Cargo Securing Guidelines

Why Cargo Securing Matters

Inadequate cargo securing leads to:

• Safety Hazards - Shifting cargo causes vehicle instability and accidents
• Cargo Damage - Movement during transport damages goods
• Legal Liability - Fines and prosecution for non-compliance
• Insurance Issues - Claims denied for improper securing
• Delivery Delays - Roadside inspections and cargo reloading

Forces Acting on Cargo

Cargo experiences acceleration forces during transport:

• Forward (Braking) – 0.8g in road transport, 1.0g in sea freight
• Backward (Acceleration) – 0.5g in road transport
• Sideways (Cornering) – 0.5g in road transport, 0.7g in sea freight
• Vertical – 1.0g + cargo weight (road), varies with sea conditions

These forces determine the securing requirements for different transport modes.

Cargo Securing Methods

Friction / Blocking

Using friction between cargo and floor, plus physical blocking:

• Anti-slip mats increase friction coefficient
• Wooden blocks and chocks prevent movement
• Load bars span the vehicle width
• Headboard protects against forward movement

Lashing (Tie-Down)

Straps and chains pulling cargo against the floor:

• Ratchet straps with appropriate working load limit
• Lashing capacity calculated per EN 12195-1
• Angles between 60-90° for effectiveness
• Edge protectors to prevent strap damage

Direct Lashing

Securing directly to fixed points:

• Straps attached to cargo and vehicle anchor points
• Resists forces in specific directions
• Common for vehicles, machinery, and containers
• Requires sufficient anchor point strength

Top-Over Lashing

Straps over cargo to adjacent sides:

• Increases friction through vertical force
• Common for palletized goods
• Multiple straps for full coverage
• Pre-tensioning critical for effectiveness

Lashing Equipment

Common securing equipment:

• Ratchet Straps - 2,500-10,000 daN working load limit
• Chains - For heavy machinery and steel cargo
• Wire Rope - For specialized applications
• Anti-Slip Mats - Increase friction coefficient to 0.6+
• Load Bars - Adjustable bars spanning vehicle width
• Edge Protectors - Prevent strap damage at corners
• Dunnage – Wood and airbags for void filling

Securing Different Cargo Types

Palletized Goods

• Build stable pallet loads, shrink wrap all layers
• Use anti-slip mats under pallets
• Fill gaps to prevent toppling
• Apply top-over lashing at intervals

Coils and Rolls

• Position with eye horizontal or vertical (per type)
• Use cradles, wedges, or chocks
• Apply direct lashing through eye
• Prevent rolling with blocking

Vehicles and Machinery

• Use wheel chocks and direct lashing
• Secure to designated tie-down points
• Apply handbrake and put in gear
• Calculate lashing based on weight

Steel and Metal Products

• Use heavy-duty chains for secured steel
• Block against headboard for beams
• Use dunnage to protect vehicle floor
• Multiple lashing points for long items

EN 12195 Standard

European cargo securing standard components:

• EN 12195-1 – Calculation methods
• EN 12195-2 – Web lashing (straps)
• EN 12195-3 – Chain lashing
• EN 12195-4 – Wire rope lashing