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What Is Block and Bridle?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 23, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

Block and bridle is the dunnage system using wood blocks and tie-down straps to secure heavy or unusual cargo on flatbed trailers, common for industrial machinery and oversized loads.

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Quick Answer: Block and bridle is the dunnage system using wood blocks and tie-down straps to secure heavy or unusual cargo on flatbed trailers, common for industrial machinery and oversized loads.

Dry van trailer loaded with pallets for national distribution

Detailed Answer

Block and bridle uses wood chocks, blocking, and 4-inch straps to immobilize cargo. Required by FMCSA cargo securement rules. Common for industrial machinery, transformers, building materials. Sometimes integrated with pallet bases.

Sources

FMCSA
TIA

Companion Resources

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

Does United States Pallets ship pallet answer to all of United States?

Yes. We deliver to every commercial address in United States, with same-day shipping standard in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. national-area accounts are typical - submit a quote with your dock location and we route accordingly.

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

How does United States Pallets compare to United States-based local pallet suppliers?

Local United States suppliers offer geographic proximity. United States Pallets offers nationwide sourcing depth, multi-grade inventory always in stock, sub-2-business-hour quote response, audit-ready documentation, and standing-order automation that local yards typically don't match.

What's the minimum order quantity for pallet answer?

50 pallets per order minimum on buy-side. Sell-side (buyback) minimum is 250 pallets per single-size load. Volume tiers kick in automatically as cumulative monthly volume increases - 500+/week accounts qualify for standing-order programs with reserved delivery slots.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

Heat-treatment chamber maintained at 56C core for 30 minutes per ISPM-15 Annex 1; each load shipped with a treatment certificate signed by a USDA-registered inspector.

Florida regulatory context

FL DEP solid-waste rules classify wood pallets as recyclable; our recycled pallet stream qualifies for the FL Recycling Business Assistance Center small-business grant program.

Florida Department of Transportation hauler permits restrict pallet loads above 80,000 lb GVW to specific corridors; our DOT-permitted carriers handle the routing.

Pallet specification detail

Lumber spec for new GMA stock: mixed hardwood (oak, maple, ash, hickory) with minimum 600 SG (specific gravity); kiln dried to <19% moisture; visible defects limited to wane on outer 1/3 of deck board only.

Recycled-Grade A pallets meet 48x40 GMA spec with cosmetic wear only; no broken boards, no replaced stringers, all original GMA stamp visible; suitable for primary food-grade and pharmaceutical loads.

Delivery and logistics

Dry-van loads handle weather-sensitive pallet stock and food-grade freight; sealed loads with bill-of-lading documentation; supports DOT-required commercial routing.

Customer use case

Concrete and aggregate suppliers use bagged-goods stringers (heavier construction, denser nail pattern) to support 4,000+ lb cement-sack loads; we stock these in our Tampa Bay and Jacksonville warehouses.

Pricing context

Net 30 terms standard for established customers with credit approval; Net 15 or COD for first three orders; credit card and ACH accepted for spot orders.

Sustainability

Sustainability reports provided quarterly to standing-order customers; documents pallets recycled, lumber diverted from landfill, and CO2-equivalent savings vs new-only sourcing.