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Importance of Lashing Materials to Secure Cargo During Transit

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Marty John
Importance of Lashing Materials to Secure Cargo During Transit

Cargo securing involves the safeguarding of cargo for transportation. Proper securing of cargo is essential to avoid accidents that can lead to loss of cargo, lives, vehicles and cause environmental damage. There are various ways and materials available to secure cargo in vehicles and containers. A few ways cargo can be secured to the transport unit are through blocking and bracing, fasteners, dunnage, tie downs, lashing, strapping, and many more. Often a combination of cargo securing methods is used to restrain the cargo from unnecessary movement during transportation.


A lashing can be defined as a preparation of rope, cable, chain, wire, or webbing connected with a linking device that is used to secure and fasten two or more items together in a tight manner to prevent unwanted movement of cargo during transit. Lashing materials are attached to the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) and tensioned against the cargo or container.


The selection of the correct lashing equipment depends on the lashing method, the composition and weight of the load, and the transporting vehicle equipment. Any transit of cargo should not be tried without the application of basic lashings as they help to reduce the sliding and tipping of cargo.


A Few Factors that Help in Deciding the Right Lashing for Cargo Are:


•           Size and Weight of Cargo

Lashings depend on the size and weight of the cargo. So a bigger and heavier cargo will require strong lashings as compared to cargo that is smaller in size and weight. It also depends on the available space for lashing as it is a deciding factor in defining the lashing configuration.


•           Forces Affecting the Cargo

The mode of transport and the environment encountered en-route to the final destination also play an important role in deciding the lashing material. Cargo experiences different types of forces that can cause cargo to sway and heave leading to loosening of cargo and accidents. Adequate lashings are required to overcome these forces to keep the cargo safe during transit.


•           Distribution of Force on the Lashing

Different materials have different elasticity and create unequal lashing forces. It is advised not to mix different lashing materials while securing the cargo at least for securing in the same lashing direction. The forces should be evenly distributed among lashing as this could lead to the possibility of a lashing getting slack or getting overloaded.


•           Protection Against Sliding and Tipping

Lashings can provide sufficient restraint to cargo against sliding. If the friction force is not enough to protect against sliding, then dunnage or stoppers can be utilised in combination with lashings to increase friction. The lashing design also needs to protect the cargo against tipping when the transport rolls or pitches during motion.


Also Read: Pronk Provides High-End Lashing Services to Its Long-Term Partner CMA CGM


All lashing materials need to be inspected regularly for damage. The best practice is to use materials that have the safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL) known and marked to prevent any accidents. The proper lashing and securing of cargo are of the utmost importance for the safety of life and cargo during transit.

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