How to transport slabs and beams (natural stone, concrete, wood)?

Lashing is definitely insufficient to control the forward and backward forces that occur when a truck loaded with slabs and beams pulls up and brakes.

Dozens of lashings are often needed to achieve sufficient friction. Block lashing or diagonal lashing is necessary here to control lateral forces in turns. In this case, the use of anti-slip mats is a sensible way of reducing the number of lashing devices. These anti-slip mats should then definitely also be fitted between the plates or beams, because here the coefficient of friction between the plates also plays a role.

How do you transport (semi-finished) metal products?

Metals like zinc alloys are semi-finished products transported in large quantities, ranging in weight from, say, 25 kg to several tonnes. The smaller elements are stacked on a pallet, which is wrapped with strapping tape or foil. This creates a dimensionally stable element that can weigh a ton on its own.

These are heavier products in which lashing is not applicable, unless anti-slip mats are used. The latter is allowed when pallets are fully form-stabilised, i.e. they can pass the 26-degree test. In all other cases, locking up, diagonal lashing and/or block lashing is required.

How do you transport building materials?

Bales, bricks, buckets and other products in the construction industry and DIY retail are usually stacked on pallets and secured by foil or strapping. The most important requirement when loading and securing these pallets safely is correct weight distribution across the load floor to keep the means of transport stable and avoid spaces and fill them if necessary.

There may be hazardous cargo between these products, such as chemicals. There are also numerous substances that are not directly classified as hazardous cargo, but can be harmful when the packaging breaks down. Examples are industrial oils and paints.

How to transport logs?

Long logs can only be transported lying down lengthwise. Long, non-barked logs will hook into each other, making this load behave as one. Unbarked logs can be slippery and will need extra securing. 

Special trucks and trailers with heavy pillars or closed box, are used to transport logs, especially short sawn logs. The front and rear bulkhead will have to be strong enough. Shorter logs can be put in a closed box. This will have to be strong enough, as any other method of load securing is not possible here.

How to transport dangerous goods?

There are specific regulations for stowing dangerous goods by road (ADR). Handling dangerous goods is a specialty and bound by strict rules.

Three basic questions always apply:

• What substances are involved and what are their properties?
• How are the substances packed and what can they withstand?
• By which mode of transport are the substances transported and what are the specific requirements for packaging and load securing?

If dangerous goods are packed or loaded in a container or means of transport, the responsible party must compile a container/vehicle loading certificate, listing the relevant identification numbers. They must also officially declare that the operation was carried out in accordance with a number of guidelines, the most important of which are shown here in simplified form:

• The container was clean, dry and suitable for the goods when loaded.
• Packages that must be kept separate are not packed together in or on the container, unless authorised by the authorities.
• All packages were externally inspected for damage and only undamaged packages were loaded.
• Barrels have been stowed upright unless otherwise authorised by the competent authority and all goods have been properly loaded and, if necessary, adequately secured with securing material appropriate to the modes of transport for the intended journey.
• Loose goods are evenly distributed throughout the container.
• The container is suitable for the transport of the consignment in question.
• The container and packages are properly marked and labelled where appropriate.

These guidelines are intended not only for filling containers with hazardous materials, but also for trucks, trailers and the like.

In short

• Every means of transport has its specific characteristics and can be challenging. Loading and unloading along the way should be taken into account.
• When choosing the right lashing method, the carrier not only has a choice of various materials, such as lashing straps, but also of various ways of securing these materials. The different methods of securing each have a different effect.
• Only use certified materials that have passed the necessary tests and whose usability has been proven.
• The centre of gravity should never be above the centre of the cargo unit.
• Cargo in containers should be evenly distributed in terms of weight over the entire surface.
• Lashing down causes an object to move less quickly. The tighter the straps, the greater the friction.
• Lashing down is not suitable for heavier loads, because a disproportionate number of straps should then be used. Possibly in combination with anti-slip materials.