Cargo nets, covers, partitions and load bars: what each one holds back and what it can’t
Match each piece of cargo gear to its job and restrain heavy items first
Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation built this guide from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cargo rules, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidance, UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) load guidance, state load laws and published injury research. Every source is listed at the end.
Restrain, contain, separate: three different jobs
Sort gear by the job it does, not by how it looks.
Restraint holds an item in place when you brake hard, swerve or have a collision. Rated straps on rated anchor points do this. So does bracing an item against something solid.
Containment keeps small items and loose material together and inside the vehicle. Nets, covers and tarps do this.
Separation puts a wall between the load and the people. Partitions, van bulkheads and cargo barriers do this.
Trouble starts when a containment product is asked to do a restraint job. A stretchy net over a toolbox looks secure. In a hard stop, the toolbox can stretch the net, pull its hooks free and keep going.
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Cargo gear and the job each one does
| Gear | Main job | Good for | Not built for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo net | Contain | Bags, groceries, light loose items | Heavy boxes, tools, appliances |
| SUV cargo cover | Hide light items | Keeping things out of sight | Holding anything back in a collision |
| Tonneau cover or tarp | Contain and cover | Loose material and light items in a bed | Holding a heavy item still |
| Partition or barrier | Separate | A backup wall in front of the load | Replacing straps or bracing |
| Load bar | Restrain by bracing | Keeping boxes from sliding or tipping | Items the bar does not touch firmly |
Rated straps, chains and anchor points have their own companion guide. This article covers the gear that works alongside them.
Why loose cargo matters, inside and outside the vehicle
In a collision, the vehicle stops. Anything not tied to it keeps moving at the speed you were driving.
A field study in Norway looked at 190 collisions involving 338 vehicles [2]. Paramedics found unrestrained objects in 39% of those vehicles [2]. About a third of the objects in trunks weighed more than 20 kilograms, roughly 44 pounds [2]. In 27 cases, objects from the trunk moved into the passenger area on impact, and 24 of those cases involved a displaced seat back [2].
Children face this risk too. A Norwegian review looked at serious crashes from 2007 to 2009. In 4 of 15 cases where a child died or was severely hurt, unstrapped luggage was the safety error [3]. In a separate roadside study, 24% of children rode in vehicles with heavy, unsecured objects in the cabin or trunk [6].
Not every study finds a large problem. A U.S. analysis of national crash investigation data from 1996 to 2011 agreed with an earlier NHTSA conclusion that cargo is not a major source of injury in frontal crashes [7]. It found no link between cargo bending rear seats and severe injury to second row riders [7]. The fair reading: serious cargo injuries are uncommon, and they are cheap to prevent.
Cargo that escapes causes trouble outside the vehicle, too. From 2018 to 2023, road debris was a factor in an average of 53,000 police reported crashes each year, and miscellaneous cargo was involved in 18.7% of them [8]. The family loading guide covers road debris in more detail.
Cargo nets: good at holding small things together
Cargo nets come in a few common styles:
- Envelope nets form a pocket on the side of a trunk or the back of a seat.
- Floor nets stretch flat over items and hook to the corners of the cargo floor.
- Pickup bed nets cover loose items in the bed and hook to the bed’s tie down points.
- Barrier nets hang upright behind a row of seats.
Nets shine with light, loose items such as grocery bags, sports gear or bags of yard waste. They stop the rolling and sliding that could distract you, and they help keep light items from blowing out.
Their limits matter just as much. Nets have gaps, so they do not suit every load [1]. UK government guidance says nets and sheets contain a load but do not secure it [1]. It says to pair them with lashings, the straps or chains that hold a load to the vehicle [1]. Elastic nets stretch, and many trunk hooks are made only for light nets.
Choose a mesh smaller than your smallest item, and check that the net fits your hooks or tie down points. The owner’s manual tells you what each hook can hold. Strap or brace anything heavy first, then net the small things around it.
Covers: SUV cargo covers, tonneau covers and tarps
SUV cargo covers are the roll out shades or panels over the rear cargo area. They hide items and keep the sun off, but they are not barriers. Do not stack items on one or count on it to hold bags down in a collision.
Tonneau covers close over a pickup bed. They come as soft roll up, folding or hard styles. A latched cover keeps rain out and keeps light items and loose material in the bed. It does not stop a heavy item from sliding under it, so strap or brace that item first. If you plan to set anything on top of a hard cover, find its weight rating.
