RatchetStrap.com Blog-Cargo Securement & Tie Down Experts

2015 LTL Carrier Carrier Revenue $M FedEx Freight 5,672 Con-Way Freight 3,632 YRC Freight 3,220 ODFL 2,710 UPS Freight 2,633 Estes Express 2,043 ABF 1,885 YRC Regional 1,832 R&L 1,415 SAIA 1,272 SEFL 1,006 Averitt Express 674 Central Transport 667 Roadrunner 577 AAA Cooper 508 Dayton Freightlines 446 Pitt Ohio 393 New England MF 372 A. Duie Pyle 282 Central Freight  218 Daylight Transport 202 Oak Harbor 184 Ward Trucking 153 Wilson Trucking 148 Lakeville Motor Exp 125 $‎ 32,270,000,000 Email info@ratchetstrap.com for expert information or with specific questions. 

Did You Know? Current designs of Aluminum Flat Bed Trailers tend to bend & flex as they travel down the road creating slack in chains and straps requiring more frequent re-tightening and causing premature tie down wear. Putting a half twist on the hardware side of a flat bed strap can limit the 'flutter burn' caused when straps are inadequately tightened and vehicles reach highway speeds.  It is not uncommon for straps that are affixed, go up, over and down the load to be difficult to fully tighten, UNLESS PROPERLY DESIGNED CORNER GUARDS are utilized.  This half twist can prevent...

December 17, 2015 — FMCSA has launched a new, simplified online registration process for use by motor carriers, intermodal equipment providers and other freight service providers, for use in applying for a USDOT number. Click here for an overview of the Unified Registration System, how to comply with the URS regulations and access to online training. December 10, 2015 — The U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015, which establishes the STB as an independent government agency, increases board membership from three to five, authorizes appropriations for its programs, and makes key changes to arbitration...

Below are some myths, mis-truths and misrepresentations recently heard regarding the correct use and implementation of load restraints & tie downs:   TRUE or FALSE? 1) Webbing Straps and Assemblies MUST have the Working Load Limit Stenciled on The Webbing?  T  or  F  Reasoning - (Everyone’s doing it, it must be the law.)      Answer = FALSE!   The TAG is the proper (and only) place Working Load Limit is listed.   2) The Department of Transportation (DOT) APPROVES Strap Assemblies?  T  or  F Reasoning - (C’mon, we’ve all heard the term, “DOT-Approved”.)   Answer = FALSE!   Neither the US nor Canada is in the business of exclusiveness.  ...

Now that winter weather has arrived, many flatbed loads require tarps for protection from the elements and road grime.   Tarps can be heavy and awkward; choose the right tarp for the job to control the size, weight, and strength needed to handle it. Use mechanical aids to apply and remove tarps. When moving the tarp by hand, use good body mechanics. Face the tarp, keep your back straight and pull the tarp out with your hands at about waist height. Avoid twisting or pulling down with your arms overhead.  Keep a firm grip on the tarp to prevent slipping....