The Cargo-Lashing Expert

“It is so heavy it won’t move.”

This is the second posting in a series of cargo securing advice and useful hints. These are meant for people who think economically. They do not like to waste time, muscle power, risk their health, or pay fines.

Last time I presented some basic, understandable physical facts and rules. Let’s look into the first one a little more.

Cargo is under the influence of several forces in different directions at all times. Gravitational force pushes it toward the floor and, depending on the surfaces, creates a frictional force when the item tries to move. Acceleration caused by changes in the driving direction or speed cause horizontal forces that try to move the cargo. Braking is the most effective way to cause a horizontal force in normal traffic situations. The international standards define the force to be 0,8G, which is equal to 80% of the vertical force caused by the cargo weight. An example: A pallet weighing 1,000kg will cause roughly 10.000N force downwards and 8000N force forward with gravitational force 1,0G and horizontal force 0,8G. To keep this pallet in place the horizontal force has to be countered by supporting the item, blocking its way, or by lashing it. Some help for that can be found in the frictional force the pallet causes, but not all. By lashing the item, we add frictional force. There may also be support from the trailer construction, if the trailer is built to tolerate it. Other items in front of the cargo item can also block its movement.

Drive safely,

Cargo Lashing Expert.