Tarps cover loose material such as mulch, brush or trash. NHTSA suggests putting a strong tarp or net over the whole load [5]. Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation gives every driver the same advice. Tie the edges down so wind cannot get under it, or the tarp itself becomes debris. Washington law, for example, requires both the load and any required covering to be securely fastened [9].
Partitions and barriers: a wall between the load and people
Partitions come in several forms:
- Cargo barriers of mesh or tubing fit behind a row of seats in an SUV or wagon.
- Pet barriers keep a dog in the cargo area and away from the driver.
- Van bulkheads are solid, mesh or windowed walls behind a cargo van’s front seats.
- Pickup cab guards, often called headache racks, are frames that help shield the cab’s rear window.
Federal rules for commercial trucks give a useful yardstick. When cargo rests against a truck’s front end structure, that wall must reach 4 feet above the floor or high enough to block the cargo, whichever is lower [10]. If it is under 6 feet tall, it must withstand a steady forward push equal to half the cargo’s weight [10].
UK guidance for vans goes further. It says there must be a bulkhead between the load area and the cab to protect people from shifting cargo [11]. It also says not to keep tools or gas cylinders in the cab, and to load items against the bulkhead where possible [11].
When you shop, ask for test results for your vehicle model. Make sure the partition bolts to points the vehicle maker approves and does not block air bags, seat belts, sensors or your mirror view. A pet barrier keeps a dog from distracting you, but it is not a crash restraint for the dog.
Load bars: bracing so cargo can’t slide or tip
A load bar, also called a cargo bar or shoring bar, is an adjustable bar that spans the cargo area from wall to wall. Federal rules define a shoring bar as a device set crosswise between a vehicle’s walls and its cargo to keep the cargo from tipping or shifting [4]. They also define bracing as a solid object placed against cargo to keep it from tipping [4].
Federal cargo rules list shoring bars beside tiedowns, dunnage and strong structures as ways to hold cargo firmly in place [10]. Dunnage is loose packing material used to support and protect cargo [4].
In a pickup, push the load against the front wall of the bed, then lock the bar tight behind it. In a van or box truck, bars hold stacked boxes against the bulkhead. RV owners use them in storage bays and cargo trailers.
Set the bar where it presses firmly on the load, not just its top edge. Look for rubber feet that grip and a lock you can trust. Some bed walls flex, so retighten the bar at each stop. For items likely to roll, such as drums, federal truck rules call for chocks, wedges or a cradle [12].
Who uses this gear, and where to get it
Different drivers need different setups. These questions help you buy the right gear the first time.
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Cargo gear setups by type of driver
| Who | Common setup | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Families with SUVs or wagons | Floor net, cargo cover, cargo barrier | Is the barrier tested for my model? |
| Pickup owners | Bed net, tonneau cover, load bar, cab guard | What weight is each part rated for? |
| Tradespeople and contractors | Van bulkhead, shelving, load bars, rated tiedowns | Does the bulkhead have test data for this van? |
| RV owners | Load bars, nets in storage bays | Will the gear hold in a hard stop? |
| Carriers | Shoring bars, front end structure, tiedowns | Does the setup meet federal cargo rules? [10] |
The vehicle dealer’s parts department sells gear made for your model. Truck and trailer suppliers and van upfitters, who build out work vans, carry partitions and heavier gear. Rated cargo control distributors sell equipment marked with working load limits. Auto parts stores stock light nets and tarps.
Skip any product with no rating and no instructions. If a seller cannot say what a part is built to hold, treat it as containment only.
A loading routine that puts each tool in its place
Use the same order every time: restraint first, containment second.
- Sort the load. Decide which items are heavy or hard enough to hurt someone.
- Place heavy items low and forward. Push them against a locked seat back, a bulkhead or the front wall of the bed.
- Restrain heavy items. Use rated straps on rated anchor points, or lock a load bar tight behind them.
- Fill gaps so nothing can slide and pick up speed.
- Contain small items with a net, a bin or a closed storage box.
- Cover loose material with a tarp or a latched tonneau cover, fastened along the edges.
- Close and check any partition or barrier. Make sure you can still see out.
- Push on the load to test it. Recheck it after the first few miles and at every stop.
