Glossary
Tiedown
A tiedown is a securement device or assembly used to restrain cargo on or within a vehicle.
Plain-English Meaning
Tiedowns can include chains, straps, cables, binders, winches, hooks, and attachment hardware. In the field, people often say strap or chain, but the full tiedown path matters.
A tiedown should be evaluated from anchor point to anchor point, including contact with cargo, tensioning devices, edge protection, and how it will behave after the load settles.
In day-to-day freight work, the safest use of the term is narrow and factual. Confirm the current rule, equipment rating, shipment condition, and company procedure before using any glossary definition for a live securement decision.
Watchouts
- A tiedown with one weak component may be limited by that component.
- Slack, poor angle, or bad routing can reduce effectiveness.
- Cargo damage risk should be considered along with restraint.
Related Terms
Primary Sources / References
Last reviewed:
- FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · official · reliability: high
- 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I - Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · regulation · reliability: high