the trailer that may rub on the strap. Ratchet the straps as tight as you can.
6. Run one strap around the boat and the trailer amidships to the floor of the container padeyes. Tip: Place padding under the lines to prevent damage to gunwales.

OTHER ITEMS

1. Any other items that cannot be stored in the boat should be placed in a plastic tote box and secured to the side of the container or to the side of the boat trailer.
2. Anything not properly secured can damage the sides of the container and/or your boat(s).

AND FINALLY...

1. Close the trailer doors.
2. The driver will put an orange seal with a unique number on the door. Tape a picture of this number.

Tip: Padlocks are not recommended by CN as they actually attract the attention of would-be thieves to the container. KEEP A RECORD OF THE SERIAL NUMBER OF THE CONTAINER.

Tip: WHEN THE CONTAINER IS UNLOADED PLEASE SWEEP IT OUT AND REMOVE ANY GARBAGE. ENSURE ALL NAILS ARE REMOVED.