Each shipment is unique and may include one or more combinations of load carriers. Below you will find examples of the most common used types, what possibilities exist for securing loads to the carriers and the maximum strengths of side walls, lashing points etc.
Road Transport
Flat-bed
This is an open construction. The only way to secure loads is to use ratchet tensioners. Only covering the load with a tarpaulin is not sufficient!
Tilt or Curtain sides.
These trailers are equipped with side boards and wooden battens. Max. loads are:
Load on sideboard: cargo capacity x 0,24 max. 7,2 ton.
Load on Battens: cargo capacity x 0,06 max. 1,8 ton.
Load on headboard: cargo capacity x 0,40 max. 12 ton. Max. 3 to 5 to tons!
Load of the doors: cargo capacity x 0,30 max. 9 ton.
e.g. side battens, 25.000 x 0,06 = 1.500 kg. / 16 battens per side = 94 kg. per bat!
Where securing rings are available, they should have a max. Load capacity of 2 tons per ring.
Boxes
These constructions have a fully closed structure, e.g. reefer trailers. Max. Loads are:
Load on sideboard: cargo capacity x 0,30
Load on headboard: cargo capacity x 0,40
Load on doors: cargo capacity x 0,30
e.g. sideboard, 25.000 x 0,30 = 7.500 kg. per side!
Where securing rings are available, they should have a max. load capacity of 2 tons per ring. It is also possible to use dunnage bags to secure the loads.
Tautliners
This type of construction is frequently used for it’s quick loading and unloading possibilities, but is nothing more than a flat-bed with a tent! Max. loads are:
Load on sideboard: cargo capacity x 0,06 (battens)
Load on headboard: cargo capacity x 0,40
Load on doors: cargo capacity x 0,30
e.g. sideboard, 25.000 x 0,06 = 1.500 kg. per side!
The max. loads are based on being spread over the whole length of the trailer. If the same load is applied at one point, the walls may give way causing loss of load. Securing the load with ratchet tensioners is necessary.
Sea Transport
Box containers
Containers are a commonly used means of transporting unit loads. They are available in a variety of types and sizes. E.g. standard box 20 ft, 40 ft, 45ft, high-cube, open-top, open hard-top, open-side, reefer and tank container.
20 Ft. standard container.
Max. cargo capacity 21,8 ton.
Load on side walls: cargo capacity x 0,60 = 13,2 ton.
Load on headboard / doors: cargo capacity x 0,40 = 8,8 ton.
Load on lashing points: per point min. 1 ton.
Qty of lashing points: 5 pcs. per side bottom and top (these figures may vary)
40 Ft. standard container.
Max. cargo capacity 26,7 ton.
Load on side walls: cargo capacity x 0,60 = 16,2 ton.
Load on headboard / doors: cargo capacity x 0,40 = 10,8 ton.
Load on lashing points: per point min. 1 ton.
Qty of lashing points : 9 pcs. per side bottom and top (these figures may vary)
Flat racks are open flat containers with fold up headboards, especially designed for loads with non-standard sizes and/or weights.
20 Ft. flat rack.
Maximum cargo capacity 27,9 ton.
Max. Load per securing point : 4 ton.
40 Ft. flat rack.
Maximum cargo capacity 39,8 ton.
Max. Load per securing point : 4 ton.
Ro – Ro transport.
Ro-Ro stands for roll-on, roll-off transport such as the transport of cars and trailers by ferry. Much of this combined (road/sea) transport takes place between the European Continent, the U.K. and Scandinavia. It is most important to secure the goods in a “seaworthy” way. In many cases the loads are not secured properly. Damaged goods and risk of injury are the unavoidable result.
Transport by rail
The European regulations for loading and securing goods on railway wagons can be found in the R.I.V. (Regolamento Internazionale Veicoli).
Along with general rules, the R.I.V. gives specific examples of how to secure different types of loads, e.g. for timber, steel coils, agricultural machinery etc. Should you have to transport your goods by rail, we shall be glad to assist you to do this in accordance with the R.I.V. regulations.
In many cases transport by rail will be part of chain of transport modes i.e. combined transport. Containers and trailers will travel part of their journey both by road and rail. The G-Force on the loads with normal transport, i.e. by road or sea, is 1G. The G-Force by rail can reach a value of up to 4G.
The guidelines for transport of dangerous goods are drawn up in the R.I.D. code.
Air Transport
Securing loads in airplanes is mostly carried out by Air Cargo companies. All regulations applicable to this way of transport are submitted by the I.A.T.A. (International Air Traffic Association) and they have their own specific ways and means of securing.
IMPORTANT:
We do not recommend the usage of dunnage bags in planes. If the pressure drops in the cabin, the bags can easily explode!!!!
