Lashing & Securing Cargo – Complete Safety Guide
How to lash and secure cargo safely for road, sea, and rail transport. Lashing calculations, equipment, and regulatory compliance.
Improperly secured cargo is one of the leading causes of transport damage, accounting for an estimated 25% of all cargo claims worldwide. Lashing and securing is not just about strapping things down – it is a science that requires understanding of forces, friction, and regulatory standards. This guide covers everything from basic lashing principles to advanced container securing techniques.
Forces Acting on Cargo During Transport
Lashing Equipment
Steel Strapping
High-tensile steel bands for heavy-duty securing. Suitable for loads over 5 tons. Applied with tensioning tools and sealed with metal clips. Provides rigid, non-stretch securing.
Polyester Strapping
Woven polyester lashing straps with ratchet tensioners. Standard working load limits from 500 kg to 5 tons per strap. Flexible, shock-absorbing, and corrosion-free. The most common lashing method for containerized cargo.
Wire Rope Lashings
Steel wire ropes with turnbuckle tensioners for extreme loads. Used for break-bulk and project cargo on vessel decks. Working load limits up to 20+ tons per lashing.
Blocking and Bracing
Wooden or steel structures that fill gaps between cargo and container walls. Prevents lateral movement without relying solely on friction and lashing tension. Essential complement to strap lashing.