Automated, wireless, cargo restraint tension control and monitoring system

A method of restraining cargo comprising:

• passing a securing member around at least a portion of the cargo;
• coupling the ends of the securing member to a cargo restraint system, the cargo restraint system comprising:
• a body;
• a first connecting end and a second connecting end on opposing sides of the body, wherein the first and second connecting ends are coupled to a securing member which is used to restrain the cargo;
• a motor, disposed in the body, coupled to the first connecting end, wherein operation of the motor causes the first connecting end to move toward the body or away from the body;
• a global positioning device, positioned in or on the body;
• and
• one or more load sensors coupled to the first connecting end and/or the second connecting end;
• receiving tension information from the one or more load sensors;
• receiving location information from the global positioning device;
• transmitting transport data to a remote device, wherein the transport data comprises the tension information and the location information;
• and
• automatically increasing or decreasing the tension on the securing member when the tension on the securing member is above or below a predetermined tension by operating the motor to move the first connecting end toward the body, or away from the body, as appropriate, based on the received tension information.