There are two accepted methods for securing a load. Direct and Indirect.
Shown here is Direct Securement:
Here is an example of Indirect securement with only half WLL:
True Indirect securement for full WLL would show the chain going from one side of the trailer to the other side.
True Indirect securement for full WLL would show the chain going from one side of the trailer to the other side.
Direct securement is a method where the securement device goes from the trailer to the load.
Indirect is a method where the securement device goes from the trailer, through or over the load and then back to the trailer.
Direct securement reduces the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the securement device by half as it doesn't spread the force of the tie down to the entire tie down. This method will put the entire load securement of the tie down point the device is tied to onto one tie down point on the trailer.
Indirect securement allows the entire WLL of the securement device to be used on the tie down point it is tied to, over, or through as long as it goes from one side of the trailer to the other.
Over time there will be pictures on here of different tie down methods as well as explanations as to why those methods were chosen and how they hold up during transit.
4 comments:
I'm going to haul my vehicle this coming sunday and I really need some information about direct and indirect tie down because it's my first time to haul heavy equipment and your blog gave me some ideas about it. Thank you for sharing!
Heavy Equipment Hauling
center of trl floor,over/through article, back down to seperate tiedown.both tiedowns rated.direct or in direct?
Unknown, if your chain or strap is going from one tie down point, through or over the article, and then to a separate tie down point, this would be indirect. Like the picture with the yellow ratchet binder above. It doesn't matter where the tie down point is, so long as it's rated.
This is a really clear breakdown of direct vs. indirect securement, especially the reminder about how WLL changes depending on the method. A lot of people overlook how much force gets concentrated on a single point with direct tie downs, and it’s usually not obvious until something shifts during transport. I’ve had a few situations moving equipment where switching from direct to indirect made a huge difference in stability, especially when using my trailer chains and binders. Running them from one side of the trailer to the other always felt more balanced and gave me more confidence on rough roads.
I’m looking forward to the examples you’ll be posting over time. Real-world photos of different methods in action help more than any written guide, especially for newer operators trying to understand why certain choices matter. This kind of practical explanation goes a long way in keeping loads and people safe.
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