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Load Securement Guidelines for Flatbed and Stepdeck Operators

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  • GLI Dispatch Services
  • July 30, 2025

Load Securement Guidelines for Flatbed and Stepdeck Operators

Proper load securement is the cornerstone of safety and compliance in the flatbed and stepdeck trucking industry. Unlike enclosed trailers, open-deck trailers expose cargo to environmental forces and road hazards. Every driver, fleet manager, and logistics coordinator must treat securement not as a formality but as a critical component of freight operations.

This guide presents a comprehensive overview of load securement strategies tailored specifically for flatbed and stepdeck operators. It covers federal regulations, practical techniques, equipment requirements, and best practices to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Why Load Securement Matters

Every load on a flatbed or stepdeck represents a potential hazard if improperly secured. Shifting cargo can lead to rollovers, highway blockages, lost freight, injury, and even fatal accidents. Beyond safety, failure to properly secure freight can lead to costly violations, DOT penalties, damaged reputations, and financial liability.

Unlike box trailers, where freight is confined within walls, flatbed operators must rely solely on securement systems to prevent movement. That makes proper technique and equipment selection absolutely essential for every haul.

Understanding Flatbed and Stepdeck Trailers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict standards for how cargo must be secured on commercial vehicles. Key regulations require that all loads must withstand the following forces during transit:

  • 0.8g forward (braking)
  • 0.5g laterally (turning)
  • 0.5g rearward (acceleration)

To meet these forces, securement systems must be:

  • Strong enough: Rated with appropriate working load limits (WLL)
  • Properly applied: With tie-downs and anchor points aligned to the type and dimensions of the cargo
  • Inspected and maintained: To prevent failure due to wear or environmental damage

Violations can result in out-of-service orders, citations, and elevated CSA scores.

Key Securement Equipment and Tools

Effective load securement relies on a combination of tools, materials, and safety accessories. Here are the essentials:

1. Tie-Downs

  • Chains (typically Grade 70 or 80) are used for heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Ratchet straps made of polyester webbing are ideal for palletized or bundled cargo.
  • Winch straps are fixed to trailer sides and offer mechanical tensioning.
2. Edge Protectors
 

Sharp edges on cargo can cut straps or deform chains. Plastic, rubber, or metal edge guards distribute pressure evenly and preserve tie-down life.

3. Dunnage

Wood blocks, rubber mats, or friction-enhancing materials placed under cargo to:

  • Increase grip
  • Prevent rolling
  • Facilitate lifting or strap placement
4. Chocks and Cradles
 

Used for wheeled equipment, pipe, or coils to prevent movement or rolling during transit.

5. Anchor Points

D-rings, rub rails, stake pockets, or installed winches must have a WLL compatible with the tie-downs being used. Avoid makeshift or compromised points.

Minimum Tie-Down Requirements

FMCSA provides clear guidelines for the number of tie-downs required:

  • One tie-down if the load is ≤5 feet long and weighs ≤1,100 lbs
  • Two tie-downs if the load is >5 feet or weighs >1,100 lbs
  • For loads >10 feet, one tie-down every additional 10 feet (or fraction thereof)

In all cases, tie-downs must prevent forward, rearward, and lateral movement.

Cargo-Specific Securement Techniques

Each type of load presents unique challenges. Here’s how to secure common freight categories effectively:

1. Heavy Equipment (e.g., Excavators, Loaders)

  • Use at least four chains, one on each corner of the frame
  • Apply chains at opposing 45-degree angles
  • Use wheeled chocks and lower all moveable parts
2. Steel Coils

  • Use coil bunks and cradles
  • Secure with chains in an “X” configuration for eye-forward loads
  • For eye-sideways coils, secure using blocking and belly wraps
3. Lumber and Building Materials

  • Bundled lumber must be tightly stacked and covered if weather-sensitive
  • Use friction mats and edge protectors under each strap
  • Straps should run over every bundle layer
4. Machinery Parts or Containers

  • Use a combination of chains and straps
  • Block all movement paths using dunnage or wedges
  • Cover with tarps if sensitive to weather
5. Pipes or Tubing
 
  • Stack in pyramid formation with wood spacers
  • Secure each layer with belly wraps and over-the-top straps
  • Cradle ends with wedges or end barriers to prevent lateral movement

Stepdeck Securement Challenges

While the principles remain the same, stepdecks have unique securement challenges:

  • Lower decks limit visibility and can reduce access to tie-downs
  • Multiple levels may require separate securement for top and bottom decks
  • Overheight cargo is common—loads must be measured to stay under legal height limits (typically 13’6″)

Drivers must plan securement configurations in advance, accounting for both trailer geometry and route restrictions.

Inspection Protocols and Securement Monitoring

Inspection is a legal and safety requirement. The FMCSA mandates that securement must be checked:

  • Before departure
  • Within the first 50 miles
  • Every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first

During inspection, drivers should:

  • Check strap/chains for tension loss or wear
  • Examine anchor points and hardware for cracks or corrosion
  • Assess cargo for settling or shifting
  • Document and re-tighten as necessary

Carrying extra straps, edge protectors, and replacement gear is recommended for long hauls.

Weather and Environmental Considerations

Demand for flatbed and step-deck trucking often follows seasonal patterns:

  • Spring-Summer: Peak season due to construction booms
  • Winter: Specialized freight such as road salt and heating equipment
  • Regional Cycles: Agriculture, oil and gas, and industrial projects vary by state

Fuel prices, infrastructure funding, and manufacturing output also influence market dynamics.

Common Load Securement Violations

Here are some of the most common mistakes cited during roadside inspections:

  • Using insufficient tie-downs
  • Failing to prevent forward or lateral movement
  • Damaged or frayed straps/chains
  • Missing or weak anchor points
  • Loose equipment on deck

Avoid violations by following a thorough pre-trip checklist, keeping equipment in top condition, and understanding the securement needs of each load.

Pro Tips for Load Securement Success

To elevate safety and performance:

  1. Pre-plan every load: Know what tools you’ll need before arrival
  2. Over-secure when in doubt: Extra tie-downs add peace of mind
  3. Take photos of secured cargo for documentation and liability protection
  4. Stay current on FMCSA updates and trailer-specific practices
  5. Use flags, lights, and signage for over-dimensional loads

Professionalism in securement not only prevents accidents but earns the trust of shippers, brokers, and enforcement personnel alike.

Final Thoughts

Load securement is not a one-size-fits-all task—it’s an evolving skill set that must be applied with knowledge, care, and precision. Flatbed and stepdeck operators are tasked with keeping freight stable under all driving conditions, with little room for error. By following federal regulations, using the right securement gear, inspecting regularly, and tailoring techniques to cargo type and trailer style, drivers can ensure safe, compliant, and efficient deliveries.

Flatbed hauling may offer the freedom of the open road—but it demands the discipline of a secure load. To secure right freight that matches your equipment type and the load securement tools, you have, engaged a professional dispatcher here at GLI Truck Dispatch Services and earn higher gross margin in each load you haul. 

GLI Truck Dispatch Services offers one of the best truck dispatch services to owner operators and carriers across USA. We offer other back-office solutions such as compliance and accounting to carriers in addition to our truck dispatch services to help our carriers succeed in this competitive yet rewarding trucking industry. At GLI, our truck dispatchers don’t just dispatch, they go the extra mile to help build relationships to help carriers grow their business. Its where professionalism meets quality. Visit www.glitruckdispatchservices.com to learn more about our processes and how our method of truck dispatching can help you succeed and grow your business. 

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