⚠️ 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.
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.
FMCSA §393.104 requires a minimum number of tie-downs regardless of WLL calculations:
Example: A 3,000 lb ATV that is 10 feet long requires:
For a 4,200 lb generator with no front blocking (tie-downs must provide 100% forward force):
| 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.
