Back to the article list Ways of Distribution and Securing of Load During Transport
Every specialist in the transport industry knows that the safe transport of load consists of both the structural elements of the vehicles and trailers and the knowledge and responsibility of the employees. Proper distribution and securing of the load is an extremely important stage in the supply chain. It allows goods to be delivered intact and also streamlines and consequently speeds up further work.
Below, we have compiled a short guide with the most important information and ways of securing your cargo, so that even the most difficult road will not endanger the items being transported.
Proper Distribution of Load is the key to its Security
In order to ensure the safety of both the products being transported and of all freight traffic, it is necessary to comply with the statutory cargo rules. A fundamental point in any route planning should be to ensure that the GVW of the vehicle is not exceeded. Overloading the vehicle poses a danger on the road while causing the whole vehicle to wear out more quickly.
Equally important is the appropriate distribution of the load inside the combination. Transport units are particularly sensitive to the position of the load’s centre of gravity. It is this aspect that determines the vehicle’s controllability and ability to brake safely. Utilisation of the maximum payload is only possible when the load is properly distributed and secured. We have included an example of a load distribution diagram for the vehicle in the picture below.
You must also remember about the correct distribution of the centre of gravity in the vehicle. It is necessary to load the front and rear of the vehicle evenly. The following formula can be used to adequately secure the load during transport:
The aspect of axle load should also not be underestimated. Depending on the route to be taken, the weight of the vehicle should not exceed the standards set for it – we are talking about 8, 10 or 11.5 tonnes per axle.
Securing Cargo in Transport – An Overview of Methods
Choosing how to secure the cargo is a key part of any journey. It is their appropriate use that can assist the driver en route, while reducing the subsequent time needed for unloading.
We can distinguish between two main ways of securing cargo during transport:
- Shape Method – this assumes that the loading space is limited by the lack of spacing between the goods. The sum of the gaps in this method should not be more than a few centimetres. Special straps or pallets can be used to create the desired loading shape, as well as the use of a loading space delimiter formed from the side or front wall.
- Force Method – securing the load with this method primarily involves increasing the pressure force by using cross straps. Goods secured in this way are much more stable by remaining in one position for the entire journey.
In this case, the proper selection of safety belts must not be forgotten. The following table, in accordance with the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guide to the Formation of Load Units, indicates the maximum mass that can be secured by one belt – with a nominal tension force of 400 daN – and an appropriate coefficient of friction
Both methods of cargo securing – the shape and force ones – can also be used simultaneously by applying the products to the front section of the vehicle and securing them with straps afterwards.
It is also worth mentioning that other devices are also available on the market to help secure the load adequately, such as spreader beams and bars, anti-slip mats or edge protectors.
Proprietary Cargo Securing by Gniotpol Trailers
Appropriate weight distribution and securing of the cargo are key aspects during transport. Very often both the quality of the service provided and the comfort of many employees in the TSL industry depend on it. It is worth focusing on every detail – from choosing the best trailer to properly securing the load.
The technologies found in Gniotpol Trailers products can help with in this matter. Multi and Safety Lock systems deserve special mention here. Thanks to the technology used, they provide multi-point support for securing products on the vehicle, enabling any configuration depending on the loading method.
GT also offers innovative and patented Anti-Rollover technology for 1-axle trailers. It makes the vehicle resistant to uncontrolled rollover during strong lateral gusts of wind, and the cargo carried inside arrives safely at its destination.
Each load needs the right attention, so please do not hesitate to contact us – our specialised experts will help you chose a well-suited solution, as well as advising you on which technologies will work best to secure your goods.
