Whether you're taking a van on the road or driving a full truck through Europe: proper load securing not only prevents fines but, more importantly, dangerous situations. Securing the load is not an option, it’s a must. Poorly secured cargo can be life-threatening. Think of a sudden braking action, a sharp turn or an unexpected evasive maneuver – without proper securing, goods can slide, tip over, or even fall out of the vehicle. In this article, we tell you everything about load securing: what it is, what the legal requirements are, which materials you need, and how to apply it in practice. Because safety starts with correctly securing your cargo.
Load securing simply means making sure that everything you transport cannot slide, tip over or fall during driving. For this, you use aids such as tie-down straps, anti-slip mats, cargo bars or chains. Anything that can move during transport must be properly fastened. Whether you’re driving a company van or a truck with trailer, the principle remains the same: safely fastening the load. There are multiple methods of securing cargo, depending on the type of goods, the vehicle, and the route. But the basic principle is always that the load stays safely in place under all driving conditions.
Every year, multiple accidents occur where poor load securing is the cause. And did you know that during a sudden braking movement, the force on your load can be up to 80% of the weight? A pallet of 6,000 kilos then feels like a moving wall of 4,800 kilos that destroys everything in its path. Additionally, you prevent damage to goods, loss of cargo, and delays in deliveries. For transport companies, every euro counts, and damage to goods or vehicles costs money. Good load securing therefore pays for itself multiple times over.
European legislation is crystal clear: cargo must always be properly secured. Everything you transport must stay in place during driving, braking and maneuvering. The standard NEN-EN 12195-1 describes in detail what proper load securing must comply with. This standard gives guidelines for the forces that can arise during normal road traffic and what your securing must at least be able to withstand. In addition, there is the European Directive 2014/47/EU, which oversees the inspection of commercial vehicles on the road. In practice, this means that enforcers in different countries check load securing based on uniform inspection checklists, drawn up via the EU organization EURO Controle Route (ECR).
Yet, the legal requirements are not exactly the same in every country. The basic standards are the same, but enforcement and interpretation vary:
Germany: The inspections are strict and technically substantiated. The BAG and police pay close attention to details.
Netherlands: Responsibility lies with both the driver and the transporter, with reasonable fines and much attention to education.
Belgium and France: Here inspections also take place, but often slightly less strictly unless there is immediate danger.
Scandinavia: Strict standards apply here, especially in case of slipperiness and winter weather.
Outside Europe, such as in the USA, completely different rules apply, such as the FMCSA guidelines.
Do you drive internationally? Then always work according to the strictest standard you may encounter along the way. Especially Germany and Austria are known for their detailed and consistent inspections. It prevents discussions, fines, and delays at the border.
There are multiple ways to properly fasten a load.
Form-fitting securing: The load is placed tightly against walls or other cargo elements so there is no room for movement.
Force-fitting securing (tie-down): You use tie-down straps or chains to press the cargo firmly against the floor. Due to increased friction, everything stays in place. Anti-slip mats significantly increase this friction.
Direct securing: Here you fasten the load directly to the vehicle with lashing equipment. Especially useful for heavy or irregular cargo.
Most cargo is secured with tie-down straps. On the label of a tie-down strap, you see the LC (lashing capacity), SHF (standard hand force), and STF (standard tension force). The angle at which you apply a tie-down strap is crucial: the closer to 90 degrees, the more effective the force.
Whether you’re a driver or a fleet manager, safety must always come first. Poorly secured cargo can lead to accidents with serious injury or fatal consequences. Not only yourself, but also fellow road users are at risk.
There is also liability: in case of an accident caused by loose cargo, you as a transporter or driver are responsible. This can have legal consequences, and in case of personal injury even lead to criminal prosecution.
At first glance, good load securing materials such as tie-down straps, anti-slip mats and lashing eyes may seem expensive. But compare that investment with the costs of damage, fines, delays or claims, and it’s clear: cheap is expensive. Implementing a good load securing policy starts with training. Have drivers take courses regularly on load securing and ensure that equipment is properly maintained and replaced in time. Calculating the required securing per load is also an important part of practice.
A number of golden rules from practice:
Tie-down straps: Always use certified tie-down straps and replace damaged ones immediately.
Read the label: know the LC, SHF and STF values.
Securing cargo: Fasten cargo as much as possible form-fitting.
Anti-slip mats: Use anti-slip mats with force-fitting to reduce the number of tie-down straps needed.
Lashing points: Check whether all lashing points in your vehicle are suitable and intact.
Take the center of gravity into account: place heavy cargo at the bottom and distribute evenly over the axle.
Finally: always check before departure. Walk around your vehicle and check whether all straps, mats and blocking devices are correctly applied.
Whether you work with a small company van or a large box truck: load securing is your responsibility. With the right knowledge, materials, and working method, you prevent misery on the road and protect yourself and fellow road users. Do you have questions about load securing, choosing the right tie-down straps for securing cargo or want advice on van load securing? Feel free to contact the experts at BAS World.
