Glossary
Blocking
Blocking is material or a structure placed to resist cargo movement in a specific direction.
Plain-English Meaning
Blocking is used to stop sliding, rolling, or shifting. It may be wood, vehicle structure, cargo stops, chocks, or other approved materials depending on the load and trailer.
Good blocking has to be strong enough, placed in the right direction, and supported by the trailer or cargo structure that can handle the force.
The inspection question is direction: what movement is the block resisting, and what keeps the block from moving too?
In day-to-day freight work, the safest use of the term is narrow and factual. Confirm the current rule, equipment rating, shipment condition, and company procedure before using any glossary definition for a live securement decision.
Watchouts
- Loose blocks can become useless.
- Blocking should not damage freight or trailer structure.
- The movement direction should be clear.
- Do not mistake a spacer for blocking unless it is built and placed to resist movement.
Related Terms
Primary Sources / References
Last reviewed:
- FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · official · reliability: high
- 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I - Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · regulation · reliability: high