Securing a load properly on a flatbed trailer is one of the key points for road safety. And this starts with making sure your vehicle is properly visible to other drivers. Make sure all lights are working and you have the proper reflective tape and reflectors installed on your entire rig. Many loads require a tarp over the load – make sure your tarp is completely covering the load in a closed manner. If you have any opening in the tarp wind will begin to blow through the load and cause wind-whip which slow you down and damage the tarp. Loose or excess tarp needs to be placed under the load, or wrapped securely and tied firmly. If tarps are secured with bungee cords make sure the hooks are pointing away from the tarp to also avoid tarp damage. Make sure your load is secured by winch or ratchet straps going thru the load or over the load make sure first of all that you have the correct weight rating. If you have an 8,000 pound load you will need 4 – 2,000 pound rated straps. Straps are rated by WLL which stands for Working Load Limit. This is the number you need to watch. Not break strength which is the absolute maximum point at which a strap will break.
All cargo straps are very prone to damage and wear. A strap that is cut, worn, frayed, or very old will begin to weaken significantly. Avoid knots tied in straps – this can also weaken the strapping. We have all seen straps flapping wildly about on tied loads. Either the loose ends will fly around, of the whole strap itself will be vibrating in the wind – like a large guitar string. This vibrating and loose end flopping must be avoided as long periods of repeated wind movement will also being to weaken the entire fiber structure of the strap. Twist the entire strap about 2 turns and tie up loose ends so they sit tightly over the load. Keep straps neatly rolled in a dry tool box or inside your vehicle. Do not let them sit outside for multiple seasons. Water and UV damage will take a toll. A quick shot of spray lubricant like WD-40 will make metal ratchets work much smoother and provide protection against corrosion.
Finally – never work on securing a load directly on the side of the road unless your have a loose load emergency. A sitting vehicle on the roadside with moving drivers is a serious distraction to other drivers and can cause an accident.