How to Avoid Cargo Securement Violations

Every year, roadside inspections place thousands of commercial vehicles out of service because of cargo securement violations. Many of these violations aren't caused by reckless driving or major equipment failures—they're the result of small mistakes that could have been prevented before leaving the shipper.

After speaking with James Dix, Safety Director at Vista Trans, one message stood out:

Most cargo securement violations happen because drivers focus on securing the weight of the load but overlook the regulations that govern how it must be secured.

Understanding those rules can help protect your CDL, reduce delays, and make the road safer for everyone.

Cargo Securement Is About More Than Keeping the Load in Place

Many drivers naturally think:

"If the load isn't moving, it's secure."

Unfortunately, that's not how roadside inspectors evaluate cargo.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations establish minimum cargo securement requirements based on factors such as weight, length, and the type of cargo being transported.

A load that appears perfectly secure can still result in violations if it doesn't meet those requirements.

Weight Isn't the Only Thing That Matters

One of the most common misconceptions involves cargo length.

Many drivers understand they need enough securement devices to handle the weight of the cargo.

What they often overlook is that the length of the load also determines the minimum number of straps or chains required.

As James explained:

• The first 10 feet of cargo require at least two securement devices.
• Every additional 10 feet (or fraction thereof) requires one additional strap or chain.

That means a 50-foot load requires at least six securement devices.

A 53-foot load requires seven.

Even a few extra feet can change the legal requirement.

Don't Forget About Dunnage

Another commonly overlooked violation involves dunnage.

Dunnage includes materials such as 2×4s, 4×4s, blocks, or other supports placed beneath cargo to stabilize the load.

Many drivers assume that wedging dunnage tightly between the cargo and trailer is enough.

It isn't.

If the dunnage can become loose during transport, it becomes a potential road hazard.

Properly securing dunnage with a strap or chain helps prevent it from shifting, falling onto the roadway, or resulting in an out-of-service violation during an inspection.

Modern Inspections Start Before You're Pulled Over

Today's roadside inspections rely on more than visual observations.

Many weigh stations now use technologies such as tire pressure monitoring systems and infrared brake scanners to identify potential safety issues before an officer even speaks with the driver.

Low tire pressure, overheated brakes, or other equipment concerns may increase the likelihood of an inspection.

Daily pre-trip and en-route inspections remain one of the most effective ways to catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Don't Guess—Ask

One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with James is that professional drivers don't have to solve every problem alone.

At Vista Trans, drivers have access to safety personnel 24 hours a day who can review cargo securement, answer questions, and even evaluate photos before a truck leaves the shipper. That kind of support helps drivers stay compliant while building confidence, especially when hauling unusual or oversized loads.

While not every carrier offers the same level of assistance, the lesson applies to everyone:

If you're unsure whether a load is properly secured, ask before you leave—not after you're stopped for an inspection.

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