5 Types of Cargo Bars & Load Locks for Trucks

Having a secure load makes for a good route. Most truckers live by this slogan and try to practice good cargo security. Tools like Cargo Bars balance the trailer or truck bed and prevent your materials from falling onto the road. These steel and aluminum truck load bars can secure any type of cargo such as luggage, barrels, boxes, and even the groceries you brought from the Market. These devices typically fall into two categories, which are load bars and load locks.

Types Of Load Locks & Load Bars For Trucks

In today’s blog, we’ll the five main types of semi-truck cargo bars: Ratcheting, Pickup, Jack Load Lock Bars, Shoring Beams, and Hoop Load Bars.

1. Ratcheting Cargo Bar

One of the most common lock bars truckers use is the Ratcheting Cargo Bar. This load bar features a ratcheting mechanism and a strong anti-slip grip that’ll lock it in place over your trailer’s walls. They’re great for all types of jobs, such as securing the freight inside your enclosed trailers, the cargo on pallets, and goods within a shipping container. The installation process only takes minutes. Simply lift the ratchet handle and open it completely to extend the bar. Start ratcheting it down until the bars hold over your trailer’s walls are nice and tight. You’ll be ready to hit the road.

2. Pickup Bar

As the name suggests, this cargo bar is designed specifically for pickup truck beds. The steel construction of a Pickup Bar can hold up nicely against the impact of your heavy machinery, furniture, ATVs, and even your groceries. You should always measure the width of your truck bed to ensure this pickup cargo bar will be compatible with it. You can even buy the matching storage net to provide extra security for your smaller cargo.

Similar to the Ratcheting Bar, they also have an easy installation process. Simply, place the bar between the sides of your truck bed. Extend or shorten it to accommodate the truck bed’s width. Once it fits snugly against the walls of your truck bed, simply twist and tighten the bar. Then you’re ready to go!

3. Shoring Beams

Next on our list comes the Adjustable Decking Shoring Beams, which are also referred to as E-Track Loading Bars because of their E-track end fittings. These locking load bars are an extremely durable, versatile, and adjustable class of loading bars. They’re often used to create what’s called a “Decking System,” which establishes shelves within your trailer to use for extra storage space for your cargo.

To install them, attach the E-Track end fittings on both ends of the shoring beam to the matching E-Track railing inside your enclosed trailer. Then adjust your shore beam to accommodate the width of your enclosed trailer and stabilize your cargo. It’s as simple as that.

Also Read: Must-Have E-Track Accessories For Better Cargo Securement

4. Hoop Load Bars

On the other hand, this hoop cargo bar comes with a unique feature; large metal hoops. This additional part helps the Hoop Load Bar extend its coverage and provides greater protection for your cargo that’s susceptible to shifting. These load-locking bars have a rectangular shape that’s designed to stabilize loads like large boxes. They can also be welded or bolted on. Particularly, bolting them on allows you to easily remove them if you need to create storage space in your trailer or dry van.

5. Jack Load Lock Bars

A Jack Load Lock Bar is great to use when you need to hit the road fast. Unlike some of the other load locks for trucks, it uses a jack to apply pressure to help secure the bar in place. Simply pump the bar’s handle to help extend it. This will create tension and keep the bar locked in place along the walls of your trailer. Don’t overdo your cranking though, as this could damage your trailer’s walls. This load jack bar comes in different configurations, such as round or square styles. Some even feature 4×4 rubber pads that can be welded or bolted on. The Jack Loading Bar helps you organize and better optimize the space of your trailer.

Also Check Out: Mytee Products’ Top 10 Products for Your Cargo Control Needs

How To Assemble A Cargo Bar

Remove the plastic wrap from the two bars
Take off the bolt from the adjustable end
Connect the adjustable end with the other bar at the ratcheting conjunction
All the holes in the tubing and ratcheting handle must be lined up with each other
Make sure the bolt head fits flush inside the ratcheting handle
Manually screw the nut inside the bolt
Use a wrench to lock the nut into place

All in all, these five types of Cargo Bars prevent your cargo from shifting and potentially ending up damaged during transit. You could even cause a car accident if your cargo isn’t secure. Using a Ratcheting Bar, Hoop Loading Bars, or Shoring Beams can promote better road safety. When it comes to selecting the best loading bar on the market, ask yourself a few questions. How long is your truck bed or trailer? What types of truckloads are you hauling? How do I use these bars? Most importantly, what’s the level of protection you want for your materials? In the end, you’ll have a safer transport when you use a Cargo Bar.