Abstract: A magnetically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel and a flexible tether. The tether has a first end coupled to the reel and a second end capable of being coupled to a cargo item. The tether is windable around the reel, and is movable in both a winding direction and an unwinding direction. A magnetic drag device includes a magnet containing member having a plurality of magnets thereon, and a conductor member. The magnet containing member and magnetic conductor are moveable relative to each other, and one of the magnetic containing member and conductor member is capable of being fixedly coupled to the reel for movement with the reel.