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How Many Ratchet Straps Do You Really Need?

2026-02-11

How Many Ratchet Straps Do You Need?
FMCSA-Compliant Cargo Securement Guide

⚠️ Critical Safety Notice

Ratchet straps are for horizontal lashing only. Never use them for vertical lifting—this violates FMCSA §393.100 and OSHA regulations, risking catastrophic failure.

Understanding FMCSA Securement Requirements

FMCSA §393.102 requires cargo securement systems to withstand forces in four directions:

Force Direction	Required Restraint Capacity	How Achieved
Forward (during braking)	80% of cargo weight	Tie-downs + front structure/blocking
Rearward	50% of cargo weight	Tie-downs + rear structure
Lateral (Side)	50% of cargo weight	Tie-downs at angles or side rails
Vertical (Upward)	20% of cargo weight	Downward-angled tie-downs

✅ Key Principle: Total WLL of all tie-downs must be sufficient to provide these forces when combined with vehicle structures. If no blocking is used, tie-downs alone must provide 100% of required forces.

Minimum Tie-Down Count Rule

FMCSA §393.104 requires a minimum number of tie-downs regardless of WLL calculations:

Cargo ≤ 500 kg (1,100 lbs): Minimum 2 tie-downs
Cargo > 500 kg (1,100 lbs): Minimum 2 tie-downs + 1 additional tie-down per 3 meters (10 feet) of cargo length

Example: A 3,000 lb ATV that is 10 feet long requires:

Minimum count: 2 + (10 ft ÷ 10) = 3 tie-downs minimum
Best practice: 4 tie-downs (2 front + 2 rear) to prevent lateral shift

Step-by-Step: Calculating Required WLL

Step 1: Determine Cargo Weight

Small items: Use certified scale or manufacturer specifications
Machinery: Check equipment data plate (typically near operator seat)
Bulk loads: Use bill of lading weight—never estimate

Step 2: Apply FMCSA Directional Requirements

For a 4,200 lb generator with no front blocking (tie-downs must provide 100% forward force):

Forward force required = 4,200 lbs × 80% = 3,360 lbs
Required total WLL ≥ 3,360 lbs

Step 3: Select Tie-Downs Based on WLL

Strap Width	Typical WLL*	For 3,360 lb Requirement
2-inch (50mm)	1,500 lbs	3 straps (4,500 lb total WLL)
3-inch (75mm)	3,300 lbs	2 straps (6,600 lb total WLL) — recommended for redundancy
4-inch (100mm)	5,400 lbs	1 strap meets minimum, but 2 straps recommended for safety

*WLL varies by manufacturer. Always verify the WLL marked on the strap tag.

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