Structure and method for unitizing and bracing a load in a trailer

A structure for unitizing loads including a pair of gates disposed at opposite ends of the load where each of the gates have a plurality of vertically spaced openings at their upper ends. A strap is looped around the gates to unitize a load therebetween, and the strap is extended through a selected one of the openings on each gate so as to extend substantially along the top of the load. A method is also disclosed for unitizing a load wherein a trailer is loaded with gates positioned at opposite ends of the load and straps looped around the gates, said straps extending along the floor on one leg of the loop and along the top of the load along the opposite leg of the loop. The invention also contemplates load bracing structure with a gate having a load engaging face and an oppositely facing mounting face. Gate supporting structure acts between the mounting face and the load supporting surface to rigidly mount the gate in upright situation on the support so as to brace the load through the load engaging gate face. The invention also contemplates a method of assembling the load bracing structure.