The Cargo-Lashing Expert

Cargo securing for the economically minded

How to cope with soft objects

This is posting number 20 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. How to cope with soft objects?

Sacks, boxes, big bags, tissue paper rolls and octabins that are so weak, they will break under the pressure from straps.

When you have to cope with soft objects, use a strong fabric. Then the lashing forces caused by tensioning are transferred to the fabric. This way you will distribute the lashing forces as evenly as possible on the cargo surface. The surface pressure is the same all over the top and therefore the packages have a lot better chance of surviving. At the same time, you will prevent the items from moving. This saves a lot of time compared to the alternative, climbing up and placing first the straps in the correct places (if possible) and after that the corner protectors. Additionally soft objects are kept in good shape the whole journey. You can always ask for certificates from third party tests where your type of cargo has been used. These tests, described in the standard EN12195-1, show if the cargo securing devices have functioned as planned.

Drive safely,

Cargo Lashing Expert