Beginner’s Guide to E-Track and E-Track Accessories
Transporting cargo from point A to point B requires the right equipment. If you've ever hauled items in an enclosed trailer, cargo van, or flatbed, you know how quickly unsecured cargo can shift, tip, or become damaged during transport.
This is where E-track systems and accessories come in.
E-track is widely used across the trucking, transportation, and moving industries because of its ease of installation, versatility, and durable design. Once the rails are installed, a variety of accessories snap directly into the track to secure cargo, organize equipment, and even create shelving inside a trailer.
If you're new to E-track, start with our E-Track 101 guide to learn how the system works. In this guide, we'll focus on the essential E-track accessories and components that help build a complete cargo securement system.
What is an E-Track System and What are The Essential Components?
E-track is a cargo securement system that makes tying down your cargo easier. It’s often used in partially filled spaces to prevent items from shifting during transit. Still, vehicles such as trailers, shipping containers, cargo vans, moving vans, flatbeds, enclosed semi-trailers, and other logistics applications are ideal for utilizing an E-track System. Its incredible versatility can create horizontal, vertical, lateral, and radial constraints. This allows you to tie down a wide range of cargo.
To understand how an E-track system works, read our E-Track 101 guide
Essential E-Track Components and Accessories
An E-track system transforms into a powerful securement tool when paired with the right equipment. The most common components include...
- E-Track Rails
- E-Track Tie Down Straps
- E-Track Load Bars and Shoring Beams
- E-Track Fittings and Anchors
- E-Track Hooks and Tool Holders
- E-Track Storage Accessories
- E-Track Kits
E-Track Rails
E-track rails are the foundation of the entire system. These rails mount to the walls or floors of a trailer, van, or truck and feature evenly spaced slots designed to accept E-fittings.
Most rails are made of high-strength 12-gauge steel, providing excellent durability for demanding cargo securment applications.
There are two types of tracks, horizontal E-Track and vertical E-Track.
Horizontal E-Track
Horizontal E-track contains slots that run perpendicular to the rail, spaced approximately 2" apart. This design allows more tie-down points per foot and is commonly used for trailer walls and floors, cargo vans, and flatbed trailers.
They’re most commonly used for flatbeds and trailers to haul cargo that doesn’t take up dead space. However, they can provide numerous tie-down points for cars, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and palletized cargo.
- Read more on How to Tie Down ATVs Using Ratchet Straps.
Vertical E-Track
Vertical E-track contains slots that run parallel with the rail and is commonly used in enclosed trailers where cargo heights tend to vary.
Vertical rails are frequently used with E-track shoring beams to create decking or a second level of cargo storage space.
Learn more about the differences between horizontal and vertical rails in our guide to Horizontal vs. Vertical E-Track.
Watch: What's the Difference Between Vertical & Horizontal E-Track?
E-Track Tie Down Straps
E-track straps are one of the most commonly used accessories in an E-track system. These straps feature spring-loaded E-fittings that snap directly into E-track rail slots, allowing for quick tie-down points anywhere E-track rail is mounted.
Most E-track straps are made with 2" polyester webbing designed for durability and strength. They are also generally color-coded by length for easy identification:
Each E-track strap has a rated capacity and working load limit (WLL), so you’re able to decide which strap is best for your application.
- Learn more about the differences between Working Load Limit, Breaking Strength, and Safety Factor.
There are two main types of E-track straps to consider: Ratchet straps and cam buckle straps.
Ratchet Straps
E-track ratchet straps use a ratcheting mechanism that allows you to tighten the strap with leverage. This makes them ideal for securing heavier loads, such as palletized cargo or heavy machinery.
Because they allow higher tension, ratchet straps typically offer higher WLLs. US Cargo Control E-track ratchet straps offer a 1,467 lb. WLL.
Cam Buckle Straps
E-track cam buckle straps rely on manual tension rather than mechanical leverage. They are easier to adjust and release, making them well-suited for lighter or fragile cargo where over-tightening could cause damage.
US Cargo Control's E-track cam buckle straps offer an 833 lb. WLL.
E-Track Load Bars and Shoring Beams
Shoring Beams (also known as E-track load bars) are designed to lock into E-track rails on opposite trailer walls to create a solid barrier that helps prevent cargo from shifting during transport. Using load bars (in place of tiedowns) at multiple levels in your enclosed trailer will provide superior strength in bending and friction strength.
You can use shoring beams to create decking or shelving systems inside enclosed trailers by installing multiple shoring beams at the same height and laying plywood across them.
US Cargo Control carries both steel and aluminum E-track load bars, adjustable from 85 inches to 104 inches.
- Learn more about E-Track Shoring Beams vs. Cargo Bars.
Watch: How to Use E-Track & Shoring Beams to Create Decking
E-Track Fittings and Anchor Points
E-track fittings allow accessories that may not be E-track compatible to connect to the rail system. Common fittings include...
O-Ring and D-Ring Fittings
These fittings provide a durable anchor point for connecting S-hooks, snap hooks, chain, and other straps.
E-Track Rope Tie-Offs
Rope tie-offs allow you to secure cargo using rope or cordage when a full strap is not available.
Spring E-Track Fittings
These fittings are the metal part that snaps into the E-track rail without the attached strap, allowing you to create your own custom strap that fits right in.
Roller Idler Fittings
These adjustable fittings are used in multi-point restraint systems, such as vehicle tie-down applications
Wood End Sockets for E-Track
These fittings are used to create your own shoring beams. Using two of these and a 2x4 piece of lumber, you have a DIY shoring beam for your enclosed trailer.
E-Track Hooks, Tool Holders, and Storage Bins
E-track hooks are a convenient way to organize tools, straps, and equipment inside trailers or work vans.
Common hook accessories include:
These accessories help organize equipment and reduce clutter and trip hazards inside trailers.
E-Track Kits
If you're just getting started with E-track, a complete E-track kit is an easy way to ensure you're getting everything you need. Kits include rails, straps, fittings, and even other accessories.
These kits are designed to provide a ready-to-install solution for common cargo securement applications.
- Read more: 9 E-Track Kits to Help You Tie Down Your Trailer.
Build Your Complete E-Track System
With the right combination of rails, straps, fittings, and accessories, an E-track system can revolutionize how you haul cargo. Whether you're hauling equipment, motorcycles, or palletized freight, E-track provides a flexible cargo securement solution that adapts to your needs.
Explore our full selection of E-track rails, straps, fittings, and accessories, or contact our product experts if you need help choosing the right equipment.
Learn More about E-Track
- E-Track 101
- How to Install E-Track
- What's The Difference Between L-Track and E-Track?
- How to Set Up E-Track For Trailers