Unsecured load laws: what they expect and where covers fit
As of October 2026, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws on unsecured loads, with penalties that vary by state and fines of up to $5,000 [5]. Most of these laws focus on the result: nothing may drop, leak, blow off or escape. A cover can help you meet that rule for loose material. It does not excuse a heavy item that is free to slide out.
Three state examples show how the details differ:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Unsecured load rules in three states
| State | What the law or agency says | Worth noting |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Loads must not drop, sift, leak or escape. The load and any required covering must be securely fastened [9]. | Dirt, sand or gravel on paved roads must be covered unless 6 inches of freeboard is kept [9]. Freeboard is the gap between the top of the load and the top of the bed walls. |
| Minnesota | A vehicle must be built, loaded or securely covered so none of its load drops, sifts, leaks, blows or escapes [13]. | Limited exceptions exist, such as sand dropped for traction [13]. |
| California | The DMV handbook tells drivers not to drive with an unsecured load that is a safety hazard [14]. | Animals in a pickup bed must be properly secured, and cargo more than 4 feet past the rear bumper needs a red or orange flag [14]. |
Washington also has criminal penalties. Failing to secure a load through criminal negligence is a gross misdemeanor if it causes substantial bodily harm to another person [9]. It is a misdemeanor if it damages someone else’s property, and an infraction otherwise [9]. Drivers must also have dangerous fallen objects cleared from the road right away and pay the cost [9].
Work vehicles may face federal rules too. A commercial motor vehicle includes one with a weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more used in interstate commerce [15]. Its cargo must be secured so it cannot leak, spill, blow or fall off [10]. The securement must handle 0.8 g forward, a stopping force equal to 80% of the cargo’s weight, and 0.5 g to the rear and sides [12].
Inspect and maintain your cargo gear
Cargo gear wears out quietly. UK guidance says to check straps before each use and at least every six months [1]. The same habit suits nets, bars and partitions.
A partition that took a hit may look fine and still be weaker. Have a qualified installer check it, and replace damaged nets and bars rather than repairing them.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cargo net strong enough for heavy items?
Usually not. Most trunk and bed nets are made to contain light, loose items, and UK guidance says nets should be paired with lashings [1]. For a heavy item, use rated straps on rated anchor points or brace it with a load bar. Then let the net hold the small items around it.
Will my SUV’s pull out cargo cover stop bags from flying forward?
No. A cargo cover is a privacy shade, not a crash barrier, and items stacked on it can come loose. Keep heavy bags low and against a fully latched rear seat back. If you often carry heavy loads, consider a tested cargo barrier and strap the heaviest items down.
Does a tonneau cover make my pickup load legal?
It can help, but it may not be enough. Unsecured load laws generally require that nothing drop, leak, blow off or escape [5]. A latched cover keeps loose material in. A heavy item sliding under it could still damage the tailgate or fall out when it opens. Secure heavy items first, then close the cover.
Do federal cargo rules apply to my pickup or van?
They apply to commercial motor vehicles, which include vehicles rated at 10,001 pounds or more used in interstate commerce [15]. Many personal pickups and smaller vans fall below that line, but the rules still make a good benchmark. If you drive for work, ask your employer or your state’s motor carrier office which rules apply.
Can a pet barrier double as a cargo barrier?
Do not assume it. Some barriers are sold only to keep a pet out of the front seats. Ask the maker whether the barrier was tested with cargo in your vehicle model. Either way, restrain heavy items so the barrier is only a backup.
What should I do with cargo gear after a collision?
Have partitions, load bars, anchor points and tonneau covers inspected before you rely on them again. A barrier that stopped a load may be bent even if it looks fine. Replace damaged nets and straps. If you file an insurance claim, photograph the gear and list it with the other damaged items.
The bottom line
Recommendation from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation urges drivers to restrain heavy items first and to treat nets, covers and partitions as backups. Match each piece of gear to its job. Straps and load bars hold heavy items still. Nets, covers and tarps keep small items and loose material together. Partitions are the backup between the load and your passengers.
Load heavy items low and forward, restrain them first, contain the rest, and recheck after a few miles. That routine protects the people in your vehicle and the drivers behind you.
