What Are Tie-Down Straps?

Automobiles are one of the landmark technological breakthroughs of the last few centuries. Thanks to them, people no longer have to travel long distances on foot or on a wagon driven by a horse. Of course, vehicles are not only useful for ferrying people as they are also often used to transport cargo across the country and even around the world.

With that said, an interstate—let alone inter-country—journey will prove to be bumpy for just about any cargo. Can you imagine the horror of ordering something online and receiving the package to find a smashed or broken product inside?

Fortunately, most transporters use what are called tie-down straps to keep crates and other cargo in place during delivery. These straps are basically fasteners made from a variety of materials and treated with vinyl to reinforce their strength. At either ends are hooks which are latched to the base of flatbeds, pallets and even E-track systems to strap down items.

Sometimes, a tie-down strap comes only in one piece, which are called loop straps (though you could connect several together for greater holding ability). Other variants also have a ratcheting mechanism that pulls one end of the strap towards the other. These products can provide better strapping while preventing damage to the straps themselves since the object would not rub against the strap as much.