Loading and Securing Heavy Equipment for Transport: What Every Shipper Should Know

Federal DOT Securement Requirements for Heavy Equipment

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes minimum securement standards under 49 CFR Part 393. For heavy equipment, the key requirements are:

• Working Load Limit (WLL): The aggregate WLL of all tie-down devices must equal at least 50% of the cargo weight. For a 40,000 lb excavator, the combined WLL of all chains must be at least 20,000 lbs.
• Minimum number of tie-downs: Equipment over 10,000 lbs requires a minimum of 4 tie-down points. Longer equipment (over 20 ft) requires additional tie-downs.
• Chain grade: Grade 70 transport chain is the minimum standard for heavy equipment securement. Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy chains provide higher WLL ratings and are preferred for heavier loads.
• Binder type: Lever binders and ratchet binders are both acceptable. Ratchet binders are preferred for heavy equipment because they maintain tension better over long hauls.

Manufacturer Tie-Down Points

Every piece of heavy equipment has manufacturer-designated tie-down points — typically reinforced lugs, hooks, or D-rings built into the frame. These are the ONLY acceptable attachment points for transport chains. Never attach chains to:

• Hydraulic cylinders or hoses
• Boom arms or stick arms on excavators
• Electrical conduits or wiring harnesses
• Counterweights (unless specifically designated)
• Bucket teeth or cutting edges

Attaching chains to non-designated points can damage the equipment and create false security — the attachment point may fail under load, allowing the machine to shift.

Trailer Deck Preparation

Before loading, the trailer deck should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Oil, grease, or mud on the deck reduces friction and increases the risk of load shifting. Many carriers use rubber mats or anti-slip material under equipment tracks or tires to increase friction and reduce the risk of movement during braking or cornering.

The trailer should be parked on flat, level ground for loading. Uneven ground can cause the equipment to shift during loading, creating a dangerous situation for the operator and the driver.

Loading Procedures by Equipment Type

Tracked Equipment (Excavators, Dozers, Compactors)

Tracked equipment is typically driven onto the trailer via the RGN gooseneck ramp or loading ramps. The machine should be centered on the trailer deck, with the tracks parallel to the trailer centerline. The bucket or blade should be lowered to the deck and the boom positioned in the transport configuration specified by the manufacturer. Tracks should be blocked front and rear with wheel chocks or timber blocking.

Wheeled Equipment (Wheel Loaders, Motor Graders, Telehandlers)

Wheeled equipment is driven onto the trailer and positioned with wheels chocked front and rear. Tires should be deflated slightly if the equipment is tall, to reduce overall transport height. The steering should be locked in the straight-ahead position, and the parking brake applied.

Non-Running Equipment

Non-running equipment must be loaded with a crane, forklift, or winch. The carrier must arrange appropriate loading equipment at the pickup location. Non-running machines cannot be steered or braked during loading, requiring extra care to position them correctly on the trailer deck.

Common Securement Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient chain WLL: Using chains with inadequate working load limits for the equipment weight.
• Improper attachment points: Attaching chains to hydraulic lines, boom arms, or other non-designated points.
• Loose binders: Binders that are not fully tightened allow chains to go slack during transit, reducing securement effectiveness.
• Failure to re-check: Chains should be re-checked after the first 50 miles of travel, as vibration can loosen binders.
• Boom not secured: On excavators, the boom and stick must be secured in the transport position — an unsecured boom can swing during transit.

What to Ask Your Carrier About Securement

When evaluating a heavy equipment carrier, ask these questions:

• What chain grade do you use for this equipment type?
• How many tie-down points will you use?
• Do you re-check chains after the first 50 miles?
• Do you have experience loading this specific type of equipment?
• Do you carry blocking and cribbing for non-standard load configurations?

A professional carrier should be able to answer these questions confidently and specifically. Vague answers are a red flag.

IronHaul Logistics uses Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy chains for all heavy equipment moves, with a minimum of 4 tie-down points on all loads over 10,000 lbs. Our drivers re-check securement after the first 50 miles on every load. Contact us at (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form to discuss your equipment transport needs.