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Flatbed Securement Checklist

Use this checklist before departure and during required securement checks for open-deck freight.

Risk: high Last reviewed: Indexable

Quick Answer

Use this checklist before departure and during required securement checks for open-deck freight.

How to use this checklist

This checklist prompts the key inspection points for open-deck cargo securement before departure and at required reinspection stops. Adapt it to the specific cargo type, the applicable federal section, and your carrier's policy — do not treat it as a replacement for regulation, manufacturer instructions, or company procedures.

For the conceptual background on what each category means, see the Flatbed Securement page. For a printable step-by-step pre-trip version, see the Pre-Trip Cargo Securement Checklist under Checklists.

Before loading

Confirm cargo type and whether a commodity-specific section (§393.116–§393.136) applies. Determine the required tiedown count, aggregate WLL, and any placement requirements. Identify attachment points on the cargo and any known edge risks.

Inspect all securement equipment you plan to use: WLL tags or markings, webbing or link condition, hardware and tensioning devices. Set aside any damaged or unreadable equipment. Confirm edge protection is available for the expected cargo contact points.

After loading and before departure

Walk both sides of the trailer. At each tiedown: verify anchor point, device condition, routing, edge protection placement, and tension. Check binder or winch locks. Confirm dunnage is positioned correctly and has not shifted during loading.

Check from multiple angles — some edge contact points and looseness are only visible from specific positions. If anything is found that needs correction, correct it before departing. Document exceptions when practical.

Printable Workflow Checklist

Before pickup

  • Confirm cargo description, approximate weight, dimensions, and any shipper handling notes.
  • Inspect straps, chains, binders, winches, hooks, anchor points, dunnage, and edge protectors before they are used.
  • Identify cargo edges, roll paths, tip paths, and places where dunnage can crush or shift.

Before leaving the shipper

  • Check tiedown placement and tension from both sides of the trailer.
  • Verify edge protection remains under every strap or chain contact point that needs it.
  • Secure loose strap tails, chain ends, tools, tarps, and packaging debris.

During trip

  • Recheck for slack, load settling, shifted dunnage, missing protectors, and damaged devices under carrier policy.
  • Stop and escalate if cargo position changes or a securement device cannot be restored to serviceable condition.

Practical Notes

Use this checklist as a prompt to support your own review, not a replacement for it. Carrier policy, shipper instructions, site conditions, and the current regulation may add requirements not listed here.

Primary Sources / References

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