Cargo securing…?

You find here a brief but complete overview on cargo securing.

The correct cargo securing is essential in ensuring the safe transport of the cargo from consignor to consignee.

The key aspects to consider are:

• compliance with the maximum permissible mass for the transport unit and compliance with the mass limit for each axle of the vehicle, as indicated in the load distribution diagram
• correct securing, so that during all transport conditions the load cannot move on or off the vehicle

An EU survey has shown that in recent years a quarter of accidents involving commercial vehicles have been caused or aggravated by poor practices in the overall cargo securing process.

With the Directive 2014/47/EU, the provisions on technical roadside inspections on cargo securing have been tightened and standardized throughout the territory of the European Union.

The new provisions are effective from May 20, 2018.

Where should we begin?

To properly approach the issue related to cargo securing, the entire process must be divided into several phases.

Legal issues and responsibilities

First, all parties involved in the logistic process must be correctly identified. This process begins with the packing of the goods and ends after the goods have been unloaded at the final destination. To understand what the obligations and responsibilities of each operator, shippers, packers, loaders, carriers, drivers please refer to the Laws & regulations page.

Packing activity

In order to correctly load and secure the goods, packing of the goods and the eventual constitution of the pallet must be carefully planned. Poorly packed goods will make it difficult, if not impossible, the correct cargo securing. To learn more, visit the Packing page.

CTU choice

Which transport unit to use? Trucks, containers, swap bodies …?

To ensure transport safety, it is essential to choose the most suitable unit based on:

• type and quantity of the goods to be transported
• expected mode of transport, for example road only or intermodal transport
• expected delivery mode, i.e. complete unloading at final destination rather than partial unloading

Furthermore, depending on the transport unit chosen, the load securing strategies may vary, as for example if a vehicle equipped with a body designed to withstand load forces is used. At this stage it is essential to arrange a good loading plan, in order not to exceed the maximum allowed vehicle axle loads. For further information, see the Cargo Transport Unit page.

Cargo securing

As a last step, it is necessary to secure the load according to the established loading plan. Securing can be carried out by lashing, blocking, locking, using web lashings, blocking bars, anti slip mats. The aim is to prevent the load from sliding, tipping, rolling or falling under the action of inertia forces generated during transport. In accordance with the provisions of Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union, the basis for cargo securing calculation is the EN 12195-1 standard. If correctly applied, the standard guarantees the safety of transport in all conditions, including emergency maneuvers. Please refer to the Cargo Securing page for more details.