a brace for securing cargo inside a containing device , such as the cargo bed of a truck , includes a first cylindrical pole with mounting brackets at opposite ends of the pole for engaging the sidewalls of the container . the cargo brace is selectively adjustable along its lengthwise axis to decrease or increase its length . furthermore , the mounting brackets are pivotally connected to the pole to permit the brace to be installed at a selected orientation to the sidewalls . in another embodiment , the aforementioned brace includes a t - connector which is mounted arond the first pole and further includes a second pole which is engaged to the t - connector and which is perpendicular to the first pole . the second pole includes a mounting bracket which engages another sidewall or floor of the container . in another embodiment , a sleeve , having flanged ends which are perpendicular to the sleeve , and a handle , is mounted about the first pole to secure the cargo in the container . typically , pads fabricated of an appropriate elastomer are employed at the ends of the brace to prevent damage from metal - to - metal contact , and the base is surrounded with one or more sleeves of a polymeric material to prevent damage to cargo contacted by the brace .