According to the European Commission Transportation Department “it has been estimated that up to 25% of accidents involving trucks can be attributable to inadequate cargo securing”.
An unsecured load can shift in transit and create dangerous dynamics, damaging the cargo and the structure of the vehicle or intermodal container.
Blocking and bracing is a load securement method using lumber and metal bars to reduce or inhibit front to rear shifting of freight/cargo.
The type of strap used depends on the requirements, for example, strength, elasticity, ability to withstand various environments, ease of use, safety, and cost.
[4][5] Lashing products and methods are governed by various authorities such as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for rail transportation in North America, the international Maritime Organization (IMO) for ocean transportation, and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and European Union standard EN12195.
Dunnage bags are mostly used for homogeneous shaped cargo such as food & beverage products, electronics and appliances and roll paper.
The purpose of dunnage bags is often misunderstood when they are considered as a void filler only to prevent lateral movement of cargo.
When properly applied however, dunnage bags form a 3-dimensional bulkhead of the cargo itself preventing both lateral and longitudinal movement.