Essential Cargo Securement Equipment – Australian Truckers

Hauling cargo across the Australian landscape can pose several challenges; roads can sometimes be narrow, the weather can change on a moment’s notice, terrain jumps can be difficult to get momentum over, and bush fires and animals can get in the way. Throughout all this, it’s essential to keep your load fully secure so you can focus on driving with skill and determination. This guide lists the most essential equipment for securing cargo in the Australian trucking industry to keep you and others safe on the road. If you’re new to Australian trucking or are a veteran looking for a quick essentials checklist, you’ve come to the right place.

For further details on guidelines and performance standards for the safe carriage of loads on road vehicles in Australia, visit the NTC Australia Load Restraint Guide found HERE.

Lashings

Lashings are a trucker’s bread and butter for securing everything from light to heavy loads. These can include synthetic rope, wire rope, webbing and web straps, chains, and more, depending on the load being carried. Each lashing or tie-down method should properly match the load being secured; the lashings should comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS for Motor Vehicles – Cargo Restraint Systems, and they should be properly rated for the load to prevent breakage.

Synthetic Rope

Synthetic rope is best suited for general freight, timber, pipe, and reel loads, as well as lighter loads. For quality strength and durability, preferred ropes are manufactured of polypropylene, polyester or polyamide. Be fully aware of the load rating for any synthetic ropes you use for securing cargo as many synthetic ropes sold do not come load-rated and are not suitable for cargo securement.

Steel Wire Rope

Steel wire rope is stronger than synthetic rope and can be used with or in place of chains in most instances to secure heavy-duty cargo, including construction equipment, motor vehicles, and steel products.

Webbing

Webbing and web straps are some of the most common lashings and tie-down methods on the road for their high strength, durability, ease of use, and versatility. Web straps are often combined with winches to provide appropriate tension, while others feature ratchet buckles on them. Quality web straps should be made from a high-performance polyester weave. Some higher-end straps offer increased durability with permanent coatings that provide increased resistance to weather and abrasion.

For interior van and reefer van securement, web straps with track fittings are essential. These straps hook into the tracks on the interior van walls and help to provide a downward force on the cargo. Some of the most common track web straps are for E-track.

Chains

Chains, like webbing, are some of the most common lashings and are especially useful for securing heavy-duty cargo. Chains are most often used for loads like shipping containers, general freight, construction equipment, timber, steel products, pipes, reels, and vehicles. Chains come in several grades of steel for varying load ratings and feature a variety of finishes to resist corrosion and rust. Most chains feature hook ends, though some require shackles or other equipment/hardware to secure them to an anchor point. Chains will typically be anchored in a 3-point-hitch securement method around the flatbed trailer rub rail or other secure part of the frame for maximum securement and safety. Securing cargo with chains will require a chain binder to apply proper tension. Ensure the link size, chain grade, and load rating are appropriately matched to the load you’re hauling.

Tensioners & Connectors

High-quality, durable tensioners and connectors are what keep your lashings taught and secure over the cargo. These allow you to adjust the tension, force, and sometimes the length of your lashings. Straps, ropes, and chains all require tensioners to keep them tight and firm across the load for maximum safety. Ensure that all tensioners and connectors are rated for the type of load you’re hauling and that they comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS for Motor Vehicles – Cargo Restraint Systems.

Winches

Webbing and straps without a buckle included on their design require the use of a winch for tensioning and proper securement. Synthetic and steel wire rope also require a winch to be used. A variety of winches exist on the market to help facilitate efficient and effective cargo securement. Web winches are for webbing while cable winches are for rope and cable. Combination winches are also available, which can be used for both webbing and rope. Standard weld-on winches are the most common and fit under the rub rail of the flatbed trailer. The webbing then slides through the web slot and the winch is turned and tightened via a winch bar placed into the rotating cap. The non-looped end is then tossed over the load to the other side of the trailer to be secured to the trailer frame. The tension applied then holds the strap and cargo in place.

