Raise your hand if you’ve never had trouble with a ratchet strap while securing cargo or during transport. That’s what I thought. It’s no coincidence, since for most sellers a customer only matters until the product is purchased; but how, with what accessories, and for what purposes a given strap should actually be used is something they won’t tell you — because “that’s not their job.”
Yet there are plenty of interesting facts, misconceptions, and potential hazards related to load securing that are worth knowing. Even though proper securing, loading, and unloading of goods is primarily the responsibility of loaders and unloaders (not without reason often criticized), it’s still important to stay informed if you want worry-free transport. This comprehensive article can save truck drivers and department managers a lot of time and money. And for those who want to become true securing pros — the kind who could even tie down a hyperactive cartoon roadrunner with straps and cross-lashing — this is a must-read.
No going anywhere without the basics of load securing
We can all agree that everyone’s goal is for the cargo to stay on the truck (preferably intact and without shifting) and to get from point A to point B without accidents or damage. Yet for some reason, a huge number of accidents still occur because someone didn’t secure the load properly.
By following these basic principles, you can be sure you won’t be that “someone”:
- Before loading the truck, check that both the vehicle and the load securing equipment are in good condition.
- Secure the cargo so that it cannot fall off or shift.
- Blocking or tie-down lashing? The choice is yours — as many types of cargo, as many methods. Well, not quite. But almost.
- Don’t just think about departure and arrival — consider what forces may affect your cargo and securing equipment along the way. Does everything meet the expected transport conditions?
- Manufacturer recommendations: trust them. They’re there for a reason, so don’t try to find shortcuts. There aren’t any.
- Many damages (to goods, truck, or people) happen because someone said: “120 kg in the front, 1.5 tons in the back — it’ll be fine.” If you check that weight distribution is even during loading and unloading, you’re already ahead. Basic rule: the cargo’s center of gravity should be along the truck’s longitudinal axis and as low as possible.
- The securing method must not damage the goods. If your ratchet strap leaves a “decorative stripe” on a mahogany cabinet, you’ve done something wrong. Imagine the dent if you had used chains. Don’t worry, we have tools to help you avoid such damage.
- Taking a break? You’ll hate this: check your load securing! And do it during the journey whenever possible. Losing 5–10 minutes is better than losing a job — or a life.
- Carmageddon, Need for Speed, or Truck Driver are great places to practice sudden turns, acceleration, and heavy braking — but in real life, these maneuvers are not your cargo’s friends…
- Goods must be placed and secured so they cannot slide, roll, or fall. The biggest danger is that shifting cargo can even overturn the truck. If you’re transporting unstable loads (e.g. upright paper rolls, pallets, steel coils), use anti-slip edges and specialized securing tools to prevent disaster.
- Proper friction between the loading surface and cargo is essential. If the loading area isn’t wooden, use anti-slip mats, strips, or rubber flooring under pallets. Side movement: gone. You can also block front gaps with head loops or a front wall.
+1 Keep it clean — a contamination-free loading surface is essential. If a bag tears and spills contents, the next trip can get tricky — especially if the previous driver didn’t clean up. This is also worth checking. Rubber mats can help here too; use thicker ones and anti-slip strips for heavier loads.
The ratchet strap’s companions
We’ll get to the main star of this article soon — including topics like assembly, lifespan, and price — but first, we need to talk about the often underestimated “helpers”: wear protectors, edge protectors, and other useful accessories.
Wear protectors for synthetic straps are placed between the cargo and the strap if there’s a risk of damage — either way. Better safe than sorry. (They’re typically made of polyurethane or polyester… not octopus, despite how it sounds.)
Edge protectors, usually made of wood, rubber, or lightweight metal alloys, help distribute the tension force. This means you can secure the cargo without the strap cutting into it. High-quality versions can even be used for securing ends.
