You’d think by now cargo securement would be one of those problems fleets had mostly solved. The rules aren’t new. Drivers know the load has to stay put.
Yet every year the same issue keeps showing up in roadside inspection numbers. A big part of the problem sits right on the deck: worn or poorly applied flatbed ratchet straps that no longer do the job they’re supposed to do.
Inspectors are paying close attention: according to FleetOwner’s breakdown of CVSA’s 2026 International Roadcheck results, cargo securement was this year’s vehicle focus area and ranked fourth among out-of-service violations, with 1,724 recorded during the three-day blitz across North America.
Fourth. While it’s behind brakes and tires, it is still high enough that companies are losing time and money. This shows that there is still a large difference between knowing how to follow the rules and following them every time.
Why It Keeps Happening on Real Trucks
Most flatbed drivers aren’t out there trying to cut corners on purpose. The pressure is just there. You pull up to the shipper, the load’s already there, the dispatcher’s already asking when you’re going to be rolling, and every single minute you’re not on the road feels like you’re losing ground. Over time those little bits of cutting corners add up. A set of flatbed ratchet straps that may have started out fine gets used until the webbing is all faded and stiff. Then along comes an inspector and the whole lot comes apart.
Equipment That Quietly Gives Up
Straps take a beating most people don’t think about. Sun, road dirt, sharp steel edges, constant tension – it all wears the webbing down. A strap can still look serviceable from a few feet away and still have lost a big chunk of its real strength. The ratchet itself gets packed with grit and stops holding tension the way it should. When those tired flatbed ratchet straps are the main thing keeping a load of pipe or machinery from shifting, you’re one hard brake or sharp turn away from a problem.
Chains and binders have their own issues, but straps are everywhere on general freight flatbeds. Replacing them based on actual condition instead of some arbitrary schedule is one of the cheapest ways to stay out of trouble.
Training and Consistency Still Matter
Not every driver gets the same training. Some companies run solid securement programs. Others basically hand a new guy a few straps and hope experience fills in the rest. When different trucks in the same fleet follow different standards, the weak spots show up fast during a focused enforcement push like International Roadcheck.
The same inconsistency shows up in how fleets manage their gear. Some trucks carry a full kit of properly rated straps, protectors, and extras. Others run thin and make do. That difference becomes obvious the moment someone starts looking closely.
What Actually Helps
The fleets that ensure this happens have made cargo securement an important part of safety by having a minimum strap rating and number of tie-downs required for their most frequent loads; inspecting the equipment on a regular basis and removing any that look worn out; and ensuring that the drivers are aware not only of the regulations but also of the reason behind the regulations – shifting cargo means injuries.
Using the right flatbed ratchet straps for the job, protecting them from sharp edges, and taking thirty seconds to check tension before you leave the yard aren’t advanced skills. They’re basic habits. The latest Roadcheck numbers show those habits still aren’t consistent enough across the industry. Until that changes, cargo securement is going to keep showing up near the top of the out-of-service list.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How did cargo securement rank in the 2026 International Roadcheck results?
Cargo securement was the vehicle focus area for the 2026 CVSA International Roadcheck and ranked fourth among out-of-service violations, with 1,724 recorded incidents across North America.
Why do flatbed drivers continue to get cargo securement violations?
Drivers often face intense pressure from dispatchers and tight schedules. The rush to get on the road can lead to unintentional corner-cutting, such as continuing to use worn, stiff, or faded flatbed ratchet straps instead of swapping them out for new ones.
What causes flatbed ratchet straps to wear out and fail?
Straps endure severe wear and tear from sun exposure, road dirt, sharp steel edges, and constant tension. Even if a strap looks fine from a distance, its webbing can lose significant strength. Additionally, the ratchets can become packed with grit, preventing them from holding tension properly.
How does inconsistent training contribute to securement issues?
While some companies have solid cargo securement programs, others provide minimal training, simply handing drivers a few straps and relying on them to learn through experience. This lack of standardization across fleets creates weak spots that are easily exposed during roadside inspections.
What steps can fleets take to improve cargo securement and avoid out-of-service violations?
To improve securement, fleets should:
- Establish minimum strap ratings and require a specific number of tie-downs for frequent loads.
- Regularly inspect equipment and immediately remove worn-out straps from service.
- Ensure drivers understand the safety reasons behind the regulations (shifting cargo causes injuries).
- Encourage basic habits like protecting straps from sharp edges and taking 30 seconds to check tension before leaving the yard.
