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Tarped & secured loads

Freight that arrives the way it left. Securement and weather protection planned for the cargo, not guessed.

The rules behind the straps

Cargo securement for commercial vehicles is governed by FMCSA rules (49 CFR Part 393). Two principles drive most of it: total tie-down strength must be at least half the cargo weight, and cargo must be prevented from shifting, tipping or falling off.

Tie-down count depends on cargo length. As a baseline, one tie-down per 10 ft of cargo, with a minimum of two for pieces 5 ft or longer. Heavy or irregular loads need more, and specific commodities (metal coils, logs, machinery) have their own rules.

Our approach

Check weight, centre of gravity and load shape before pickup
Chains for heavy steel and machinery, straps for lighter freight
Edge protection so straps and cargo are not cut
Tarps where weather or road debris could damage cargo
Re-check after the first miles and at each stop

Which tie-down for which load

Cargo	Typical securement	Tarp?
Palletized building materials	Ratchet straps, corner protectors	Usually yes
Structural steel, pipe, rebar	Chains and binders, dunnage	Often no; lumber-style tarp for coated steel
Machinery and equipment	Chains at rated points, blocking	Case by case
Lumber and sheet goods	Straps, tarp for moisture	Yes

Shipper checklist

Tell us the real weight, not the estimate
Mark lift and tie-down points on equipment
Have forklift or crane capacity ready at pickup
Flag anything moisture-sensitive so we tarp it

Load ready? Let’s roll.

Send pickup, delivery, weight and dimensions. Dispatch confirms equipment and next steps.

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