Load Securement Checklist

Load Securement Checklist to verify tie-down count, working load limit, blocking, and commodity-specific rules against FMCSA 49 CFR 393 before dispatch.

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Load Securement Checklist



Load And Vehicle Details

1. Commodity type and description of the load being carried


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2. Total cargo weight as shown on the shipping paperwork


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3. Trailer or vehicle type used for this load


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4. Number and type of tie-downs applied, with individual working load limits


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Deck And Anchor Point Condition

1. The deck or cargo floor is free of cracks, holes, and rot


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2. Anchor points, rub rails, and stake pockets are undamaged and free of cracking


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3. The headboard or bulkhead is in place and rated for the load being carried


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4. The deck is clear of loose debris, ice, and residue before loading


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Securement Equipment Condition

1. Webbing straps are free of cuts, holes, fraying, and knots


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2. Chains are free of cracks, stretched links, gouges, and deformed hooks


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3. Working load limit markings are legible on every tie-down in use


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4. Ratchet binders, winches, and tensioners operate through their full range


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5. Edge protection is fitted wherever a tie-down passes over a sharp corner


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6. Any tie-down that failed inspection has been removed from service, not reused


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Tie-Down Count And Working Load Limit

1. The aggregate working load limit is at least 50 percent of the cargo weight


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2. Articles under 5 feet and 1,100 pounds are secured with at least one tie-down


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3. Articles under 5 feet but over 1,100 pounds are secured with at least two tie-downs


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4. Articles between 5 and 10 feet are secured with at least two tie-downs


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5. Articles over 10 feet have two tie-downs plus one for every additional 10 feet


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6. Each working load limit is taken from the manufacturer marking, not estimated


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7. A tie-down anchored at one end only is counted at half its working load limit


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8. No tie-down, anchor point, or attachment is loaded beyond its rated working load limit


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Load Placement And Weight Distribution

1. Cargo is positioned against the headboard or blocked to prevent forward movement


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2. The load is centered laterally on the deck with no unbalanced overhang


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3. Axle weights and gross vehicle weight remain within legal limits


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4. Cargo is immobilized against forward, rearward, lateral, and vertical movement


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5. There are no gaps between load units that would allow shifting in transit


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Blocking, Bracing, And Containment

1. Dunnage, blocking, or bracing is fitted where tie-downs alone cannot prevent movement


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2. Voids between the cargo and the trailer sides are filled or braced


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3. Sideboards, stakes, and stanchions are rated for the load and free of damage


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4. Tarps and covers are fully secured with no loose or flapping sections


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5. Loose bulk material is covered so nothing can fall or blow from the vehicle


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6. Rear doors, tailgates, and ramps are latched and secured for travel


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Commodity-Specific Requirements

1. The applicable FMCSA commodity chapter for this load has been identified


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2. Unbanded logs are secured with at least two tie-downs per tier on rated bunks


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3. Bundled dressed lumber has two tie-downs per stack, plus two for each added layer


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4. Belly straps are fitted to keep stacked pallets compressed and stable


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5. Metal coils of 5,000 pounds or more are blocked or braced according to eye orientation


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6. Concrete pipe is arranged and blocked according to its inside diameter


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7. Wheeled or tracked machinery over 10,000 pounds has at least four independent tie-downs


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8. Each machinery tie-down is rated at 5,000 pounds working load limit or higher


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9. Booms, buckets, and blades are lowered and secured separately from the machine


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10. Articulation points and hinges on transported equipment are locked against movement


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11. Intermodal containers are locked to the chassis at every lower corner


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12. Vehicles carried as cargo are secured at four points with wheels or idlers restrained


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Overdimension And Projecting Loads

1. Loads projecting beyond the rear or sides are marked with flags during daylight


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2. Projecting loads carry the required lamps and reflectors for night travel


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3. Oversize or overweight permits for the route are carried in the vehicle


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4. Overall load height has been measured and checked against clearances on the route


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5. Escort or pilot vehicle requirements attached to the permit have been met


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Pre-Departure And En-Route Rechecks

1. A final walkaround confirms every tie-down is tensioned and correctly positioned


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2. The securement check within the first 50 miles of the trip has been completed


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3. Securement is rechecked every 150 miles or three hours, whichever comes first


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4. Securement is rechecked after any change of duty status affecting the load


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5. Securement is reinspected and adjusted after every partial unload


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6. Each recheck is recorded with the time and location it was carried out


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7. Spare tie-downs are carried to replace any device that fails en route


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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