How To Tie Down Your Load

If you're moving things by trailer or truck, especially valuables

, it's very important that they be secured safely. Many drivers don't use enough straps or just don't use them the right way. When it comes to ratchet tie down straps and truck tie downs, you can't cut any corners, because damage can be irreparable. So here are some tips that will help you truck your cargo safely, wherever it needs to go.

1. The first rule of cargo securement is to know the characteristics of your cargo. This really refers to the weight and the value of the object at hand. After you know these criteria, it is just as important to know the capacity of your truck tie downs. The sum of the working load ratings should equal one half of the cargo's weight. Although figuring this out for each item may seem like a lot of work, it will save you time when you are on the road, re-strapping or during inspections, and finally when you arrive at your destination.

2. No matter how heavy your cargo is that doesn't mean that it will stay in place; it only means that it takes more energy to get it moving, and once it does, watch out. Make sure to use enough truck tie downs for your load securement. Inspect them at the beginning of your journey and intermittently during to make sure that they are properly tied and that there is no room for movement or slippage. Ideally this should be about every three hours, or every 150 miles.

3. Watch how your load binders are in place. If there are any sharp corners that could cut or weaken your load securement, it might be best to re-strap your cargo in another way. To avoid damage of your shipment, look for securement points, especially on equipment. Improper cargo securement can damage your load and put your own life in danger if there is, for example, a chain running against a hydraulic hose causing the loss of oil.

4. There is a rule that requires truck tie downs for every 10 feet of flat cargo loaded in your trailer, and every 8 feet for flat metal cargoes.

5. Truck tie downs angles are also important to proper load securement. The best angle is 45 degrees because it clamps the load to the truck and prevents it from sliding around whereas a flat chain only does the latter.

6. Even distribution of your load is also important because too much weight on the front can affect steering while too much on the back can affect braking.

7. Some shippers have their own requirements for their cargo. Follow them - you don't want to pay the price later.

Remember, it's not just the cargo that you're responsible for, it's your life and the lives of others. If your load securement is not properly managed it could cause weight shifts that result in life or death accidents or multi-million dollar lawsuits. But following these guidelines will help you secure whatever load you are shipping safely and properly.

by: Mark Etinger

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