Which of the following best describes the purpose of indirect tiedowns?

Indirect tiedowns play a crucial role in cargo securing by providing additional restraint to prevent vertical motion during transport. This is important because cargo can shift due to acceleration, deceleration, or road conditions, leading to potential hazards. By effectively using indirect tiedowns, the load is stabilized, ensuring that it stays in place and minimizes the risk of shifting or falling.

In contrast, the other options, while they describe aspects of cargo securing, do not encapsulate the primary function of indirect tiedowns. For instance, while indirect tiedowns can indeed assist in preventing sliding, the fundamental goal is to counteract vertical movement. Likewise, while they can limit the number of direct tiedowns required, their main purpose is not simply about reducing the number but rather providing a more effective overall restraint system. As for supporting the cargo from beneath, this is typically the role of direct tiedowns, not indirect ones.