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Load securement rules for dry vans: 49 CFR 393.100 to 393.114

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

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

Short answer

The general securement rules, 49 CFR 393.100 to 393.114, apply inside a dry van. The system must hold 0.8 g forward and 0.5 g rearward and sideways. Cargo boxed in by walls of adequate strength, with gaps filled or blocked, meets the rules. Rolling cargo must be chocked. If you use tiedowns, the count depends on length and blocking.

In this guide
  • Performance limits
  • Walls and blocking
  • Rolling and side-by-side cargo
  • Tiedown counts
  • A load check
  • FAQ

Performance limits

  • Against breaking strength: 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward, 0.5 g lateral (49 CFR 393.102(a)).
  • Against working load limit: 0.435 g forward, 0.5 g rearward, 0.25 g lateral.

Walls and blocking

  • Cargo is immobilized by structure of adequate strength, dunnage, dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or a mix (393.106(b)).
  • A sided vehicle with adequate walls meets the performance rules when cargo cannot shift (393.102(c)).

Rolling and side-by-side cargo

  • Cargo likely to roll is chocked or cradled, and the chocks cannot come loose.
  • Articles side by side under transverse tiedowns touch or are kept from shifting together.

Tiedown counts

  • Not blocked forward: 1 tiedown for 5 feet or less and 1,100 pounds or less; 2 for heavier short articles or up to 10 feet; 1 more per extra 10 feet (393.110).
  • Blocked forward: 1 per 10 feet of length.
  • Aggregate working load limit at least half the cargo weight (393.106(d)).

A load check

  • Gaps filled with load bars, airbags or dunnage.
  • Heavy freight on the floor, light freight on top.
  • Rear of load blocked so it does not rest on the doors.
  • Seal number and photos recorded.

Related: dry van insurance requirements, paper roll securement in vans and on flatbeds, detention time records for dry van fleets, dry van cargo theft prevention.

Load bars and seals: dry van seals and load locks. Containers: intermodal container securement.

FAQ

Do the securement rules apply inside a closed van?

Yes. Part 393 cargo rules apply to all cargo, but a sided vehicle with walls of adequate strength can meet them if cargo is blocked so it cannot shift (393.102(c)).

What forces must securement hold?

Against breaking strength: 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward and 0.5 g lateral. Against working load limit: 0.435 g forward, 0.5 g rearward and 0.25 g lateral.

How many tiedowns does an article need?

If not blocked forward: one for an article 5 feet or shorter and 1,100 pounds or less, two for heavier short articles or articles up to 10 feet, and one more per extra 10 feet. If blocked forward: one per 10 feet.

What is aggregate working load limit?

The sum of tiedown ratings counted under 393.106(d). It must be at least half the weight of the cargo secured.

Do commodity rules override this?

Commodity rules in 393.116 to 393.136, such as paper rolls, take precedence where they add requirements.

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

Sources