
5 Pieces of Flatbed Trailer Equipment Every Driver Should Have
Flatbed Trailer Essentials to Keep You Running Smoothly
Being a flatbed trailer owner, you know there is not much your trailer cannot hold. Your load is exposed, and you need the equipment to hold it down tight while protecting it from abrasions or damage. Whether you're a new flatbed truck driver or pro, we carry supplies that help you deliver your cargo load safely and on time.
Transport Chain and Binders
When it comes to hauling heavy machinery, steel, or other high-weight cargo, chain and binders are your go-to tools for strength and security. Grade 70 transport chain is built with strength in mind, offering high working load limits and durability that outlasts weather, abrasion, and repeated use.
Pair that with reliable ratchet or lever binders, and you get precise tension control to lock down your load and meet DOT securement standards. Ratchet binders offer controlled tensioning with less risk of kickback, while lever binders provide quick application for experienced users.
Together, chain and binders form a trusted system that you can rely on, trip after trip.
Browse our high-quality selection of transport chain and chain binders
Tarps
Tarps are one of the best ways to protect your cargo load. We carry heavy-duty tarps that fight against elements such as rain and snow. Not only can they combat certain weather situations, but these tarp covers can also prevent scratches and marks on your precious cargo. These truck tarps contain two or three rows of d-rings across the length of the tarp, so the tarp can be tied down firmly to the truck bed. Some of the different types of tarps we carry are lumber tarps, steel tarps, machinery tarps, smoke and nose tarps, and more.
We even create custom flatbed tarps at our facility in Urbana, IA. In this video, Adam explains how our team creates long-lasting custom tarps at your convenience.
Corner Protectors & Vee Boards
Corner protectors are an inexpensive way to protect your cargo. Not only can they protect your cargo from being smashed or damaged, but these guards can also protect your straps, chains, and tarps. They are designed to protect the tarp material from any ripping or abrasions caused by sharp corners. The purpose behind these corner guards is providing a layer between the cargo and the strap or chain, which decreases the pressure on the load from the strap/chain.
Learn more about which corner protector to use for your cargo.
Browse all of the corner protectors available from US Cargo Control
Fun fact: the plastic corner protectors can extend the life of your ratchet straps by reducing rubbing.
Winch Straps & Ratchet Straps
Both ratchet straps and winch straps work well for heavy tie down applications for the trucking industry. The only differences are in how to tighten the straps, and what type of lock the two straps carry.
When using the ratchet strap, you slide the strap to the spool, bring it back over on itself, and pull the strap. After this, you can start to ratchet and repeatedly crank the lever until the load is tightened. Both tie-down types are available with a flat hook, wire hook, chain extension, or grab hook.
We carry many colors like red, green, blue, and yellow so you can recognize what strap you are using, as well as matching your company or vehicle's colors.
D-rings
A D-ring is a piece of hardware shaped like the letter D, that can connect to the strap or be mounted directly to your flatbed trailer to secure your cargo. D-rings and straps are a flexible way to supply a trailer with many tie-down points to secure the cargo load. We carry many different styles of d-rings, and we have d-ring parts and accessories that allow you to customize your trailer configuration.
Quality Equipment from U.S. Cargo Control
Safe and compliant flatbed trailer securement should always be your goal. At US Cargo Control, we provide high-quality flatbed trailer equipment to keep your cargo safe and secured during transit.