Ratchet straps, also called tie-down straps, are highly helpful when transporting cargo in a vehicle. The ratchets allow you to make sure the ratchet straps are taut and the items are tied down securely to a roof rack, truck bed or elsewhere. An S-hook lies in the same plane as the strap. This means that, depending on your application, an S-Hook might cause the strap to have a twist when it is attached.

Tarp straps are generally used to secure tarp systems to flatbed trailers for transport to protect the cargo from the elements such as rain, snow, ice, direct sunlight, and strong winds.