Best way to secure this?

I'd have done straps every 2 myself. Edge protectors?

 

I hauled almost exactly the same loads from a structural steel manufacturer I worked for a few years ago.

Nothing wrong with the securement. We didn't use chains on painted steel, but did still use carpet under the straps to reduce damage from the straps. Plastic edge protectors worked as well, but I'd have to get them back, the carpet we didn't care about.

I would want an additional strap on the front of the third tier myself.

 

This is the correct answer. At least 2 straps on every other layer with corner protectors. Keep the straps as close so the dunnage as you can. Still have to put enough over the top for length. 4 straps to go through the middle and 5-6 more over the top depending on length. Straps over the top also as close to all the timbers as possible.

Also, for the front and back straps over the top layer put them outside the timbers. So first strap in front of the first timber and last strap behind the rear timbers. That way if they start to walk a little from bouncing the straps will trap the boards from sliding out the ends of the stack.

 

Best way to secure it imo. Most practical? Perhaps not

 

All the above advice. Go prepared with at least 18, if not 24 securements and edge protection. And drive carefully.

 

Edge protection is a must. The edges don't seem sharp but it will either eat the strap or rub some paint off. I had a bunch of really thin old flappy rubber mud flaps that protected both the product and the strap. Plus the rubber provides a little more friction than a plastic corner protector. I also used carpet when I ran out of mud flap, like others have mentioned carpet is cheap and can be disposable.

 

Does that look like a photoshopped roll of duct tape to anyone? Ok I found out my eyes are not bad. But even as a prop. To my eye those look like under 600 lb working limit straps? They need to be 1st thru center, forward on either side. 2nd same toward rear. No idea weight of prop. But straps are cheap, reusable as no sharp edges? My concern it tipping on corner. I might wrap center/top to either side just to stabilize.
+35 years back I sold some cornstalk bales. 4’ wide 6’ tall well over 1000 lbs. guy shows up with Dodge rampage type car with 5’ bed? I forget what it was. Think lighter, smaller, car frame El Camino with 4 cylinder. Likely 600 lb max payload. He wanted a bale. Just set in loose. “The tailgate, sides will hold it”. He was going to get a truckload if his cattle liked it. Against my common sense I put it in. But gifted him a 600 lb used strap to hold it to front against cab as best I could. *I could see it roll back, front tires in air/wreck with his 10 yr old in the car. *it’s not even 25% a pickup*.
Today I would refuse. I buy HF orange ratchet straps when on sale under $7 for 4. They are literally, junky, cut easy… but under $2 each I give them away. I see loads at lumberyard. A twine? I give them one. Imo you own a pickup, any trailer. Those are minimum you need. $5 gets you ones decent for pickup bed constant use.
$10 gets you 2”x27’ working limit 3333 lbs.

 

In this case if you look close at the flatbed the whole meme is a direct insult to a certain maintaince group. Guy who made it went out of his way to do so lol.