Cargo Securement (Flatbeds)
Online Course
About this course:
Open deck trailers demand special securement skills. The Cargo Securement (Flatbeds) focused course teaches you how to prevent forward, sideways and rearward movement by using proper tie‑down angles, corner and edge protection, header boards and friction mats. You’ll learn to tarp safely and secure everything from pipe and lumber to heavy equipment with confidence.
The course is for:
Designed for flatbed drivers, heavy equipment haulers, steel and lumber carriers and riggers responsible for oversize or irregular loads. Dispatch managers and load planners will also benefit from understanding flatbed requirements.
In this course you will learn:
Flatbed‑specific securement and inspection techniques
Tie‑down angles, corner protection and friction devices
Use of bulkheads, header boards and blocking
Safe tarping and untarping practices
Course Details:
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Format: Online, self-paced
Compliance: Uses the North American Cargo Securement Standard, National Safety Code Standard 10 and FMCSA rules to address the absence of sidewalls on flatbed trailers. Explains proper placement of tie‑downs, use of bulkheads and header boards, corner protection, friction devices and tarping techniques to meet performance criteria. Includes commodity‑specific requirements for vehicles, coils, boulders, machinery and logs.
Certificate: Printable certificate upon successful completion
Language: English
Frequently asked questions:
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Learn how to use blocking, support stands and tie‑downs arranged at specific angles to prevent rotation or forward movement. The course includes examples for equipment with tracks, wheels or irregular shapes.
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The course covers step‑by‑step tarping and untarping procedures to avoid falls and injuries, including using retractable tarping systems where available.
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Friction mats increase the coefficient of friction between the cargo and deck, reducing the number of tie‑downs required. You’ll learn how to use them under machinery and building materials.

