Securing Freight, Flatbed Style

Most freight that goes on a flat has to be substantial enough to handle the tension of the straps or chains. And that can and needs to be a lot most times. Some times fragile freight will be packaged in such a way as to provide tie downs that does not damage the freight. Or the shipper will tell you that there are specific places that you can tie it down with out damaging the cargo.
When in doubt ask the shipper. I've been flat bedding for over 4 yrs and often ask the shipper the best way to tie some thing down if I don't know. After all its their product and they've been moving it longer than I have. It shows them that you care about their stuff.
I like the challenge of cargo securement.

 

Not all freight is flatbed suitable, so to speak, like bags of vermiculite. Those are too soft, big, and billowy. Not to mention you would be stopping every 3 miles or so to tighten the straps up from the product settling, more so with a spring ride truck. And after 5 or so times doing this, you've pretty much cut the bags in half. Anything that settles is really better in a van. Spring suspensions cause the freight to take more of a beating, accelerating this process.

Which type of securement to use is about strength. For example, you wouldn't use chains to secure asphalt shingles or drywall. Straps are sufficient.

Technically, you must have no less than 2 tiedowns holding each piece of freight, and you can't have more than 10' between them. Like for a bundle of pipe 15-20' long, you need at least 3 straps.

 

Lightweight foam blocks are the worst. You can't pull too hard on the straps and you gotta tarp it to keep from the wind beating it up. PITA ! Bundles of re-bar are sweet, about 40' long.