Logistic Straps and E Tracks: Essential Box Truck Tie Downs

The popular tie down system on semi trailers are E track tie down system, which consists of E Tracks and e track tie downs, E tracks come in with a few different length, such as 2′, 5′ and 10′, and there are two different flavors , horizontal and vertical. E Track tie downs have some varieties, there are e track cargo bars with e fittings at both ends, ratchet e track straps, cam buckle e track straps, rope tie offs, wood beam socket, they all have e fittings at the ends, and on the floor we have chocks for stop vehicles from moving. Of course all of these need to have E Tracks installed and secured on the trailers, let’s see how do we do that.

When it comes to the installation of E Tracks, the safety is our top  priority.

When you mount the E Track you will have to look for the wall studs on the trailer, we will focus on doing it on the wall but the same principle applies to the floor as well. The wall stud is basically a big channel with a couple of flat spots on top to attach the plywood to, we just have to do the same to the E Track and bridge two of them somehow, when you figure that out you can use screws to hold the E Track up, you will need deep threaded wood screws or tec screws to get the job done. Basically this is all about installing E Tracks on the wall, and you will have to make sure the E Track sit as flat as possible on the wood. The key to safety is to use screws with deep threads, and put a screw into every hole if it is possible, and run the E track as far as possible (length wise), this helps to spread the load out as far and even as possible. But keep in mind that the outside wall is 2 inches away, make sure the screws won’t go too far!

Before you call it a day, you need to test your e track for safety , just insert a 2”x16′ ratchet e track strap in the e track, use your hand or some other stuff to drag it hard to see if there are any cracks or easily spotted loose ends , if you do find problems please fix them before hauling away.