FMCSA Cargo Securement Checklist for Automobile Transporters

A consistent car hauler cargo securement checklist helps carriers, dispatchers, drivers, and fleet safety managers create the same review process for every load. Use this checklist as an operational aid—not as a substitute for the current regulation, qualified safety procedures, or the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Pre-load equipment condition

Complete this review before loading vehicles. The purpose is to identify damaged, weakened, or improperly functioning components before they become part of the securement system.

• Check the trailer, ramps, decks, wheel restraints, anchor points, tiedowns, chains, straps, hooks, winches, and other securement components used for the move.
• Remove from service any component that is damaged, weakened, or otherwise unable to perform its intended securement function.
• Confirm that tiedowns and other components can be attached and secured so they do not become loose, unfasten, open, or release during transit.
• Use edge protection wherever a tiedown may be exposed to abrasion or cutting where it contacts the vehicle or another cargo surface.
• Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, use, capacity, and replacement. Do not rely on an unverified rating or assumed securement method.

2. Vehicle positioning and load setup

Position each automobile, light truck, or van according to the carrier’s qualified loading procedure and the equipment instructions. Before securement is considered complete, confirm that the vehicle is placed as intended and that the loading arrangement does not create avoidable movement or contact risks.

• Confirm that each vehicle is fully positioned on the assigned deck or loading location before applying securement.
• Check clearances around tires, body panels, ramps, decks, doors, mirrors, and adjacent vehicles.
• Make sure the loading arrangement does not leave a vehicle able to roll, shift, or contact another vehicle during normal transit conditions.
• If the cargo or equipment requires blocking, chocking, or another restraint, use only the method specified by the current requirements and qualified operating procedures.
• Do not guess at tiedown counts, working-load limits, anchor-point use, or securement techniques. Confirm the applicable requirements for the specific vehicle and trailer configuration.

3. Securement inspection before departure

The driver or other qualified person should inspect the completed automobile transporter securement before the vehicle moves. The inspection should verify both the condition of the components and the overall arrangement.

• Confirm that every required securement component is attached, tightened, closed, and positioned as intended.
• Check that tiedowns and other components are protected from conditions that could cause cutting, abrasion, crushing, loosening, or release.
• Verify that securement components are located appropriately on trailers equipped with rub rails when that placement is practicable.
• Inspect for contact between tiedowns and vehicle surfaces that could cause damage during transit.
• Compare the completed load with the current 49 CFR 393.128 requirements for automobiles, light trucks, and vans and with the equipment instructions.
• Document the load review, exceptions, corrective actions, and release decision using the carrier’s normal recordkeeping process.

4. Driver responsibility

The driver should not assume that loading personnel, a shipper, or a previous driver completed the final review. Before departure, the driver should understand the load arrangement, identify any unresolved concern, and stop the trip until the concern is addressed.

• Review available load and equipment information before leaving the loading location.
• Do not operate when a securement component is damaged, loose, improperly positioned, or inconsistent with the applicable requirements or equipment instructions.
• Escalate uncertain conditions to the carrier’s safety manager, maintenance contact, or another qualified person.
• Record who performed the review and what corrective action was taken when the carrier’s process requires that information.

5. En-route rechecks

A securement inspection does not end when the trailer leaves the yard. Build rechecks into the trip plan and perform them whenever the carrier’s procedures, the equipment instructions, or the operating conditions call for additional review.

• Recheck tiedowns, hooks, winches, anchor connections, edge protection, wheel restraints, and other components for loosening, damage, or movement.
• Inspect after conditions that may affect the load or securement system, including loading adjustments, significant road vibration, unusual movement, or a stop where the driver observes a concern.
• Correct and document any issue before continuing.
• Report vehicle damage, equipment damage, or repeated securement problems so the carrier can review the loading procedure and equipment condition.

6. Commodity-specific rule to confirm

FMCSA identifies automobiles, light trucks, and vans weighing 10,000 pounds or less individually as a commodity category covered by 49 CFR 393.128. Vehicles above that individual weight threshold are addressed under the rules for heavy vehicles, equipment, and machinery. Because commodity-specific requirements can add detail beyond general cargo-securement rules, confirm which rule applies to every vehicle before loading.

Keep the record trail organized

TruckTA can help organize load, driver, equipment, and document records connected to a trip. It does not physically inspect cargo, evaluate tiedown condition, or certify that a load is properly secured. Use TruckTA to keep the administrative record organized while drivers and qualified personnel follow current FMCSA rules, equipment instructions, and approved safety procedures.

FAQ

Does this checklist replace 49 CFR 393.128?

No. This checklist supports a repeatable operational review. Carriers and drivers should verify the current text of 49 CFR 392.9 and 393.128, determine which requirements apply to the specific load, and follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Can TruckTA certify automobile transporter securement?

No. TruckTA organizes load, driver, equipment, and document records. Physical inspection, securement decisions, and certification remain the responsibility of the carrier and qualified personnel following applicable requirements and procedures.

For related recordkeeping and fleet workflows, review the Car Hauling Recordkeeping Checklist and the Car-Hauling Equipment Checklist.