DOT Regulations for Auto Transport Straps: What Every Hauler Needs to Know
A roadside inspection is not the time to read the regulations for the first time. This guide explains, in plain English, the federal cargo securement rules for hauling cars, light trucks and vans on a trailer, and names the exact sections so you can read them yourself.
Which regulation covers auto transport?
Cargo securement for commercial motor vehicles is in 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Cars, light trucks and vans weighing 10,000 lb or less each are covered by §393.128. Heavier vehicles fall under §393.130. The general rules for tiedowns in §393.104 and for aggregate working load limit in §393.106 apply as well.
What §393.128 requires
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Automobiles, light trucks and vans of 10,000 lb or less each. Heavier vehicles: §393.130. |
| Minimum tiedowns | At least two per vehicle. |
| Restraint | The vehicle must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward and vertical movement. |
Working load limit (WLL)
Under §393.106, the aggregate working load limit of the tiedowns must be at least 50% of the weight of the cargo. WLL is the rating marked by the manufacturer. Before each trip, add up the marked WLL of the tiedowns on each vehicle and compare it to that vehicle's weight. A strap with a missing or unreadable rating gives you nothing to count.
What belongs on the WLL tag
- Working load limit: the maximum load the strap assembly is rated to hold.
- Manufacturer identification: the maker's name or trademark.
- Material: the synthetic webbing used, such as polyester or nylon.
On commercial motor vehicles, synthetic webbing tiedowns must conform to WSTDA-T1 (§393.104(e)(3)), and webbing tiedowns that conform carry a permanent tag. Keep the tag attached and legible. A tag that is missing, torn off or unreadable leaves the strap with no verifiable rating, and inspectors may treat it as non-compliant. Printed or stenciled ratings on the webbing can help, but the attached tag is the rating record inspectors look for. The rating of the whole assembly is also limited by its weakest part, so check the hooks and ratchet as well as the webbing.
Strap condition and standards (§393.104)
- Remove from service any tiedown with damaged or weakened components, such as cracks or cuts (§393.104(b)).
- Synthetic webbing tiedowns must conform to the Web Sling and Tiedown Association's WSTDA-T1 standard (§393.104(e)(3)).
- Use edge protection where a tiedown contacts cargo, to resist abrasion, cutting and crushing (§393.104(f)(4)). Browse our corner protectors.
Inspecting during the trip (§392.9)
The driver must inspect the cargo and securement devices within the first 50 miles of a trip, and re-examine them whenever the driver changes duty status, after 3 hours of driving, or after 150 miles, whichever comes first. Make any needed adjustments right away (§392.9(b)).
Straps from GO-TOW.com
Our DOT Compliance Straps collection brings together over-wheel straps, axle straps and DiamondWeave™ straps. DiamondWeave™ webbing is patented (US Patent 8136555) and has excellent abrasion resistance compared to standard webbing, so your straps last longer and don't have to be replaced as often. For more answers, see our DOT and FMCSA Cargo Securement FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
How many tie-downs do I need for each vehicle?
Section 393.128 sets a minimum of two tiedowns for a car, light truck or van of 10,000 lb or less, restraining the vehicle at the front and rear. Many haulers secure all four wheels. Your vehicle, trailer and carrier can call for more than the minimum.
Do these rules apply if I only haul within one state?
Part 393 applies to commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. States set their own rules for intrastate operations, and many adopt the federal rules or similar ones. Check your state DOT.
Do I need edge protection on my straps?
Section 393.104 requires edge protection where a tiedown contacts cargo, to resist abrasion, cutting and crushing. See our corner protectors.
What happens if the WLL tag on a strap is missing or unreadable?
The strap has no verifiable rating, so inspectors may treat it as non-compliant. Replace it with a strap that has a permanent, legible tag showing the working load limit, manufacturer and material.
Does FMCSA approve individual straps?
No. FMCSA does not issue an approval stamp for individual straps. Compliance means the tiedown meets the Part 393 requirements, including a manufacturer-marked working load limit.