Therefore, friction and correct tension is crucial
When cargo is transported, it is not enough for it to “stand stable” while the truck is stationary. During transport, the load is affected by acceleration, braking, cornering, uneven roads, and vibrations. That is why correct load securing is essential – for safety, the cargo, and everyone around the transport.
Two of the most important factors in effective load securing are friction and tension. When they work together correctly, they reduce the risk of the cargo sliding, tipping, or shifting during transport.
What is friction in cargo transport?
Friction is the resistance that occurs between two surfaces when they try to slide against each other. In load securing, this typically refers to the contact between:
- Cargo and loading platform
- Cargo and pallets
- Cargo and intermediate layers
- Cargo and anti-slip mats
The higher the friction, the harder it is for the cargo to move. This means friction helps keep the load in place – and can also reduce the need for very high lashing forces.
Why is friction important?
Low friction increases the risk of the load sliding during braking or cornering. This is especially relevant for smooth surfaces such as metal, plastic, wet wood, or painted surfaces.
By increasing the friction between the load and the surface, you can achieve more stable transport. Anti-slip mats are an effective solution for this. They are placed between the cargo and the surface and help prevent the load from sliding during transport.
At CERTEX Danmark A/S, we offer anti-slip mats for load securing that are suitable for transport by truck, aircraft and ship. They are designed to provide a high coefficient of friction, thereby reducing the risk of cargo sliding during transport.
What does tension mean in load securing?
Tension refers to the force applied to the lashing equipment – such as a web lashing or lashing chain – when the cargo is secured.
When a lashing is tensioned correctly, it creates a downward force on the load. This increases the contact between the cargo and the surface, which in turn increases friction. In this way, tension and friction work together.
Correct tension provides stability
Too little tension may mean the load is not sufficiently secured. Too much tension, on the other hand, can damage both the cargo and the equipment – especially if the load is delicate, has sharp edges, or cannot withstand point loads.
It is therefore important to use the right equipment and ensure that the tension is distributed evenly.
This may require:
- Correctly dimensioned lashings
- Edge protectors
- Anti-slip mats
- Stable contact surfaces
- Suitable lashing points
- Inspection of the equipment’s marking and condition
The interaction between friction and tension
Friction and tension should not be seen as two separate elements. They are closely connected.
When you increase the tension in a lashing, the cargo is pressed harder against the surface. This increases friction, making it harder for the load to slide. However, if the friction is low to begin with, significantly more lashing force is often required to achieve the same level of securing.
That is why it is beneficial to improve friction actively – for example, by using anti-slip mats. This can make load securing both more effective and gentler on the cargo.
Common load securing challenges
Even minor mistakes can have serious consequences during transport.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Smooth contact surfaces: If the cargo or loading platform has low friction, the load can shift more easily.
- Uneven tension: If lashings are not tensioned evenly, the load may be exposed to uneven forces or move during transport.
- Lack of edge protection: Sharp edges can damage lashing equipment and reduce safety.
- Incorrect choice of equipment: Lashings, chains, and fittings must match the load's weight, shape, and transport conditions.
- Vibrations during transport: Vibrations can cause tension to change. For this reason, the load securing should be checked during transport when necessary.
Good advice for safe load securing
To achieve safe and stable transport, you should always:
- Assess the load: Know the weight, center of gravity, shape, and surface of the cargo.
- Ensure clean contact surfaces: Dirt, oil, water and ice can significantly reduce friction.
- Use anti-slip protection where relevant: Anti-slip mats can increase friction and improve load securing.
- Choose the correct lashing equipment: Use web lashings, chains and fittings that are dimensioned for the task.
- Tension correctly – not just tightly: The tension must be sufficient and evenly distributed.
- Protect the equipment: Use edge protection where there is a risk of wear or sharp edges.
- Check the securing: Inspect the load before departure and, for longer transports, during the journey if required.
We help you with correct load securing
At CERTEX Danmark A/S, we have extensive experience with equipment for lifting, lashing and load securing. We help you choose the right solution – whether you need lashing equipment, anti-slip mats, chains, fittings or advice on safe cargo handling.
Correct load securing is not only about complying with requirements. It is about protecting people, equipment and valuables – all the way from dispatch to delivery. Do you have questions about load securing or choosing the right equipment? Contact CERTEX Danmark A/S – we are ready to help.
Web Lashing Powertex Trucker r-PET
- This lashing is part of Lifting Solution Group's Aspire Range™
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