The importance of proper load securement is generally unknown by Australian companies until an incident occurs. The question that is asked most of all is ‘how do I prevent my products from being damage during transport?’. Until such a point, Cargo Lashing is viewed as an ‘extra expense’ or ‘money I’m spending that I won’t see back’. Sure, anyone can place products into a shipping container and purchase a few tie-downs, ratchet straps or timber dunnage to hold the product in place, although few people are aware of the potential forces exerted my different modes of transport on the cargo once it leaves your warehouse. Therefore, its important to speak with experts when it comes to using lashing or dunnage to secure your cargo for export
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The basics of container packing:
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Load distribution
When loading a container, its important to ensure your cargo weight is evenly distributed. This is generally a simple process when packing common items like pallets, IBCs or Bulk Bags into containers although some loads will hit your weight limit before you fill the containers full. This will mean empty voids where some form of lashing system or dunnage bag will be required to restrain your load from shifting.
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Easy load securing
Some processes utilizing timber dunnage or an extremely complex web of lashing will certainly prevent your load from shifting although may take up to an hour to install. When considering your investment in correct load securement products, its also important to factor in the time it takes to secure your cargo.
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Compliance
Its important to be aware of the legal implications of poor container load restraint. In the Australian Load Restraint Guide 2018, it states ‘To comply with the Law: If you’re involved in packing, loading, moving, or unloading a vehicle, you are responsible for complying with load restraint laws’.
Common restraint systems
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Inflatable Dunnage Bags
These are simply woven bags that are filled with high pressure air to fill a void in your cargo and therefore prevent it from moving. Inflatable dunnage can be used with a battery-powered inflator, come in a wide variety of sizes and are also re-useable. These bags must be strictly used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Cargo-Lashing or webbing straps
This is a composite or poly woven type material that has a specific rating and used to tie down products in a container. Lashing is used with a manual or battery tensioner and joined using a metal buckle. Cargo-Lash comes as a continuous roll which is cut to length as required.
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Timber dunnage
This is different configurations or pre-made timber framing to chock and block off cargo in containers. Timber dunnage is generally expensive, dangerous to use and cumbersome although can offer great load restraint when used in conjunction with a X-pak lashing system.
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Anti-Slip Matting
Rubber load restraint matting is a great way to increase the friction between 2 surfaces, particularly the container floor and your products. Rubber mats can be cut to any size and thickness and assist in preventing load shift during transport.
How can we help:
Our products help Australian organisations every day to:
- Ensure cargo loads meet local regulations and compliance
- Provide calculations and workings to show the forces on your load and recommend the best-fit solution to ensure your load arrives at its destination safe and in the same condition it left
- Custom made lashing and dunnage systems to suit individual requirements. We work closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams globally to provide Australians with world-leading strapping, lashing and dunnage solutions
- Site visits. Our team will visit your site to provide hands-on training and loading assistance. Its our passion to see loads being exported from Australian companies in the safest manner possible
