Complete guide to hauling pipe and tubular products on a flatbed — securement requirements under 49 CFR 393.118, pipe racks, blocking and bracing, chaining bundles, and safety practices for PVC, steel, and concrete pipe loads.
return ( Overview of Pipe Hauling Pipe is one of the most common flatbed commodities and one of the most dangerous when improperly secured.
Pipes are round, which means they want to roll.
Pipes are long, which means they can shift forward during braking with tremendous force.
Pipes come in bundles, which means individual pieces can work loose from the group.
A pipe that comes off a flatbed at highway speed is a lethal projectile.
The FMCSA has specific securement rules for pipe in 49 CFR 393.118 .
These are not suggestions — they are federal requirements, and violations result in CSA points and out-of-service orders.
This guide covers the regulatory requirements, practical techniques, and safety considerations for hauling pipe safely and legally on a flatbed trailer.
Types of Pipe You Will Haul Steel pipe: The most common.
Comes in various diameters from 1 inch to 48+ inches.
Very heavy — weight adds up fast.
Steel pipe is rigid and holds its shape during transport.
PVC/HDPE pipe: Lighter than steel but comes in large diameters (up to 60+ inches).
More flexible, which creates different securement challenges.
PVC can crack if chains are overtightened.
Concrete/clay pipe: Heavy, brittle, and relatively short sections.
Requires careful handling to prevent cracking and breaking.
Copper and specialty pipe: Higher value, smaller quantities.
Often requires extra protection against surface damage.
Drill pipe and casing: Oil field pipe — often very long, heavy, and hauled in large quantities to remote locations.
49 CFR 393.118 — Pipe Securement Requirements The federal regulations distinguish between different pipe loading configurations.
Here are the key requirements: Pipe Loaded Crosswise (Perpendicular to the Trailer) The pipe must be restrained against forward, rearward, and lateral movement Pipe longer than the trailer width must not extend more than 3 feet beyond the sides of the trailer (or conform to state oversize requirements) Blocking is required on each side to prevent lateral rolling Tiedowns are required to prevent the pipe from rolling off the trailer Pipe Loaded Lengthwise (Parallel to the Trailer) This is the most common configuration.
The requirements under 393.118 for lengthwise pipe loads: Blocking: The front and rear ends of each layer or tier must be blocked or restrained to prevent forward and rearward movement.
If the pipe does not rest against the headerboard, front blocking must prevent forward movement.
Lateral restraint: The pipe must be prevented from rolling sideways off the trailer.
This can be accomplished with side stakes, pipe stakes, or tiedowns that contact the top of the pipe and prevent lateral movement.
Tiedowns: A minimum of one tiedown for every 10 feet of pipe length.
For example, a 40-foot pipe load needs at least 4 tiedowns.
Stacked layers: Each layer above the first must have tiedowns that secure it to the layer below and/or to the trailer.
Pipes stacked in multiple tiers must have b.
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