Quick reference: the ten most important commandments for cargo securing

The following is a short list of important basic rules which are always valid whatever

the cargo transported and which should be remembered or respected when performing

a transport operation. This list is not self standing. It must be complemented by the

more detailed explanations that can be found in the bulk of the document. 

Remember that if a cargo is not secured adequately, it can be a danger to others and

yourself. Inadequately secured cargo could fall off the vehicle, cause traffic

congestion and others could be hurt or killed. Inadequately secured cargo could hurt

or kill you during strong braking or a crash. The steering of a vehicle can be affected

by how the cargo is distributed and/or secured on the vehicle, making it more difficult

to control the vehicle. 

Some of the following ten commandments are primarily targeted at the driver,

because he is the one physically transporting the cargo to its destination and therefore

directly exposed to the hazards involved in the transport operation: 

? Before the vehicle is loaded, check that its load platform, bodywork and any

load securing equipment are in sound and serviceable condition.  

? Secure the cargo in such a way that it cannot shove away, roll-over, wander

because of vibrations, fall off the vehicle or make the vehicle tip over.  

? Determine the securing method(s) best adapted to the characteristics of the

cargo (locking, blocking, direct lashing, top-over lashing or combinations of

these).  

? Check that the vehicle and blocking equipment manufacturers’

recommendations are adhered to.  

? Check the cargo securing equipment is commensurate with the constraints it

will encounter during the journey. Emergency braking, strong cornering to

avoid an obstacle, bad road or weather conditions have to be considered as

normal circumstances likely to happen during a journey. The securing

equipment must be able to withstand these conditions.  

? Each time cargo has been (un)loaded or redistributed, inspect the cargo and

check for overload and/or poorly balanced weight distribution before starting.

Ensure that the cargo is distributed in such a way that the centre of gravity of

the total cargo lies as close as possible to the longitudinal axis and is kept as

low as possible: heavier goods under, lighter goods above.  

? Check the cargo securing regularly, wherever possible, during the journey.

The first check should preferably be done after a few kilometres drive at a safe

place to stop. In addition the securing should also be checked after heavy

braking or another abnormal situation during driving. 

? Wherever possible, use equipment which supports the cargo securing such

friction mats, walking boards, straps, edge beams, etc.  

? Ensure that the securing arrangements do not damage the goods transported.  

? Drive smoothly, i.e. adapt your speed to the circumstances so as to avoid brisk

change of direction and heavy breaking. If you follow this advice, the forces

exerted by the cargo will remain low and you should not encounter any

problems.