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Securing concrete pipe on a flatbed: 49 CFR 393.124

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 30, 2026Sources checked Oct 30, 2026

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

Under 49 CFR 393.124, concrete pipe on a flatbed or lowboy needs tiedowns with an aggregate working load limit of at least half the group's weight. Timber blocking is at least 4 by 6 inches. Each group holds one pipe size, and upper tiers sit in the wells below. Pipe over 45 inches inside diameter needs a tiedown through every pipe.

In this guide
  • What the rule covers
  • Tiedowns and blocking
  • Arranging the load
  • Pipe up to 45 inches
  • Pipe over 45 inches
  • FAQ

What the rule covers

Concrete pipe on flatbed and lowboy trailers (49 CFR 393.124(a)). Rigid bundles that will not roll, and pipe in sided vehicles or containers, use the general rules.

Tiedowns and blocking

  • Aggregate working load limit at least half the group weight.
  • A transverse tiedown through an upper pipe secures the pipes it presses on below.
  • Blocking sits firmly against the pipe and is secured. Timber is at least 4 by 6 inches.

Arranging the load

  • One diameter per group, each group secured on its own.
  • Upper tiers go only in the wells of the tier beneath.
  • Bell pipe rides on two or more spacers with bells clear of the deck.

Pipe up to 45 inches

  • Bottom tier held at each end by blocking, end structure, stakes or a locked unloader.
  • Tiedowns through the front and rear bottom pipes, at 45 degrees or less when practicable.
  • If pipes are not tied individually: one 1/2 inch or two 3/8 inch chains or wire ropes run lengthwise over the group, plus one transverse tiedown per 10 feet of load.

Pipe over 45 inches

  • Front and rear pipes immobilized.
  • A tiedown through every pipe: front half run rearward, rear half run forward.

Related: flatbed cargo securement and steel coils, heavy equipment securement on a flatbed, lumber and building materials securement, certificates of insurance for mills and plants.

Boulders: large boulder securement on a flatbed.

FAQ

Does this rule cover pipe in a van or container?

No. Pipe in a sided vehicle or container, and pipe bundled into one rigid article that will not roll, follow the general rules in 393.100 to 393.114.

How much tiedown capacity is needed?

The aggregate working load limit of all tiedowns on a group must be at least half the total weight of the pipes in that group.

Can different sizes share a group?

No. Each group holds pipe of one diameter and is secured separately.

How is bell pipe loaded?

On at least two longitudinal spacers so the bell clears the deck. In one tier, bells alternate sides.

When can a third tier start?

Only after every well in the tier beneath is filled.

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources