Having the best securement solutions for your shipment needs is imperative to getting your cargo loads to their destinations on time and fully intact. With so many options, it’s challenging to understand which one meets your needs best.

Check out our short exploration of cargo load bars and ratchet straps—two of the most prominent securement tools—to discover their purposes and differences.

What Are Cargo Load Bars?

Knowing the difference between cargo load bars and ratchet straps requires understanding what they are and what they do. Cargo load bars are simple yet effective securement solutions for truckers. These small bars fit between the floor and ceiling or between the sidewalls of a truck trailer. More specifically, they’re ratchet devices with steel tubing and rubber feet made to fit the inner dimensions of a freight truck snugly.

What Are They Used For?

There is a chance that cargo will move or fall over during any trip. Obviously, this can result in damaged goods, which is not great for business. That’s where cargo load bars come in. As previously mentioned, truckers use these devices as a securement solution.

Cargo load bars keep shipments in place during transit so that nothing shakes loose or shifts around. Load bars provide bracing to reduce the amount of motion in a trailer regardless of what happens on the road.

What Are Ratchet Straps?

Ratchet straps—like load bars—are another securement solution used by freighters. These supportive devices, also known as tie-downs or lashing straps, are a popular strategy for holding shipments of all different shapes, sizes, and weights. They fasten and secure cargo and equipment in a truck trailer that could shift or fall over during a trip.

Made from hard-wearing, durable polyester materials, these devices are fit for travel via land, air, or sea. The webbing in the fabric produces durable straps, making them even more effective for keeping goods in place.

What Are They Used For?

We know ratchet straps secure cargo loads, but it might surprise you to learn how versatile these devices are. Instead of only seeing use in truck trailers, you can use these straps for a variety of different reasons, including:

• Vehicle recovery
• Vehicle transportation
• Transport of heavy machinery
• Strapping cargo on a boat, plane, or truck

You can also use ratchet straps for personal use, like strapping a kayak and other supplies to the roof of your car. Ratchet straps are undoubtedly a tool you’ll want to have in your securement arsenal.

What’s the Difference?

Now that you understand each of these tools’ purposes, we must go over the difference between cargo load bars and ratchet straps. Firstly, cargo load bars are specially made to fit the dimensions of a truck trailer. Secondly, they’re an appropriate choice if you’re dealing with truck freight. However, ratchet straps are much more versatile and can effectively secure goods via air, land, or sea. Plus, you can use them to recover and transport vehicles safely.

The most significant difference between the two is the sort of cargo they can secure. Both are effective securement solutions, so it depends on what needs securing and where. Luckily, we have a wide selection of both available at Logistick, Inc. Give us a call today to learn more.