MV-79 Form: Safe Securement Manual for Metal Coils and Cargo (PDF)

MV-79 Form – If you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in New York and haul metal coils weighing 5,000 pounds or more—individually or bundled—you need the MV-79 form. This official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) publication is the Driver’s Manual for the Safe Securement of Metal Coils and Other Cargo. Revised in December 2024 (MV-79 12/24), it serves as the required study guide for the Metal Coil (“M”) endorsement on your CDL and provides the authoritative rules for compliant, safe cargo securement.

Download the free MV-79 PDF directly from the official NY DMV website:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv79.pdf

Cargo that shifts, falls, or becomes dislodged causes thousands of crashes every year. The MV-79 manual translates federal regulations (49 CFR Part 393.100–393.136) into practical, New York-specific guidance that every CMV driver must follow. New York adopts these rules under Vehicle & Traffic Law §§ 377–378 and related commissioner regulations.

Key reasons drivers and carriers rely on this manual:

  • Prevents shifting, tipping, rolling, or falling of cargo.
  • Meets performance criteria: cargo must withstand 80% of weight forward, 50% rearward, 50% lateral, and 50% downward.
  • Required for the “M” Metal Coil endorsement — mandatory for any New York CDL holder (Class A, B, or C) transporting 5,000+ lbs of metal coils inside the state.
  • Helps avoid out-of-service orders, fines, and liability.

Out-of-state CDL holders do not need the “M” endorsement when merely passing through New York.

Who Needs the Metal Coil (“M”) Endorsement?

You must have the “M” endorsement if:

  • You drive a CMV as defined in NY Vehicle & Traffic Law §501-a(4).
  • You transport metal coils (or bundled coils) weighing 5,000 pounds or more.
  • A metal coil includes any bulk-packaged metal product formed as a roll, coil, spool, wind, or wrap.

To add the endorsement:

  1. Hold a valid New York Class A, B, or C CDL.
  2. Study the MV-79 manual + Working Load Limit Table (MV-79C).
  3. Pass a 20-question written knowledge test (16 correct answers required).
  4. Pay the $5 fee at a DMV office. No road test is required.

The test questions come directly from the MV-79 manual.

Overview of the MV-79 Manual Structure

The 47-page manual is organized for easy study and quick reference:

  • Introduction — Purpose, definitions, and endorsement requirements.
  • Section 1 — Fundamentals of Cargo Securement (performance criteria, knowledge test).
  • Section 2 — General Provisions (tiedowns, WLL, aggregate calculations, inspections).
  • Section 3 — Metal Coils (specific rules by orientation, the heart of the manual).
  • Definitions — Glossary of 20+ technical terms.
  • Driver License Class Descriptions — Quick reference for CDL classes and endorsements.

General Cargo Securement Rules (Applies to All Cargo)

Before diving into metal coils, the manual covers universal requirements:

  • Cargo must be fully contained, blocked, braced, or tied down so it cannot shift.
  • Use direct tiedowns (resist movement) and indirect tiedowns (increase friction).
  • Working Load Limit (WLL): Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated strength. The manual includes the official WLL table for chain, wire rope, webbing, strapping, and synthetic rope.
  • Aggregate WLL must equal at least 50% of the cargo weight (more in some cases).
  • Edge protectors required to prevent cutting.
  • Inspect securement within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, and after any duty-status change.

Specific Securement Rules for Metal Coils (49 CFR 393.120)

Metal coil rules take precedence over general rules when coils weigh 5,000+ lbs. The goal: prevent sliding, tipping, or rolling in any direction. Coils must be supported off the deck if necessary (using cradles, timbers held by bunks, or friction mats). X-pattern tiedowns through the eye are prohibited.

1. Eyes Vertical (Most Common on Pallets)

  • Use at least one indirect tiedown diagonally across the eye (both directions).
  • One side-to-side tiedown over the eye.
  • Blocking/bracing or direct tiedowns to stop forward/rearward movement.
  • For rows: one direct tiedown at front and rear (angle ≤45°), plus indirect tiedowns over each coil or row.

2. Eyes Crosswise

  • Support coil above deck with cradle or timbers.
  • One direct tiedown through the eye forward (≤45°) and one rearward (≤45°).
  • Prevent cradle sliding with friction mats, nailed blocking, or an extra direct tiedown.

3. Eyes Lengthwise (Individual Coils)

Three approved options, each requiring support above the deck:

  • Option 1 or 2: Direct tiedowns through eye (diagonal or straight) + indirect side-to-side over top.
  • Option 3: Indirect transverse tiedowns over front and rear.

4. Rows of Coils (Eyes Lengthwise, 3+ Coils)

  • Support above deck + at least two indirect tiedowns over each coil or row.
  • Blocking/friction mats for forward prevention.

Vehicles Without Anchor Points (Sided Trailers or Intermodal Containers)

Use friction mats, blocking/bracing, or tiedowns around the coil itself to create an anchor point.

Pro Tip from MV-79: Friction mats are strongly recommended under oily or wet coils/pallets to boost friction dramatically.

Working Load Limits, Inspections & Best Practices

The manual dedicates pages to the official WLL table and clear calculation examples. Aggregate WLL formulas are explained with diagrams showing 50% vs. 100% credit depending on tiedown configuration.

Drivers must carry extra tiedowns and inspect:

  • First 50 miles
  • Every 3 hours / 150 miles
  • After any change in duty status

Failure to comply can result in citations, vehicle out-of-service orders, and increased crash risk.

How to Use the MV-79 PDF Effectively?

  1. Download the latest version (12/24) from the official link above.
  2. Study Section 3 thoroughly — this is the test focus.
  3. Practice WLL calculations using the included table.
  4. Review diagrams that illustrate forces, tiedown angles, and failure modes.
  5. Keep a printed or digital copy in your truck for reference.

The MV-79 is built on FMCSA regulations. For the full federal text, visit:

  • FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules: fmcsa.dot.gov
  • 49 CFR §393.120 (Metal Coils)

Note: A limited FMCSA exemption for single-strap securement was granted to one specific carrier in 2025; standard rules in the MV-79 and 49 CFR still apply to everyone else.

Download MV-79 PDF & Start Studying Today

Direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv79.pdf (Official NY DMV – always current)

Whether you’re preparing for the “M” endorsement test, training new drivers, or ensuring daily compliance, the MV-79 manual is the single most trusted, up-to-date resource for safe metal coil securement in New York.

Safe driving starts with proper securement. Download the MV-79 PDF now, master the rules, and keep your cargo — and everyone on the road — safe.

Keywords: MV-79 form, MV-79 PDF, metal coil securement manual, NY DMV metal coil endorsement, CDL M endorsement New York, safe securement metal coils, cargo securement rules NY, 49 CFR 393.120, working load limit table, metal coil CDL test.

Leave a Comment