🛠️ Load Securement Overview: Flatbed, Van, Drop Deck, and Equipment Hauling

No matter what kind of trailer you haul—flatbed, van, drop deck, or specialized equipment—proper load securement isn’t optional. It’s critical for safety, legality, and the integrity of the cargo. While laws and company policies can vary, understanding the core securement methods and tools is essential across the board.

📦 The Basics of Load Securement

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires all cargo to be secured to prevent shifting or falling during transport. Whether you’re driving interstate or staying local, poor securement can lead to fines, failed inspections, or worse—accidents.

🚛 Flatbed Hauling

Flatbeds are the most demanding when it comes to securement, as cargo is fully exposed.

Common securement tools:

Chains and binders – for heavy equipment, steel, or pipe loads

Ratchet straps – for pallets, lumber, and lighter cargo

Corner protectors – to prevent strap damage and protect cargo

Tarps – not for securement, but often used to protect cargo from weather

Dunnage – wood or rubber to keep items elevated and stabilized

Flatbed drivers must often follow the “1 strap for every 10 feet of load” rule—plus additional for weight and shape.

🚚 Van Trailers (Dry Vans)

Securement inside a van trailer is more about preventing internal shifting, especially during stops and turns.

Common securement tools:

Load bars/freight bars – pressure-mounted across trailer width

E-track or logistic track – wall- or floor-mounted to anchor straps and bars

Straps and ratchets – used for pallets or unboxed cargo

Blocking and bracing – wood planks or boards nailed into trailer floor (less common today)

Though enclosed, vans aren’t immune to cargo movement, especially with partial or multi-stop loads.

🚛 Drop Deck / Step Deck Trailers

Drop decks haul oversized or tall equipment that won’t fit on standard flatbeds. Securement follows flatbed rules but often with more chain work.

Typical gear:

Heavy-duty chains

Ratchet or lever binders

Straps (for lighter items)

Edge guards and flagging (for wide or long loads)

Wheel chocks or blocks for mobile equipment

🏗️ Equipment Hauling

From skid steers to excavators, equipment hauling requires a higher level of care.

What’s usually required:

Four-point tie-downs – one at each corner of the equipment

Chains and binders – minimum of two rated chains for items over 10,000 lbs.

Track or tire securement – to prevent rolling or sliding

Blocking and chocking – especially for wheeled machinery

Always double-check manufacturer and DOT guidance for heavy machinery securement—it’s often scrutinized at roadside inspections.

🧰 General Securement Equipment You Should Know

Tool Best For
Ratchet Straps Light to medium-duty loads
Chains/Binders Heavy, steel, machinery
E-Track System Interior of dry vans
Load Bars/Decking Beams Palletized freight in vans
Corner Protectors Protecting straps and edges
Friction Mats Extra grip on flatbed loads
Wood Dunnage Elevating or blocking cargo
Chocks/Blocks Rolling equipment or barrels

Load Securement: Inspection Tips & Understanding Tie-Down Ratings

Proper securement starts before the load hits the road—and that means checking your equipment and knowing its limits.

Inspection Tips:

• Check Every Tie-Down Before Use: Look for signs of wear such as fraying, cuts, mold, UV damage, kinks, rusted components, or broken stitching. A single weak strap can cost you the entire load—or worse, someone’s safety.

• Look at Anchoring Points: Inspect winches, hooks, e-track rails, d-rings, rub rails, and trailer attachment points for any signs of stress cracks, corrosion, or bent metal.

• Keep Securement Equipment Clean and Dry: Store straps and chains out of the sun when possible, and don’t toss wet straps into a sealed bin where mold can grow.

• Check After the First 50 Miles: DOT recommends rechecking all securements after the first 50 miles, then periodically (every 150 miles or every 3 hours) afterward.

Tie-Down Ratings (Working Load Limits – WLL):

• Know Your WLL: Every strap, chain, or bar has a rated working load limit (WLL), typically stamped or tagged on the device. This is the max weight that device can secure under normal conditions.

• WLL is Not the Breaking Strength: Always base securement on WLL, not the “breaking strength” you might see on packaging or marketing.

• Total Securement Must Equal Half the Load Weight: FMCSA rules require that tie-downs must collectively equal at least 50% of the weight of the load for most cargo types. Some loads may require more securement, depending on shape, stacking, or potential to roll/shift.

• Number of Tie-Downs Matters: A general rule: 1 tie-down per 10 feet of cargo length, with a minimum of 2 tie-downs for anything over 5 feet or over 1,100 lbs—even if the load is short.

• Angle Affects Strength: The closer to 90° a strap or chain is to the load surface, the more direct vertical hold it provides. Shallow angles (closer to the horizontal) reduce effective WLL and increase the chance of shifting.

 

🚨 Final Thought: Know the Rules

Each state may enforce DOT securement rules slightly differently, and your carrier’s policies may be even stricter. When in doubt, follow:

FMCSA securement tables and rules

Manufacturer recommendations

Carrier guidelines

Failing to secure your load properly isn’t just a ticket—it’s a risk to your life and the lives of others.