What is securement?

Securement refers to the process of properly fastening and securing cargo or equipment to a vehicle (such as a truck, train, or ship) to prevent it from shifting, tipping over or falling off during transportation. Securement is important for safety reasons as unsecured cargo can pose a risk to other drivers, cause road accidents or damage to the vehicle and the cargo itself. Regulations exist for securement in different industries such as DOT, FMCSA, and IMO set standards for safe transport. Securement methods and devices used depend on the type of cargo being transported but can include straps, chains, binders, ropes, and braces, as well as specialized equipment for items such as hazardous materials. Proper securement requires training and certification for workers who manage loading and unloading cargo from vehicles.