Our customers often ask us for advice on how to secure specific loads. We understand why – securing heavy loads can be complicated, especially if the load type and weight change several times per day.
If you need to know how to secure cargo on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), here's a quick overview of the basics. Load restraint is all about preventing a load from being moved around by transport forces. This can be achieved by using ratchet straps to hold the load in place.
The amount of force required to keep a heavy load static is dependent on the angle of the lashing to the load and the hand force applied to the tensioner. It can be a complicated mathematical calculation for each application!
Read on for more HGV load security guidance.
Guidance for Securing Heavy Loads
In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides guidance and carries out roadside checks to ensure lorries and their loads are safe to drive. The DVSA's guidance can be viewed here: Securing Loads on HGVs & Goods Vehicles.
The guide linked above covers:
- Details about the code of practice
- Responsibility for load security
- Load securing basics
- What to do if a load becomes unstable during a journey
- Ways to secure a load in an HGV or goods vehicle
- How to load different HGVs, light goods vehicles, small vans and cars
- How to carry different types of loads in HGVs and goods vehicles
Each section provides practical guidance and terminology, plus supporting videos. For health and safety compliance, assessing risk and training purposes, it is a worthwhile read that will help you with HGV load security.
Securing Heavy Loads: Roadside Examinations
At the roadside, examiners and authorised constables use the Categorisation of Vehicle Defects document to determine what action to take if they find an insecure load. Information on load security can be found on pages 50 and 212 of that document. Defects, actions and notes are all listed there. If an issue is found, it could result in an 'immediate prohibition' – which might mean a fine, points on your licence or both.
Please note that this guidance applies to public service vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), agricultural vehicles, passenger cars, private buses and light goods vehicles throughout the UK. It applies to commercial businesses with large trucks as well as to private individuals transporting cars or goods on a trailer.
Proper load restraint measures are inexpensive – especially compared to the damages that may be incurred if your cargo comes loose – and they're essential when transporting heavy loads. If you need help securing loads on your HGV, contact Tensys Direct to discuss your options.
Buy Load Restraints from Tensys Direct