Other popular winch models exist to meet individual demands and applications. Bolt-on winches allow for temporary installation and are quick to install and uninstall as needed. Sliding winches fit onto a track already installed on the rub rail of the flatbed trailer and provide extra versatility and convenience in that they can be placed nearly anywhere along the side of the trailer. Portawinches fit into stake pockets for fast installation and convenience. Many of these winch styles will also be offered in a ratchet cap configuration, meaning that the winch bar is able to stay in the cap improve efficiency and shorten the tensioning time.

Chain Binders

Properly securing chains for tying down cargo requires at least one chain binder. In an indirect securement method (using both sides of the trailer to secure a load), a single long chain or two chains can be tensioned using a chain binder. The chain(s) is pulled taut by hand to eliminate the most slack possible, then the binder hooks are attached to the taut links on the chain and the binder is tightened to provide proper securement.

There are generally two main types of chain binders: lever/snap binders and ratchet binders. Lever binders are fast to attach and operate due to their extremely simple design. However, lever binders also come with the greatest risk of injury as significant leveraging force is required to secure them and the handle can snap back if the operator isn’t extra cautious. Lever binders also have a higher risk of loosening during transit. Ratchet binders are far slower to secure than lever binders but offset this by being much safer while maintaining consistent tension throughout transit.

Dunnage

Dunnage is padding that restricts load shifting movements during transit. Dunnage can take a variety of forms but is most commonly found as dunnage air bags that are placed between cargo loads (especially palleted loads) and timber dunnage, which provides additional friction. Dunnage bags are used primarily for interior van and shipping container cargo and are generally most useful in rectangular forms rather than square. Timber dunnage, on the other hand, is utilised in a more universal fashion, providing structural support to the cargo while keeping loads separated and preventing potential damage.

Chocks & Blocking Timber

Chocks can be made of wood, plastic, rubber, and more, though most will commonly be made of wood to remain cheap and quick to use. Chocks help to reduce the risk of shifting or sliding cargo by “blocking” the load in place. Coil racks are also included here and are necessary chocks for supporting and securing large coils on a flatbed trailer. Timber can even be placed under some loads to provide improved friction over the metal flatbed trailer surface, especially for metal loads. When using timber as chocks or for blocking to provide structural support to the load, ensure the wood is strong enough to handle the shifting forces of the load and will not be crushed or split while under pressure.

Edge Protectors / Corner Protectors / Pallet Angles

In order to prevent loads from being crushed or damaged by your lashings, or to protect your lashings from abrasion, edge protectors and corner protectors are a must. These can be especially useful for sharp metal loads and other cargo you don’t want to get scratched from chains or steel cable. Some shippers will require edge protectors.

Tarpaulin

Able to assist with hauls ranging from palleted cargo, timber loads, loose bulk loads, and all manner of general freight, a tarpaulin is one of the most universal and necessary pieces of equipment you can have on hand. Tarps can help to keep harmful debris and harsh weather hail and heavy rain due to sporadic Australian deluges from damaging your cargo while also providing an extra layer of securement and stability when needed. Using a tarp can help prevent many lighter loads from shifting and can also keep loose bulk loads within the trailer, protecting drivers behind you safe from flying dirt, rocks, and other debris from your load.

Miscellaneous and Incidentals

It’s always good to be prepared for anything in the outback! Here are just some of the important extras you should have with you when hauling freight in Australia.

Truck Cab Cooler

The Australian and outback summer heat can be extremely brutal on the road and make it difficult to drive or sleep in the cab. With a truck cab cooler installed or brought along portably, you can stay comfortable and safe from the heat.

Headache Rack

The headache rack is a highly convenient addition to your rig to keep all your lashings and extra equipment safely stored on your flatbed trailer during transit. This means no chains, straps, binders, or any other equipment will be left on the trailer or placed in the cab. For smaller equipment and extras, a cab rack can also be installed.

Reflective Vest / Clothing

A high-visibility, reflective vest or reflective clothing could save your life while on the road at night and alert other drivers well in advance of your position.