When it comes to cargo, safety and compliance come first. Follow these practical cargo securement tips to protect your load and stay inspection-ready:
Quick Cargo Securement Tips for Truckers:
- Verify Working Load Limits (WLL): Ensure the combined WLL of your straps meets or exceeds your cargo weight.
- Inspect every strap: Remove any strap that is frayed, cut, or missing tags.
- Use edge protection: Corner guards and edge protectors reduce wear and prevent cargo damage.
- Add extra securement when needed: A small extra strap can prevent fines and protect your cargo.
- Document inspections: Keep a record of strap condition and WLL ratings.
For a deeper dive into cargo safety, check out our related blog: What You Need to Know for Safe Cargo Securement.
Securing your cargo properly is essential for safety, compliance, and protecting your load. At Verduyn Tarps, we provide high-quality cargo securement solutions and guidance to help truckers stay compliant, confident, and prepared for every run.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the rules and standards that govern cargo straps in the U.S., including DOT (FMCSA) regulations, CHP guidance, and industry standards from WSTDA and NACSS
DOT / FMCSA — Federal Cargo Securement Rules
The Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), sets the national standards for cargo securement under 49 CFR Part 393. Key requirements include:
- Working Load Limits (WLL): Every strap, chain, or binder must have a rated WLL. Combined WLL must meet or exceed the required percentage of cargo weight.
Practical Examples Using the 50% AWLL Rule:
Example 1 – 8 Straps (Standard Configuration):
If you are using 8 tie-down straps rated at 5,000 lbs WLL each, and each strap is attached in the standard configuration:
- Calculate the securing force per strap: 50% of each strap’s WLL = 2,500 lbs.
- Aggregate WLL: 8 straps × 2,500 lbs = 20,000 lbs.
- Maximum cargo weight: Aggregate WLL must be at least 50% of cargo weight → 20,000 ÷ 0.5 = 40,000 lbs.
✅ Maximum cargo weight = 40,000 lbs.
Example 2 – 6 Straps (Heavier Load):
Using 6 straps rated at 6,000 lbs WLL each:
- Securing force per strap: 50% of 6,000 = 3,000 lbs.
- Aggregate WLL: 6 × 3,000 = 18,000 lbs.
- Maximum cargo weight: 18,000 ÷ 0.5 = 36,000 lbs.
✅ Maximum cargo weight = 36,000 lbs.
Example 3 – 10 Straps (Larger Trailer Load):
Using 10 straps rated at 4,500 lbs WLL each:
- Securing force per strap: 50% of 4,500 = 2,250 lbs.
- Aggregate WLL: 10 × 2,250 = 22,500 lbs.
- Maximum cargo weight: 22,500 ÷ 0.5 = 45,000 lbs.
✅ Maximum cargo weight = 45,000 lbs.
- Number of Straps: Use at least one tiedown per 10 feet of cargo length, with a minimum of two for most loads.
- Strap Condition: Straps must not be knotted, cut, or frayed, and labels must remain readable.
Tip: Inspect your straps before every trip. Missing or damaged tags can lead to citations and unsafe loads. All Verduyn Tarps branded straps (like our 4” x 30’ Heavy Duty Winch Strap with Flat Hook) have reinforced, sewn-in tags to protect against tears and meet DOT, CHP, WSTDA, and NACSS standards.
NACSS — Performance-Based Cargo Securement
The North American Cargo Securement Standard (NACSS) sets performance-based criteria to ensure cargo can withstand:
- Forward and rearward forces
- Side-to-side forces
- Sudden stops and emergency maneuvers
Following NACSS helps secure your load under normal and unexpected driving conditions.
WSTDA — Industry Standards for Straps
The Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA) provides the technical specifications for high-quality cargo straps:
- Webbing material and stitching requirements
- Hardware standards (hooks, ratchets, end fittings)
- Testing procedures for Working Load Limits (WLL)
At Verduyn Tarps, we carry WSTDA-compliant straps and tie-downs, giving you confidence that every load meets recognized industry standards. Check out our 3″ x 30′ Ratchet Assembly with Flat Hook (VTI) for a reliable, DOT- and WSTDA-approved option.
CHP — California-Specific Guidance
Truckers operating in California may face additional scrutiny from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). CHP guidelines can include:
- Extra tiedowns for unitized loads
- Specific securement for agricultural bins and equipment
- Close inspection of strap condition and labeling
Even when loads meet federal DOT standards, following CHP guidance ensures full compliance in California.
Practical Cargo Securement Tips
- Verify WLL: Ensure the combined Working Load Limits of your straps meet or exceed your cargo weight.
- Inspect every strap: Remove any strap that is frayed, cut, or missing tags.
- Use edge protection: Corner guards and edge protectors reduce wear and prevent cargo damage.
- Add extra securement when needed: A small extra strap can prevent fines and protect your cargo.
- Document inspections: Keep a record of strap condition and WLL ratings.
Verduyn Tarps — Your Cargo Securement Partner
Rules may change, but safe cargo securement principles remain the same: use the right gear, secure it correctly, and inspect it regularly.
At Verduyn Tarps, we offer:
- WSTDA-approved cargo straps and ratchets
- Chains, binders, and corner protectors
- Complete cargo securement solutions for all types of loads
Whether you’re hauling locally or across state lines, Verduyn Tarps equips you with the right tools and guidance to stay DOT-compliant and inspection-ready.
Explore our cargo securement solutions today!
