How Many Straps Do I Need? — Cargo Securement Tiedown Calculator (49 CFR 393)

Load Presets

Load Inputs

Cargo weight (lb) Total weight of the article being secured

Article length (ft) Longest dimension of the single article

Per-tiedown marked WLL (lb) Read the WLL stamped on the strap, chain, or binder

Length quick-adjust

40.0 ft

Drag to explore — length field stays in sync

Blocked against forward movement? On = article is immobilized forward by a headerboard, bulkhead, or other cargo. The minimum-count rule (§ 393.110) applies to the unblocked case; the aggregate-WLL rule (§ 393.106(d)) always applies.

Verdict — Minimum Tiedowns Required

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TIEDOWNS REQUIRED (BINDING MINIMUM)

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L = — ft — straps drawn

The governing math

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Reference — Minimum-Count Rule (49 CFR 393.110)

Minimum number of tiedowns for an article not blocked against forward movement. Your load lands in the highlighted row. This is the count floor only — the aggregate-WLL rule (§ 393.106(d)) can require more.

Article length	Article weight	Min. tiedowns

Source: FMCSA general cargo-securement standard — aggregate working-load-limit rule 49 CFR § 393.106 (aggregate WLL of tiedowns ≥ 50% of cargo weight, § 393.106(d)) and the minimum-count rule 49 CFR § 393.110, as summarized in the FMCSA Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement.

How this tool works

Cargo Securement Tiedown Calculator runs entirely in your browser. Inputs are evaluated with rules and constants taken from 49 CFR 393.106 / 393.110 (Freight & logistics). Nothing is uploaded to a server for the calculation itself.

Enter the values that match your load, vehicle, or scenario.
Results update live — treat them as a cited reference, not legal or professional advice.
Open the primary source linked at the top of this page before you rely on a number for compliance.

Use Copy link to share this page (including query parameters when the tool supports them) or Print for a dock/packet copy.

FAQ

Who is Cargo Securement Tiedown Calculator for?

Anyone who needs a fast, cited freight & logistics reference — especially operators who would otherwise dig through a handbook or regulation PDF mid-task.

Do I need an account?

No. Sentinel Tools are free, public, and run in your browser with no sign-up.

How current is the source?

The tool is built from 49 CFR 393.106 / 393.110. Regulations and agency tables can change — use the source link on this page to verify the latest official text.