A new flatbed driver walks into a truck stop and sees $3,000 of gear staring back at him. Straps in every size, chains in every grade, binders, bars, tarps, corner boards, specialty hooks — no instructions on what actually matters. Here's the real kit: what to buy first, what to skip, and what to keep as a spare so a busted hook doesn't shut down a load.
Straps — The Backbone of Every Load
Straps are your highest-use consumable. Buy quality, buy enough, and plan to replace them on a schedule.
- 8–10 winch straps, 4-inch × 30 feet, flat hooks: These are your workhorses. Wide enough for most freight, long enough for most flatbed widths. Flat hooks slide easily into winch slots.
- 4 ratchet straps, 4-inch × 30 feet, chain anchor ends: For anchor points that a winch strap hook can't reach — D-rings, tie-down rails at awkward angles, or loads that need a ratchet for fine tension control.
- 4 ratchet straps, 2-inch: Light loads, supplemental tie-downs on mixed freight, securing tarps and loose gear. Don't use 2-inch straps where 4-inch is required by load weight.
Start with this base. As you learn your typical freight, adjust quantities and lengths accordingly.
Chains — For Heavy Freight
When you're hauling steel coils, machinery, pipe, or any load that would cut or abrade a strap, G70 transport chain is the answer.
- 4 lengths of 3/8" G70 chain, 20 feet each, with clevis grab hooks: The most versatile chain length for standard flatbed work. Covers most tie-down scenarios with room to loop and hook.
- 2 lengths of 1/2" G70 chain: For ultra-heavy loads where 3/8" doesn't meet your aggregate WLL requirement. Keep these as overflow capacity, not daily use.
Buy all chain pre-cut to length or cut to size yourself with a bolt cutter at the yard. Uncut bulk chain gives you flexibility to cut exactly what each job needs.
Binders — One Per Chain
Match your chain binders to your chain size. Every chain needs a binder to tension it — there's no workaround.
- 4 ratchet binders, rated for 3/8"–1/2" chain: Ratchet binders for everyday use — safer, easier to learn, and better for long-haul loads where you want consistent tension without whip-back risk.
- 2 lever binders (optional): For experienced drivers on quick local jobs where speed matters. Not recommended for new drivers or cold-weather operation.
Winch Bars — Always Carry a Spare
You need two. Not one.
- 2 combination winch bars, 40-inch, ergonomic coated handle: 40 inches gives you the leverage to crank down even a loaded winch strap without killing your wrist. Yellow-handled models are worth it — easy to spot on the deck at 5 AM.
A winch bar can get left at a loading dock, kicked off the trailer, or snapped on a frozen winch. Carry two. The second one costs $25 and has saved more loads than you'd think.
Corner Protectors — Protect the Strap, Protect the Rating
Every strap that runs over a hard edge needs a corner protector. No exceptions.
- Bulk 50-pack V-board, 8-inch wide: For general freight, palletized loads, and any cargo with a defined edge. Disposable — buy in bulk so you're never rationing them.
- 4–6 steel corner protectors: For steel coils, I-beams, and any load where a V-board would compress and fail. One-time investment, keeps forever.
Tarps and Bungees
Many loads require tarping under federal or customer requirements. Start with the basics:
- 2 lumber tarps (24' × 27' or similar): For palletized freight, lumber, building materials, and general cargo protection. Lumber tarps have a drop that covers the sides of the load.
- 1 steel tarp (20' × 20' or similar): Lighter and easier to handle for metal loads. Doesn't need to cover sides the way a lumber tarp does.
- Pack of 50 rubber bungee cords (21" or 31"): For securing tarp edges, bundling loose gear, and a dozen other daily uses. Buy a bulk pack and stop worrying about running out.
Specialty Accessories — Add as Your Loads Require
Don't buy specialty gear before you know you need it. As your freight mix stabilizes, add these:
- Coil racks: Required for steel coils to prevent lateral roll. If you haul coils, you need them. If you don't, skip them.
- Pipe stakes: For pipe, rebar, lumber, and long cylindrical loads. Fit into the stake pockets on most flatbeds.
- Tire wheel straps / axle straps: For vehicle transport. Purpose-specific — no substitute.
Browse the full cargo accessories catalog when you're ready to expand beyond the basics.
Tools and Safety Gear
These aren't cargo securement tools — they're the gear that gets you home:
- Heavy gloves: Chain and strap work shreds bare hands. Leather or cut-resistant gloves, always.
- Reflective safety vest: Required at most loading docks and during roadside stops.
- Hard hat: For facilities that require it — many steel mills and industrial sites do.
- Pry bar: For unseating cargo that's shifted, breaking loose frozen strap hooks, and general leverage work on the deck.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Pre-trip and post-trip inspection at dark terminals happens more than it should.
- Wheel chocks: Required at many facilities, good practice everywhere.
- Spare hooks and repair parts: A flat hook with a bent tip doesn't strand you — if you carry a spare. Keep 4–6 spare flat hooks and J-hooks in the truck box.
What to Skip on Day One
Buy what you need. Don't build a collection you'll never use.
- Custom-cut chain: Buy uncut bulk chain and cut to size as you learn your exact needs. Custom lengths seem efficient — they're actually inflexible.
- Specialty straps before you know your loads: Car hauler straps, coil straps, pipe bunks — wait until you're running those loads regularly before investing in dedicated gear.
- Single-purpose accessories for freight you don't haul: The goal is a tight, versatile kit — not a complete catalog. Add depth as your operation demands it.
Build your flatbed kit at Elohim USA — bulk pricing on straps, chain, binders, and corner protectors, with fast shipping from Houston.