Federal regulations under 49 CFR §393, Subpart I lay out the cargo securement requirements that every CDL driver must follow. Securement violations are common at roadside inspections and can result in substantial fines, out-of-service orders, and PSP-record damage.
Working Load Limit (WLL)
Every tiedown device (chain, strap, binder, anchor point) has a stamped or tagged Working Load Limit — the maximum force it can safely resist. The federal rule: the aggregate WLL of all tiedowns securing a load must equal at least 50% of the cargo's weight. Higher percentages apply for certain commodity categories (logs, metal coils, paper rolls, boulders).
Minimum tiedown count
Federal rule of thumb: one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo, with at least two tiedowns minimum for any single piece. So a 22-foot piece of cargo requires at least 3 tiedowns; a 35-foot piece requires at least 4. Specific commodities (logs, lumber, paper rolls, dressed lumber) have additional commodity-specific tiedown requirements.
Front and rear blocking/bracing
Cargo must be either blocked at the front of the cargo area (against the headboard) or secured by tiedowns that prevent forward movement under braking. Heavy machinery and long structural items often require additional dunnage and chocking to prevent shift.
Edge protection
Webbed straps and chains running over sharp edges (steel, concrete forms, lumber bundles) must be protected by edge corner protectors. Without edge protection, a strap can be cut by load shift or vibration in transit. Edge protection is one of the most-cited securement violations at roadside.
Commodity-specific rules
Logs: minimum specific tiedown counts based on log diameter and length. Steel coils: cradles or chocks required; specific tiedown configurations required for coil shape. Paper rolls: minimum tiedown counts depending on stack configuration. Concrete pipe: must be cradled or chocked; specific tiedown rules. Boulders and large rocks: special rules in 49 CFR §393.116. Dressed lumber: must be banded or wrapped before securement.
Pre-trip and en-route checks
Federal rule: inspect cargo and load securement within the first 50 miles of trip start, then at least once every 150 miles or every 3 hours (whichever comes first), and after any change in duty status. Document the checks if your carrier requires it.
Owner-operator and small-fleet considerations
Carry an inventory of tiedowns appropriate for your typical loads: a mix of 5/16" and 3/8" Grade 70 chain (typical WLL 4,700 lb and 6,600 lb); 3-inch and 4-inch ratchet straps (WLL 3,335 and 5,400 lb); load binders; corner protectors; and chocks. Inspect tiedowns regularly and discard any with cuts, frays, or visible damage. Read our skills test guide.