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Flatbed cargo securement: tiedown rules and steel coils

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 29, 2026Sources checked Oct 29, 2026

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

Short answer

Federal rules say the tiedowns on a load must have a combined working load limit of at least half the cargo's weight, and set a minimum count by length, such as two tiedowns for an article 5 to 10 feet long. Metal coils of 5,000 pounds or more follow their own rule. Drivers must check the load within the first 50 miles and recheck it during the trip.

In this guide
  • Working load limit
  • How many tiedowns
  • Metal coils
  • Rechecking the load
  • Why it matters for insurance
  • A checklist
  • FAQ

Flatbed and steel freight is common across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, from mills to plants. The federal securement rules are specific, and they are what inspectors write up and what claims turn on. Here are the core numbers, with the rule text.

Working load limit

  • Cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured by structures, dunnage, shoring, tiedowns or a mix (49 CFR 393.106).
  • The combined working load limit of the tiedowns must be at least half the weight of the article or group (393.106(d)).
  • A tiedown from the vehicle to the cargo counts at half its working load limit. One that goes from side to side over or through the cargo counts in full.
  • Articles likely to roll need chocks, wedges or a cradle that cannot come loose in transit.

How many tiedowns

When an article is not blocked in front by a headerboard, bulkhead or other cargo (49 CFR 393.110):

  • 5 feet or less and 1,100 pounds or less: one tiedown.
  • 5 feet or less and over 1,100 pounds, or 5 to 10 feet long: two tiedowns.
  • Longer than 10 feet: two, plus one for every 10 feet, or part of 10 feet, beyond the first 10.
  • Blocked in front: one tiedown for every 10 feet of length, or part of 10 feet.

Metal coils

  • Coils of 5,000 pounds or more, alone or grouped, follow 49 CFR 393.120. The commodity rules take precedence over the general rules where they add requirements.
  • For a single coil with its eye vertical: a diagonal tiedown from each side across the eye, one tiedown across the eye, and blocking, friction mats or tiedowns to stop forward movement.
  • The rule also covers coils with eyes crosswise and lengthwise, and coils in sided vehicles. Read the section for your setup.

Rechecking the load

  • Drivers must be sure cargo is secured before driving, inspect it within the first 50 miles, and recheck it during the trip, adding securement as needed (49 CFR 392.9).

Why it matters for insurance

A checklist

  1. Know the weight of each article and the working load limit marked on each tiedown.
  2. Count tiedowns by length and blocking.
  3. Use the coil rule for coils of 5,000 pounds or more.
  4. Recheck within 50 miles and during the trip.
  5. Keep securement training and inspection notes for each driver.

Running dry van too? See dry van insurance requirements.

Facility paperwork: certificates of insurance for mills and plants.

State notes: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana.

Claims: flatbed cargo claims and tarp damage.

Data: steel and machinery carriers by county.

FAQ

How do I figure the working load limit for a flatbed load?

Add up the tiedowns. A tiedown attached from the vehicle to the cargo counts at half its working load limit, and one that goes from one side of the vehicle, over or through the cargo, to the other side counts at its full working load limit. The total must be at least half the weight of the cargo (49 CFR 393.106(d)).

How many straps does a 20 foot load need?

If it is not blocked in front by a headerboard, bulkhead or other cargo, two tiedowns for the first 10 feet plus one more for the next 10 feet, so three (49 CFR 393.110(b)(3)). If it is blocked in front, one for every 10 feet, so two (393.110(c)). The working load limit rule still applies.

What are the rules for steel coils?

Metal coils weighing 5,000 pounds or more, alone or grouped, follow 49 CFR 393.120. For a coil with its eye vertical, the rule calls for tiedowns crossing the eye diagonally from each side, one across the eye, and blocking, friction mats or tiedowns to stop forward movement. Lighter coils can follow the general rules.

When does a driver have to recheck the load?

Within the first 50 miles of a trip, and again during the trip, adjusting or adding securement as needed (49 CFR 392.9(b)).

Do the securement rules apply to sand or gravel?

Bulk loads that lack a fixed shape and ride in a tank, hopper or box that is part of the vehicle are outside the general securement section (49 CFR 393.106(a)). They have their own covering and spill rules.

Why do securement violations matter for insurance?

Cargo securement violations show up in roadside inspection data that underwriters and shippers review, and a load that shifts or falls can lead to liability and cargo claims. Good securement records help on both.

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

Sources