Load securing
Load securing, also known as cargo securing, is the securing of
Background
Because of globalization, the subsequent flow of goods that are transported over greater distances, containerization and new regulatory measures [2] has led to a greater demand for efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly cargo restraint products.
Many types of cargo such as
Load securing functions to hold the unit pallet loads, crates, or other items immobile and secure. An unsecured load can shift in transit and create dangerous dynamics, damaging the cargo and the structure of the vehicle or intermodal container.
Methods
There are many different ways and materials available to stabilize and secure cargo in vehicles and intermodal containers.[3] Often combinations of load securing methods are use. For example a load can be blocked against the headboard of the truck and have webbing restraints tying it down.
Blocking and bracing
Blocking and bracing is a load securement method using lumber and metal bars to reduce or inhibit front to rear shifting of freight/cargo. Plastic forms are also used.
Fasteners
Depending on the type of load and the particular vehicle, large bolts and nails may be used. These may be on the load itself or on wood blocks used to brace the load. Fasteners rely on the constructional strength of the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU).
Dunnage
Dunnage for securing cargo includes scrap wood to fill voids in cargo, wooden boards forming "cribs", blocking and bracing, and modern mechanical, spring-loaded post-and-socket systems, Dunnage segregates cargo in the hold and prevents shifting of the cargo in response to ship or vehicle motions. Dunnage stresses the constructional strength of the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU).
Strapping
Strapping is used to create a transportable unit. Types of strapping include steel, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, paper, and composites. The type of strap used depends on the requirements, for example, strength, elasticity, ability to withstand various environments, ease of use, safety, and cost. Strapping methods and limits should be according to valid standard, for example EN12195.
All types of tensioned strapping, particularly steel, need to be handled carefully because of potential injury.
Lashing
Lashing is the securing of cargo for transportation with the goal of minimizing shifting. Items used for lashing include ropes, cables, wires, chains, strapping, and nets. These items are anchored to the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) and tensioned against the cargo. Another form of lashing used four devices attached to the top of each corner of a container.[4][5] Lashing products and methods are governed by various authorities such as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for rail transportation in North America, the international Maritime Organization (IMO) for ocean transportation, and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and European Union standard EN12195.
Dunnage bags
Whereas strapping and lashing is often used to secure odd-shaped cargo such as machinery, structures, and vehicles. Dunnage bags are mostly used for homogeneous shaped cargo such as food & beverage products, electronics and appliances and roll paper. Often, strapping/lashing and dunnage bags are used in combination to secure chemical products. Dunnage Bags are not approved for rail transportation of hazardous materials in the United States.
Dunnage bags, also known as air bags, were introduced some 40 years ago as a convenient, fast and cost effective alternative to secure and stabilize cargo in ISO sea containers, closed rail cars, trucks and (ocean-going) vessels. The purpose of dunnage bags is often misunderstood when they are considered as a void filler only to prevent lateral movement of cargo. When properly applied however, dunnage bags form a 3-dimensional bulkhead of the cargo itself preventing both lateral and longitudinal movement. Dunnage bags rely on the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) construction, which is to be noted when planning. All cargo movements will therefore stress the construction.
Tie downs
Heavy loads are sometimes secured to vehicles with
See also
- Break bulk cargo
- Haulage
- Intermodal freight transport
- Stevedore
- Unit Load Device
Standards
- ASTMD3953 Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
- ASTM D3950 Standard Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Joining Methods)
- ASTM D4649 Guide for Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films
- ASTM D4675 Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Flat Strapping Materials
- ASTM D5728 Standard Practices for Securement of Cargo in Intermodal and Unimodal Surface Transport
- EN 12195-1:2010 en - Load restraining on road vehicles - Safety - Part 1: Calculation of securing forces
- EN 12195-2:2000 en - Load restraint assemblies on road vehicles - Safety - Part 2: Web lashing made from man-made fibres
- EN 12195-3:2001 en - Load restraint assemblies on road vehicles - Safety - Part 3: Lashing chains
- EN 12195-4:2004 en - Load restraint assemblies on road vehicles - Safety - Part 4: Lashing steel wire ropes
- EN 12195-1:2010/C1:2013 en - Load restraining on road vehicles - Safety - Part 1: Calculation of securing forces
- EN 12195-1:2010/C2:2014 en - Load restraining on road vehicles - Safety - Part 1: Calculation of securing forces
References
- ^ "European Commission Mobility and Transport". Road Safety: Best practice guidelines on cargo securing and abnormal transport. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
- ^ "European Parliament". DIRECTIVE 2014/47/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 3 April 2014 on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union and repealing Directive 2000/30/EC(Text with EEA relevance). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
- ^ European Best Practice Guidelines on Cargo Securing for Road Transport (PDF). European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport. 2010.
- ISBN 978-80-7399-759-5.
- ISBN 978-0-415-36286-3.