Cargo Securing - a Quick Guide

In Sweden, the requirements for cargo securing are primarily regulated by the Swedish Transport Agency's regulations and general advice (TSFS 2017:25). These regulations describe specific provisions that must be followed to ensure that the cargo is secured in a correct manner. Here are some of the basic rules that apply to cargo securing with tie-down straps in Sweden:

Purpose

The purpose of cargo securing is to prevent the cargo from shifting, coming loose, or affecting the vehicle's stability during transport.

Cargo Securing Methods

The Swedish Transport Agency follows the European Commission's guidelines for best cargo securing practices. This means that the regulations for cargo securing that apply in Sweden are harmonized with EU standards for cargo securing for trucks and other vehicles.

Responsibility

Companies and drivers who carry out transport are responsible for ensuring that the cargo is properly secured and that the regulations are followed. This means that it is important to educate and inform drivers about correct cargo securing for trucks.

Requirements for Cargo Securing Equipment

The Swedish Transport Agency sets requirements for the equipment that must be used to secure the cargo. This includes, for example, lashing straps, lashing hooks, and cargo securing nets.

Controls and Inspections

Authorities can carry out controls and inspections to ensure that the regulations are followed. In case of non-compliance with the regulations, fines and sanctions may be issued.

Through correct use of adapted methods, the risk of accidents and damage is reduced, contributing to a more efficient and safe transport process. Below you can read more about different cargo securing methods:

Tie-down straps/ratchet straps

This method is commonly used, where powerful tie-down straps or ratchet straps are used to secure the cargo by being attached to the vehicle's lashing points. It is a proven technique that ensures the cargo remains steady and protected, which is crucial for traffic safety and to prevent damage to the cargo. Feel free to check out our wide range of ratchet straps and tie-down straps suitable for a variety of applications. Feel free to check out our wide range of ratchet straps and tie-down straps suitable for a variety of applications.

Chain tensioners

Chain tensioners, also called load binders, are used to tighten and tension cargo chains or steel cables over the cargo. By using chain tensioners, the cargo can be secured in a way that minimizes movement and prevents it from shifting or coming loose during transport.

Cargo securing nets

A cargo securing net can be placed over the cargo to prevent smaller items from coming loose or flying off during transport. These nets are usually made of strong and elastic materials, such as nylon or similar fabric, which make it possible to stretch them over the cargo.

Edge protectors and cargo securing chocks

Edge protectors and chocks are used to create an edge or barrier around the cargo to prevent it from sliding off or shifting during transport.

Chains and hooks

Chains and hooks are robust and durable components that secure particularly heavy or irregular cargo. Chains consist of strong links that can be connected to create a strong and reliable cargo securing for goods on trucks and other vehicles.

Airbags and padding

Airbags and padding protect and secure bulky or sensitive cargo. The cushions are placed between the cargo and the vehicle's walls or other cargo to fill out the space and prevent movement. They are particularly useful for minimizing damage to fragile goods during transport.

Special cargo securing devices

These devices are specially designed to meet unique needs and requirements for specific types of cargo. For example, there may be devices designed to secure pipes, pipelines, or pallets in an efficient and safe manner. They can vary depending on the cargo's shape, size, and weight.

As an alternative method for cargo securing for trucks or as a complementary locking of your cargo, the following lashing methods can be used:

Marking on tie-down straps

As an alternative method for cargo securing for trucks or as a complementary locking of your cargo, the following lashing methods can be used:

1. Top-over lashing: Top-over lashing is used to increase the contact pressure between the goods and the surface by being tensioned over the goods on a flatbed. How effective the top-over lashing is depends on the pre-tensioning force and the angle between the attachment point in the flatbed and the goods. An angle of 75-90° is optimal, while angles below 30° make the method almost worthless. The friction between the goods and the surface also affects the effectiveness of top-over lashing, and at low friction levels, its effect is limited.
2. Loop lashing: Loop lashing is very effective for preventing goods from sliding or tipping sideways. It consists of two lashings that are drawn around the goods and attached on each side. To ensure that the goods do not twist out of the lashing, at least two loop lashing pairs per section are needed. If a section is supported by other goods, one pair may be sufficient. An incorrect lashing, also called a false loop lashing or "silly loop", is ineffective and dangerous as it does not correspond to the effect of a genuine loop lashing pair.
3. Spring lashing: Spring lashing is used to prevent the goods from moving forward or backward. It can counteract both sliding and tipping depending on how it is drawn. A simple spring lashing consists of a pallet in front of or behind the goods with a lashing through the pallet. This protects fragile goods and prevents the lashing from falling down. A double spring lashing, where two lashings form a cross over the goods, is twice as effective. For best effect, the angle between the lashing and the load surface should be as flat as possible, preferably not exceeding 45°.
4. Straight lashing: Straight lashing, also called direct lashing, is used when there are lashing attachments on the goods. If the lashing crosses, it is called cross lashing. The effectiveness depends on the lashing equipment, friction, the dimensions of the goods, and angles. Lashings drawn at angles between 30-60° can prevent both sliding and tipping. The greater the angle between the attachment eye and the attachment point, the better the lashing can prevent tipping, while smaller angles better prevent sliding.

1. How much weight must a cargo securing withstand? A cargo securing must withstand at least 80% of the cargo weight as forward pressure, as well as at least 50% of the cargo weight as backward and sideways pressure. This ensures stable cargo securing for trucks under different driving conditions, such as braking, acceleration, and during turns.
2. What requirements are set? The requirements set for adequate cargo securing include several important aspects to ensure safe transport of goods. This means that the cargo securing must be able to handle the pressure from the cargo pushing forward, backward, and sideways. In addition, it must provide stability and prevent the cargo from moving, shifting, or tipping.
3. How do you calculate cargo securing? To calculate cargo securing, you must multiply the weight of the cargo by 0.8 for forward-directed force and 0.5 for backward-directed and sideways force. These values indicate the force levels that your securing methods must be able to withstand to ensure that the cargo is properly secured.