Load securing devices

Lashing straps

It is important to choose the right lashing strap for a particular load. There is an enormous choice of lashing straps for all kinds of purposes. We can advise you on this without any obligation. It is also important to apply the lashing strap correctly so that the load is actually secured. 

The usual European standard for lashing straps is EN 12195-2. 

There are different types of lashing straps and each type is subdivided into types, depending on the choice of material and the desired length, width and strength: The lashing strap with clip buckle is basically the simplest lashing strap. It consists of a strap that is placed around the object to be secured and fastened with a simple clamp. Tightening is done by hand. This type is intended for holding cargo together, but not for lashing cargo to a load carrier. The ratchet strap with pointed hooks consists of two parts and is intended for lashing cargo to a load carrier, e.g. a trailer with lashing eyes. 

A very wide variety of lashing straps is available. For instance, we offer different ratchets, hooks in different lengths and widths. Lashing straps with a hook and an eye can be fastened around the load or to each other. Some chassis are equipped with a so-called windlass. Lashing straps can be attached to these without hooks or eyes. 

The use of lashing straps is subject to strict requirements. Wear and tear is absolutely out of the question.

Stitching in danger of wearing out can be repaired at our premises if necessary. If the material of the lashing strap itself wears out, it must be disposed of immediately. This also applies to straps with cuts or tears. Even the smallest nick reduces the load capacity of the lashing strap very much and therefore cannot be tolerated. 

Lashing straps can damage the corners of cargo units due to the tension placed on them. There are protective corners on the market, which help to prevent this shortcoming. For lighter loads, these may be corners made of cardboard or plastic; for heavier loads, they may be metal corner elements. 

Lashing straps are made of plastic. The most commonly used fabrics are:

* Polyester - this material loses some of its strength when wet, is very resistant to medium-strength acid, but can be damaged by bases.
The material is not very stretchy, allowing the strap to maintain tension during transport. All straps we offer are made of polyester.

* Polyamide - can lose up to 15 per cent of its strength when wet. It resists bases well, but can be damaged by acids of medium strength.

* Polypropylene - this fabric is resistant to the influence of chemicals and has a very high stretch.

Discover our range of straps

Lashing or tensioning chains

Lashing chains are still used for securing heavier cargo, for example on the deck of a ship, on a pontoon or a flat car such as a roller trailer or terminal tractor. Chains are made of various types of steel, each of which has its own maximum load capacity. The chain should be labelled with the specifications as given by the manufacturer. Not only the diameter of the links can vary, making one chain thicker or thinner than another, but also the length of the individual links. 

One disadvantage of chains is that they are expensive. Therefore, lashing chains are usually used only when it is certain that they will be returned to the owner. They can be a permanent part of the equipment present on, for example, a pontoon. An advantage of chains is that they are strong. Chains are tensioned with a so-called lever tensioner. 

Tensioning chains are subject to wear and tear and soon need to be replaced.

The requirements for tensioning chains are specified in European standard EN 12195-3.

Tension force indicators

When lashing down, the friction between load and load floor should be made as high as possible. The lashing straps or tensioning chains are then tightened extra strongly. By using ratchet tensioners with a high preload force (STF), the number of straps needed can be reduced, as long as the permitted values are not exceeded. The preload can be measured with a tension gauge attached to the strap.

Load securing tape (Ty-Gard)

Ty-Gard® and Road-Gard® are registered brand names of a system consisting of wide tape made of super fibre, which is anchored to the inner walls of containers and trailers by means of an adhesive part with high bonding capacity. Extensive tests in the United States and Europe have shown that Ty-Gard (for containers) and Road-Gard (for trailers) are capable of adequately securing cargo longitudinally, eliminating the need for anti-slip mats and diagonal lashings in trailers.

Nets and tarpaulins

Before film came into general use, pallets were mostly secured with nets. In air cargo, nets are still often used. However, nets have the same disadvantages as rope. It is difficult to give nets the right tension, they can cause cargo damage and may also become damaged themselves. When choosing the right net, attention should be paid to the thickness of the cord and the size of the meshes. Before fitting, the net should be checked for any damage. 

Tarpaulins also lend themselves to shape-stabilising cargo, for example, on pallets or groups of pallets after securing them individually by placing the tarpaulins over the cargo and tensioning them with rope. The advantage of a tarpaulin, as with foil, is the distribution of force, which greatly reduces the risk of damaging the load. This is especially important when transporting bales and plastic drums. The tarpaulin can be tensioned with straps. 

Nets and tarpaulins can also serve to cover cargo, such as scrap iron and construction waste. They prevent junk from falling off the wagon. With bulk goods such as sand and gravel, it is important to prevent scattering. With gravel in particular, loss can lead to serious damage to other vehicles.

Forms and fillers

A very effective way of securing cargo is to fill the spaces between goods. This can only be done when the walls of the cargo are strong enough. Further securing is then unnecessary. The walls of containers are generally strong enough to absorb forces in the horizontal plane. The side walls of a trailer are generally not, but the reinforced XL trailer is able to withstand front, side and rear forces during transport to a limited extent. 

Dunnage bags can be filled with air. They are then tensioned with compressed air equipment. High loads are possible here, sometimes up to 40 tonnes. However, it is then necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions very precisely.

In short:

• There are basically two ways of securing goods: force locking and form locking.
• With force locking, for example by straps, the friction is actually made so great that the goods can no longer shift.
• In form-fitting, the goods are secured with tools.
• Anti-slip mats prevent stacked boxes from sliding off each other or boxes from sliding off a pallet.
• Straps have taken over the role of rope and cable in transport.
• The advantage of stretch or shrink wrap is that the tension is distributed over the entire surface of the load and therefore does not press or cut into a single spot.