Automobiles, Light Trucks, and Vans

Quick Answer

Automobiles, light trucks, and vans are covered by a federal commodity-specific section. Vehicle securement should account for movement, suspension, and attachment points.

Secure the vehicle, not just the tires

Vehicle loads bring suspension, steering, parking, and attachment questions. The federal section should be checked for the class of vehicle and the securement method being used.

Tiedowns should be routed to suitable points and checked again after the vehicle settles on the carrier. A vehicle can change position as suspension compresses, tires settle, or the deck angle changes.

Pickup condition questions

Before loading or accepting the unit, note whether it rolls, steers, brakes, leaks, has low tires, has loose parts, or has missing components that affect securement. These conditions can change how the unit is positioned and restrained.

Confirm whether the unit is running, inoperable, modified, lowered, lifted, or carrying extra parts. Do not assume a normal passenger-car pattern fits a vehicle with damaged suspension or altered attachment points.

Attachment point review

Look for attachment points that are intended for tiedown use and are not bent, hidden, rusted through, or blocked by body damage. Avoid treating trim, bumpers, suspension pieces, or cosmetic panels as securement points.

Check the full path of each chain or strap. Contact with tires, painted body panels, brake lines, wiring, or sharp metal can create damage or reduce the reliability of the setup.

Damage and inspection notes

Before pickup, document visible body damage, missing parts, low tires, broken glass, loose accessories, or conditions that affect securement. The goal is to preserve visible condition, not to assign responsibility.

At delivery, keep condition notes separate from securement notes. A scratch, dent, or missing part belongs in the condition record; a loose tiedown or shifted unit belongs in the securement record.

Common mistakes

Do not rely on tire straps, wheel chocks, or parking status alone without checking the current source section and carrier method. Do not skip a recheck just because the unit looked tight at loading.

Another common miss is focusing on the visible side while the far-side strap, hook, or anchor point is carrying the same securement burden.

What this page does not decide

This page does not approve a car-hauler method, choose attachment points for a particular vehicle model, or replace carrier procedures, manufacturer guidance, or professional training.

Source notes

This page maps to 49 CFR 393.128 and avoids stating vehicle-tie methods beyond the source summary.

Practical Notes

This topic carries elevated securement risk. Verify the current eCFR rule text, carrier policy, shipper requirements, manufacturer ratings, and the physical condition of every device before a truck moves.