Learn FMCSA coil securement rules under 49 CFR 393.120, proper chain and binder placement, coil orientation, blocking and bracing, and how to avoid common violations.
return ( Why Coil Securement Matters Steel coils are one of the most dangerous commodities hauled on flatbed trailers.
A single coil can weigh anywhere from 5,000 to 50,000 pounds, and an improperly secured coil that shifts or rolls during transit can be catastrophic.
Coils that come loose in accidents have caused fatalities.
The FMCSA takes coil securement seriously — it is one of the most inspected and most cited cargo securement categories during roadside inspections.
The specific rules for metal coils are found in 49 CFR 393.120 , which supplements the general cargo securement requirements in 49 CFR 393.100-393.118.
This guide covers the key requirements and practical steps for securing coils on a flatbed.
Types of Coils You Will Haul Hot-rolled steel coils: The most common.
Typically 10,000-50,000 lbs each.
Rough surface texture provides some friction.
Cold-rolled steel coils: Smoother surface, more prone to sliding.
Require extra attention to friction and blocking.
Aluminum coils: Lighter but larger diameter.
Slit coils: Narrower coils produced by slitting a master coil.
Often shipped multiple coils per load.
Coil Orientation: Eye to the Sky vs Eye to the Side The orientation of the coil's eye (the hole in the center) determines which securement rules apply.
This is the most fundamental decision in coil securement.
Eye to the Sky (Eye Vertical) The coil sits on its flat side with the eye pointing straight up.
This is the most stable position because the coil's weight is evenly distributed on its widest surface.
Under 49 CFR 393.120, eye-to-the-sky coils require: The coil must be placed in a coil rack, cradle, or on wedges/chocks that prevent it from rolling For coils up to 5,000 lbs: at least one tiedown attached to the vehicle going through the eye of the coil, plus blocking or friction material to prevent horizontal movement For coils over 5,000 lbs: at least two tiedowns going through the eye, plus adequate blocking Eye to the Side (Eye Horizontal) The coil sits on its curved surface with the eye pointing to the side.
This position is inherently less stable because the coil wants to roll.
The securement requirements are more stringent: Each coil must be secured with a minimum of three tiedowns — one across the top and two forming an X pattern or V pattern through or around the coil For coils individually weighing over 5,000 lbs, each must be secured individually with its own set of tiedowns The coil must be prevented from rolling in both forward and rearward directions Blocking, cradles, or chocks are required to prevent rolling Eye-to-the-side is inherently riskier than eye-to-the-sky.
If you have the option, always prefer eye-to-the-sky orientation.
Some shippers will load coils eye-to-the-side due to space constraints or coil dimensions — know the additional securement requirements before you accept the load.
Coil Racks, Cradles, and Chocks Coil Racks A coil rack is a metal frame that bolts to the trailer .
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