Keep Products Secured Safely With The Right Tie-Down Materials

Moving cargo around? Your top priority is making sure nothing gets damaged in the process. 

We’ve all heard horror stories of what happens when cargo becomes loose in transit. When you need to transport large loads, there’s nothing worse than unsecured cargo. Before transporting cargo, it is important to read and understand your responsibilities. 

That’s why you require the right tie-down materials. From straps to bungee cords, you have a lot of options to choose from. 
What do you need? How should you store them? And where can you buy tie-down straps?

Before we get into that, we’re going to start by reviewing the regulations surrounding the safe transport of materials:

Cargo Securement

*Make sure to check with your local laws and regulations as they may very from the information below*

When transporting materials, it is important to understand the laws and regulations for safe transportation in your area. This helps prevent any accidents or injuries. 

Manitoba regulations can be found at: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/_pdf-regs.php?reg=37/2005. 

Loose Particulate Material

Any loose particulate materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone should be covered to keep material secure. This can be done with a tarp, canvas, or other material able to contain the material.

Rear Projection

*Make sure to check with your local laws and regulations as they may very from the information below*

You can find the regulations for rear projection of your cargo at: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/current/_pdf-regs.php?reg=155/2018. 

For information on rear projections, view part 6 in the document, starting on page 28. 

View part 1 to read definitions for items such as “effective overhang”.

Winch Straps

These straps feed into a mounted winch on a flatbed truck or trailer. Made of polyester webbing, winch straps are incredibly durable. They offer nearly unbeatable strength and grip. Even though they’re flexible, they won’t stretch out or lose strength under a heavy load. Use them for either heavy or light loads, including:

• Furniture
• Household appliances
• Construction materials
• Equipment
• Vehicles

Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps have hooks that can be used to attach to anchors, either in a truck bed or other locations. Some come with a D-ring that can be used to attach to a section without an anchor. 

Known for their long-lasting performance and durability, ratchet straps are a great pick when you need to secure cargo. Ratchet straps are flexible, so they can wrap around cargo of different shapes. They use a ratchet mechanism to tighten your straps.

With a ratchet strap, securing loads is almost effortless. At STAR Building Materials, we carry a variety of ratchet straps with different strengths, sizes, and hooks.

Bungee Cords

Easy to attach and super flexible, bungee cords & straps are convenient and versatile. However, we don’t recommend using them as your sole tie-down material for a heavy load. They’re best used along with other straps for bulky or unstable cargo. Use bungee cords to help safely secure your cargo. 

Tarps

Tarps are used when transporting loose particulate cargo that can not be strapped, such as gravel, rock, etc. A tarp can be used to cover and secure these materials from being blown away. Tarps can be secured to your truck or trailer using tarp straps.

Bed Extender

A bed extender can help you secure longer loads. These extenders often come with tie down points for you to attach your straps to.

Tips for Securing Cargo

The first step is buying the right tie-down materials. After that, you need to use them correctly (and be careful how you store your cargo). We’ve put together a few tips:

Control the environment

What conditions are you storing your cargo in? Even with the best straps, your belongings will be damaged if they’re stored improperly. Watch out for:

• Sunlight. You know about the damage UV rays can do to your skin. The same goes for your tie-down straps. Store them out of direct sunlight to prevent damage. 
• Heat. In extreme temperatures, the straps may weaken. Ideally, you should keep them stored in a cool place.
• Moisture. Like most things, tie-down materials don’t work as well in moist conditions. This may promote mould growth, which reduces the break strength of your straps.

Choose the right straps & working load limit

Looking for a roof rack? Flat hooks? S-hooks? Or chain anchors? Your choice will be determined mostly by the type of cargo you’re carrying. Consider the weight capacity, type of hook, and length of straps. 

Also, consider how many straps you’ll need for extra protection. For example, if you’re using ratchet straps, the aggregate working load limit (WLL) should be at least half of the cargo’s total weight. Be sure to review the Requirements for Cargo Securement Systems.

Inspect cargo & tie-downs for damage

How do you know if your winch or ratchet straps are doing their job effectively? Check your belongings (and the straps themselves) for any signs of damage—tears, degrading materials, or scratches. If you spot something that makes you question the integrity of the strap, it’s time to replace it. 

Get Proper Tie-Down Materials in Winnipeg

At our Winnipeg building supplies store, we carry high-quality bungee cords, ratchet straps, winch straps, and ropes to keep cargo secure. And if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for in our inventory, let us know; we’ll be happy to special order it for you. Contact STAR Building Materials today!