Have you ever experienced your cargo shifting, falling or damaging during transportation? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem faced by many in the shipping industry. But, did you know that most of these problems can be avoided by simply avoiding common mistakes while lashing and securing cargo?
Lashing and securing cargo is a crucial step in the shipping process. It not only helps to keep the cargo in place during transportation but also ensures the safety of the cargo, the driver, and other road users. However, despite its importance, many people make common mistakes that lead to cargo damage or even accidents.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most common mistakes made while lashing and securing cargo and provide practical tips to avoid them.
Using Inadequate or Damaged Lashing Equipment
One of the most common mistakes people make while lashing and securing cargo is using inadequate or damaged lashing equipment. This could be using straps that are too thin, weak, or worn out, or using hardware that’s rusty or broken.
The consequences of using inadequate or damaged lashing equipment are severe. The straps can snap or break, causing the cargo to shift or fall off the vehicle.
Failing to Calculate the Weight of the Cargo Correctly
Another common mistake is failing to calculate the weight of the cargo correctly. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the weight of the cargo or incorrect measurement. If the weight of the cargo is not calculated correctly, it can result in overloading the vehicle, which can cause damage to the cargo, the vehicle, and even lead to accidents.
Improperly Placing the Straps
Improperly placing the straps is another common mistake. This could be placing the straps too loosely or too tightly, or not securing the straps properly to the vehicle. Straps that are too loose can cause the cargo to shift or fall off during transportation, while straps that are too tight can damage the cargo or the vehicle.
Not Securing the Load Correctly
Not securing the load correctly is another common mistake. This could be failing to secure the load to the vehicle, or securing the load to the wrong part of the vehicle. If the load is not secured correctly, it can cause the cargo to shift or fall off during transportation, leading to damage or accidents.
Not Regularly Inspecting the Lashing Equipment
Finally, failing to regularly inspect the lashing equipment is another common mistake. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the importance of regular inspection or simply neglecting to do so. If the lashing equipment is not regularly inspected, it can result in equipment failure, causing the cargo to shift or fall off during transportation.
Lashing and securing cargo is a critical step in the shipping process that requires attention to detail and the use of proper techniques and equipment. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can ensure that your cargo is safely and securely transported to its destination, reducing the risk of damage, accidents, and other problems.
Remember to use high-quality lashing equipment, calculate the weight of the cargo correctly, place the straps correctly, secure the load correctly, and regularly inspect the lashing equipment to keep your cargo safe and secure.
