# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Safety

How to Secure Heavy Equipment to a Truck for Transportation

The way that you secure heavy equipment to a truck is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration division. In general, these rules describe the minimum restraint requirements for transporting loads in trucks or commercial tractor trailers. You can read the full requirements by visiting the site listed in the References section, but there are some general safety requirements that are relevant, no matter what kind of load you are carrying. Following these guidelines can help prevent serious injury and possible equipment damage.

Chock Blocks
Chains or Straps with Ratchet Load Binders
Tie-Down Straps or Bungee Cords

Instructions

- 1
  Put the vehicle in park. Secure the parking brake. Place chock blocks behind the vehicle's wheels.
- 2
  Load the truck, being sure to balance the load across the truck's cargo area as much as possible.
- 3
  Secure all heavy equipment items to the truck bed with chains or ratchet load binders, tightening them until the equipment does not move in any direction. A minimum of one restraint is required for each item under five feet long and heavier than 1,100 lbs in weight or for an item between five and 10 feet long, regardless of the weight. See the References section for a link to full restraint requirements.
- 4
  Secure all gasoline tanks, tools, and smaller equipment with bungee cords or tie-down straps.
- 5
  Remove the chock blocks. Drive the vehicle for a short distance then stop and check the restraints. Tighten or increase tie-downs where necessary before continuing to travel.