There are many things to consider when loading a shipping container, be it a standard GP or reefer container, with product. The number one goal for most is to ensure your cargo arrives at its destination, the way you loaded it. To achieve this, there are many additional factors to consider:
- Does my container restraint need to meet a compliance regulation, such as the CTU or IMDG Code
- What type of lashing or restraint is best fit (Ratchet straps, timber dunnage, cargo bars, cargo-lash, dunnage bags or many more)
- What is a reasonable investment in terms of time and cost to secure my load properly
Below is a helpful summary on different forms of load restraint to secure products into containers
Modular Lashing System
A modular lashing or lashing set is typically used to restrain loads away from the doors. Common applications include wooden crates, IBC’s, Bulk Bags or drums. Depending on the rating or number of modular lashing sets used, these can typically restrain loads from 10T up to 30T inside a common shipping container.
These ready made web lashings are typically a cost effective alternative to timber bracing and blocking methods at the container doors. X-Pak have the ability to custom manufacture different kinds of modular lashing sets, dependent on your cargo type. As Australians #1 supplier of container lashing straps, its best to share images or details of your container freight before choosing this type of system.
Modular lashing systems are designed for one way use. They come pre-built as a complete set and are hooked into the top and bottom lashing points, then joined in the centre with a ladder buckle. They are then tensioned using a battery operated or manual tensioner.
Woven lashing
Poly woven lashing or Cargo-Lash, is a 200m or 250m roll of web lashing, typically tensioned manually and joined with a ladder buckle. This system is often an ideal alternative to using ratchet tie downs, chains or steel strapping in a container. Its simply cut to the required length and can be used as a direct restrain or using a tie down method.
This type of restraint system is also a one-way system and used to secure odd-shaped loads such as machinery, crates and heavy equipment into containers. As a general rule, the 32mm Cargo-Lash is commonly used inside containers to strap down freight, while the 40mm Cargo-Lash is used to secure cargo to a flat rack.
Ratchet Tie Downs
A ratchet tie down, or truck ratchet strap can also be used in some applications to lash cargo inside a container. Where a tie down method is required (from one lashing point, over your item, to the opposite lashing point), ratchet straps can be quick & easy to apply. In our experience, ratchet straps are more commonly used in re-use applications, or for flat rack cargo securement. They can be expensive to purchase, particularly when you do see them again, and often have issues fitting into container lashing points.
Timber Dunnage & Bracing
Depending on your product type, it may also be recommended to utilize timber to brace or block your cargo. Although timber dunnage can be expensive and sometimes time consuming to apply, it can work very effectively as an additional form of restraint in conjunction with strapping to prevent load shift.
For forward or rearward movement, where greater forces are generally a risk, timber dunnage cane be ideal and is often nailed to the container floor. Its important your export timber is appropriately treated for export use and you use a quality fastening system to secure it in place.
For training and advice in best load restraint practices for shipping containers give our friendly team a call on 1300 551 281 as we will be happy to help.
