Load Securement Basics Every Trucker Should Know

Improperly secured loads cause accidents, damage cargo, and result in expensive violations. Federal regulations set minimum standards, but good practice often exceeds them.

The Basic Rule

Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling during transport. It must withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration forward (hard braking)
• 0.5g acceleration rearward
• 0.5g lateral (side-to-side)

In plain terms: your securement must hold the load if you brake hard, accelerate, or turn sharply.

Working Load Limit (WLL)

Every tiedown has a Working Load Limit—the maximum force it can handle safely. Your total securement must equal at least half the cargo weight.

Example: 20,000 lb cargo needs at least 10,000 lb aggregate WLL of tiedowns.

Check straps and chains for WLL markings. Damaged tiedowns have reduced capacity.

Minimum Number of Tiedowns

• Cargo 5 feet or less: minimum 1 tiedown
• Cargo over 5 feet but ≤10 feet: minimum 2 tiedowns
• Cargo over 10 feet: 2 tiedowns plus 1 for each additional 10 feet

These are minimums. Always use more if the cargo is heavy, unstable, or oddly shaped.

Types of Tiedowns

Straps

Webbing straps with ratchets or cam buckles. Common for general freight. Inspect for cuts, fraying, and UV damage. Replace damaged straps.

Chains

Used for heavy machinery, vehicles, and metal cargo. Grade 70 (transport chain) is standard. Inspect for stretched links, cracks, and wear.

Cables

Wire rope with hooks. Used for heavy loads. Inspect for broken wires, kinks, and corrosion.

Blocking and Bracing

Tiedowns work with blocking and bracing to prevent movement:

• Blocking: Prevents forward, backward, or lateral movement (wood, metal, or cargo itself)
• Bracing: Prevents cargo from tipping (bars, jacks, or other cargo)

Use the trailer walls, bulkhead, and other cargo strategically.

Friction Matters

Higher friction between cargo and trailer floor means less force on tiedowns. Rubber mats increase friction. Smooth pallets on smooth floors have low friction—secure accordingly.

Check Your Load

Regulations require checking securement:

• Within first 50 miles
• Every 3 hours or 150 miles thereafter
• At each duty status change

Straps loosen, cargo shifts. Check and re-tension regularly.

Common Violations

• Insufficient number of tiedowns
• Damaged straps or chains
• Inadequate aggregate WLL
• No edge protection on straps over sharp edges
• Loose or shifting cargo

Specific Cargo Requirements

Some cargo has specific rules:

• Logs and lumber
• Metal coils
• Paper rolls
• Concrete pipe
• Intermodal containers
• Automobiles
• Heavy equipment

Know the rules for what you haul. FMCSA's Cargo Securement Rules (Part 393) has the details.

Summary

Proper load securement is non-negotiable. It protects you, other drivers, and the cargo. Know the WLL of your equipment, use enough tiedowns, combine with blocking/bracing, and check frequently.

If in doubt, add more securement. No one ever got a ticket for cargo that was too secure.