Related articles
- Secure cargo and tow safely: a loading guide for families and trailers
- Work vehicle cargo, tools and trailers: how to secure every load
- Driving distractions beyond your phone: what real world research shows
- Fleet vehicle safety: how to choose, maintain and inspect work vehicles
- Car seats and booster seats: a guide to every stage
Sources and further reading
- 1Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (UK government). Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles: 4. Ways to secure a load in an HGV or goods vehicle. Updated 24 September 2026. gov.uk/…/4-ways-to-secure-a-load-in-an-hgv-or-g…
- 2Staff T, Eken T, Hansen TB, Steen PA, Sovik S. A field evaluation of real-life motor vehicle accidents: presence of unrestrained objects and their association with distribution and severity of patient injuries. Accident Analysis and Prevention 45:529-538 (via PubMed; doi:10.1016/j.aap.2011.09.007). Published online October 2011. Data year: not stated in the abstract (190 crashes in Norway studied before 2011). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22269539
- 3Skjerven-Martinsen M, Naess PA, Hansen TB, Rognum TO, Lereim I, Stray-Pedersen A. In-depth evaluation of real-world car collisions: fatal and severe injuries in children are predominantly caused by restraint errors and unstrapped cargo. Traffic Injury Prevention 12(5):491-499 (via PubMed; doi:10.1080/15389588.2011.596868). Published October 2011. Data year: 2007 to 2009. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21972860
- 4Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, via eCFR. 49 CFR 393.5 Definitions. Up to date as of September 24, 2026. ecfr.gov/…/section-393.5
- 5National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drive Safe: Secure Your Load. No update date shown; accessed October 2026. Data year: not stated (consumer guidance). nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load
- 6Skjerven-Martinsen M, Naess PA, Hansen TB, Staff T, Stray-Pedersen A. Observational study of child restraining practice on Norwegian high-speed roads: restraint misuse poses a major threat to child passenger safety. Accident Analysis and Prevention 59:479-486 (via PubMed; doi:10.1016/j.aap.2013.07.023). Published online July 2013. Data year: not stated in the abstract (1,260 child occupants observed). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23954682
- 7Viano DC, Parenteau CS. Effect of cargo loading on occupant injury and seat deformation in motor-vehicle crashes. Traffic Injury Prevention 15(8):835-843 (via PubMed; doi:10.1080/15389588.2014.894996). Published 2014. Data year: 1996 to 2011 (NASS-CDS). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24571626
- 8AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (Tefft BC, Kasha A, Hungund A). The Safety Impact of Road Debris: Updated Prevalences of Crashes, Injuries, and Deaths in the United States, 2018-2023 (research brief). Published November 2025. Data year: 2018 to 2023. aaafoundation.org/…/202511-AAAFTS-Impact-Road-Debris.pdf
- 9Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.61.655: Dropping load, other materials – Covering. Last amended 2005 (2005 c 431 s 1); accessed October 2026. apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.655
- 10Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, via the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I: Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo (sections 393.100-393.136, including 393.106 and 393.114). Up to date as of October 1, 2026 (393.114 checked October 2, 2026). ecfr.gov/…/subpart-I
- 11Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (UK government). Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles: 5. How to load different HGVs, light goods vehicles, small vans and cars. Updated 9 December 2024. gov.uk/…/5-how-to-load-different-hgvs-light-goo…
- 12Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Cargo Securement Rules. Last updated March 3, 2014; accessed October 2026. fmcsa.dot.gov/…/cargo-securement-rules
- 13Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Minnesota Statutes, section 169.81 (subdivisions 5 and 5b on loading and covering loads). 2025 Minnesota Statutes; accessed October 2026. revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.81
- 14California Department of Motor Vehicles. California Driver’s Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (continued). Edition dated April 13, 2026; accessed October 2026. dmv.ca.gov/…/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont2
- 15Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, via eCFR. 49 CFR 390.5 Definitions (commercial motor vehicle). Up to date as of October 2, 2026. ecfr.gov/…/section-390.5
This article reflects the safety priorities of cargo securement and protecting people inside and outside the vehicle from loose loads. It is general education, not legal, insurance or financial advice, and it does not certify any product or setup. Rules change and differ by state, so verify details with official sources. For your own situation, read your owner's manual and the gear maker's instructions, contact your state DMV or state patrol about load laws, and ask a qualified installer about partitions. Reviewed October 2026.
Cite this article: Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation. “Cargo nets, covers, partitions and load bars: what each one holds back and what it can’t.” drivewithcare.org, https://drivewithcare.org/cargo-nets-covers-partitions-load-bars/. Reviewed October 2026.
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