Corner boards are especially useful when your cargo is extremely long or when you don’t have enough straps. Their rigid structure ensures even force distribution. However, there’s a catch: loading sites often specify exactly how many straps must be used. If you don’t have enough, you may be forced to buy them there — often at triple the price. So unless you’re transporting boxed goods (like milk), always carry enough straps.
And who has the time or patience to manually wind up 24 straps? If not you, a practical strap winding tool can save you time.
The ratchet itself is a bit of an odd one out — it’s technically part of the strap. Whether bought separately or together, make sure it’s metal, downward-pull type, and reinforced. You’ll appreciate the extra strength.
Meet the main player
The king of cargo transport — commonly called a ratchet strap — is a versatile securing tool. With hooks at both ends and a ratchet mechanism, it keeps cargo firmly in place. Its flexibility acts as a shock absorber, protecting goods from forces and stabilizing the load. No wonder it’s so popular — it’s incredibly easy to use.
What materials are used? Polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene. Polyester straps lose some strength when wet. However, they’re resistant to acids — useful if you ever transport something extreme. Polyamide straps also lose some strength when wet (up to 10–15%) but resist alkalis well. For full chemical resistance, polypropylene is the best choice.
Straps come in various sizes (25, 35, 50, and 75 mm are most common). Key specs like load capacity, securing strength, length, certifications, and manufacturing date are indicated on the blue label, as required by EN12195-2 for polyester securing devices.
Load securing equipment must be regularly inspected — especially straps. Before use, always check metal parts for damage, deformation, or corrosion, and inspect the webbing for cuts or fraying. Also verify stitching and labels. If anything is off, discard the strap. Otherwise, accidents — and fines — are likely.
The ratchet strap family
At first glance, all straps may look similar (apart from color and size). In reality, it’s a diverse family with many variations.
Buckle strap — king of small packages
A one-piece strap ideal for securing smaller loads. One end has a simple buckle, the other is free and must be threaded through after wrapping around the cargo.
Ratchet strap — the classic
Available in one-piece and two-piece versions. The two-piece type includes hooks for attachment, while a ratchet mechanism provides the tension.
Automatic strap — for maximum convenience
An auto-retracting strap that’s quick and easy to use. However, it may have lower load capacity and higher cost.
J-hook strap — the heavy-duty option
Perfect for heavy cargo. The J-shaped hooks allow quick and secure attachment.
3-point strap
Named after its three grip points, commonly used for vehicle securing. Not the cheapest, but highly effective.
Slackline
The black sheep of the family — also used in an extreme sport. Longer, thicker, and extremely strong — but too expensive for cargo securing.
How strong should your straps be?
Load capacity is the most important feature. A 5-ton strap provides 2.5 tons of clamping force per side. Over time, it’s easy to forget your equipment specs — but the parallel black stitching indicates capacity: 3 stripes for 3 tons, 5 for 5 tons, etc.
What about price?
The good news: high-quality, GS/TÜV-certified straps are affordable. Even top-tier options (500 daN tension force, 5 cm width, 7+ meters length, 5-ton capacity) are reasonably priced. With one click, you can choose from excellent products at competitive prices.
Now use it
Attach the ends to the chassis or floor frame. Pass the strap over the cargo, thread it through the ratchet spindle, and tighten by moving the handle. Don’t overtighten, and reset the handle afterward. To release, disengage the lock and lift the handle. Done.
If that wasn’t enough, you can learn more by:
- Reading this detailed guide.
- Watching this video.
- Checking a DEKRA expert’s full presentation.
- Taking a training course.
Risks and side effects
Under full braking, cargo moves forward — often toward the driver, sometimes fatally. Or unsecured cargo may fall onto the road or other vehicles. Proper training in load securing is essential.
Unfortunately, the industry hasn’t emphasized mandatory education enough. This leads to more damage — both financial and reputational. While loading is the sender’s responsibility, checking is always the driver’s. So instead of blaming each other, focus on prevention. If you buckle up for your own safety, do the same for your cargo — use proper straps. Subscribe to our newsletter for tips, articles, and special offers.