Professional truck drivers, rigors, and logistics managers are pretty well versed in how to use tie-downs properly. It is what they do. They are also held to strict standards and both federal and state laws. As for consumers, our collective experience with tie-downs and load control is limited. Therefore, we are prone to mistakes.

Unfortunately, it only takes one mistake to lead to catastrophic consequences. That’s why it’s so important to know and thoroughly understand how to use a variety of tie-downs. It is equally important to make the effort to do things correctly.

Here are the most common tie-down mistakes made by non-professionals; do your best to avoid them:

1. Failing to Plan

If there is one thing professionals do that most of the rest of us do not, it is plan. Commercial jobs are planned meticulously. Even a flatbed truck driver, despite being pressed for time, will plan out how he is going to secure his load before he goes about doing so.

Failing to plan is one of the worst things one can do because it can lead to so many additional problems. Something as simple as not laying a load out correctly can throw off tying things down, leading to shifting cargo and a potential accident.

2. Not Accounting for WLLs

Next is not accounting for working load limits (WLLs) during the planning stage. Professionals need to know their WLL in order to ensure that they are using a sufficient number of straps. For the record, WLL is a measurement of the amount of force a tie-down can withstand before failing.

3. Improper Load Layout

Regardless of the cargo being transported and the vehicle used to transport it, it needs to be prevented from shifting in any direction. The professionals know enough to lay out a load in such a way as to maximize tie-down capabilities. Loads are laid out according to size, shape, and weight. When properly laid out, tie-downs can do the job they are designed to do.

Failing to lay out a load properly has just the opposite effect. Tie-downs can be subject to too much stress, thereby leading to shifting or vibrating cargo. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

4. Improper Tensioning

Tie-downs need to be adequately tightened for them to do their job. Applying too much tension can damage cargo, but too little tension allows the cargo to freely move. Therefore, getting the tension right is a priority.

Different types of tie-downs are tensioned in different ways. According to the engineers at Rollercam cam straps are tensioned with a spring-loaded cam buckle. On the other hand, ratchet straps are tensioned by ratchets. Ropes are tensioned by knots. The point is that consumers need to understand the tensioning system of their chosen tie-down.

5. Failing to Check Tension

Hand-in-hand with improper tensioning is failing to check tie-down tension at regular intervals. Even the best securement job is not perfect. Things can shift and tie-downs can become loose. It is always best to stop periodically to give the load a once over.

6. Failing to Obey State and Federal Laws

Finally, there are state and federal laws in place designed to ensure that cargo is properly secured when cargo is being carried on trucks, trailers, etc. The laws are not mere guidelines or options. They are legal mandates. Consumers should follow the law at every step.

Using tie-downs isn’t exceptionally complicated. Yet it does require a bit of knowledge. You already know all of this if you are a professional. But if you are not, educate yourself before you have to use tie-downs again.