Securing cargo isn’t just a safety concern; it is the law in all fifty states. Therefore, it is essential to correctly strap your cargo with adequate strapping materials to protect your products, yourself, and others. Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran, there is always room to learn more, and today, we will explore some of the best practices for securing your cargo with strapping materials.
What Strapping Products To Use When Securing Cargo
Choosing the right strapping material is the first step, and which is best for you will vary depending on your products, the weight of the load, packaging techniques, and the method of transport. The most popular and versatile strapping products and their optimal uses include:
- Steel: Steel is a classic strapping product ideal for heavier products like timber, building materials, and other large objects. While its rigid structure is excellent for heavy products, it can lead to damage to more fragile cargo. Steel is a required product for cargo that travels over a rail or will be exposed to the elements.
- Polyester: Polyester strapping is comparable to steel in strength and is much lighter, making it great for heavy-duty products like construction materials and large appliances due to its flexibility and a little give in terms of tension. Polyester can also be used in any method of transport but is best for lowering overall weight and ground-based travel, as it doesn’t have the weather resistance of steel.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is often the least expensive option but is no less valuable. Best used in shipping lighter or more delicate products, polypropylene doesn’t have the same tension retention as steel or polyester and, therefore, shouldn’t be used on heavier products. The flexibility and the tension of polypropylene lend it to being superior when products need to settle or tend to shift during shipping.
Guide To Properly Securing Cargo
- Palletize or organize cargo with heavier products near the bottom and stack them properly.
- Place strapping material flat and even across the top of the pallet.
- If strapping by hand, open the ratchet or strapping tool and feed the strapping material into the open slot.
- Ensure that strapping material is equally distributed across the top and bottom of the pallet or cargo.
- If applicable, connect hooks to the interior of the truck, container, or railcar, then apply tension until taut.
Miscellaneous Tips for Securing Cargo
Safely secured cargo doesn’t stop at just strapping materials. While you can find more guides on our blog, here are a few miscellaneous tips to help ensure your cargo and bystanders are safe.
- Tie heavier products directly to the vehicle, trailer, container, or railcar.
- Always check strapping products for damage, wear, and overall condition. (Even on new products)
- Cover with a tarp or netting for products that may come loose.
- Do not exceed weight limits or strapping product limits, and stay within the guidelines outlined in the product information.
- Double and triple check that cargo is secure by checking for tension retention.
- Utilize products like blocking bars, dunnage and stuffing materials, and anti-slip mats.
For More Tips And To Get The Most Out Of Your Strapping Products, Consider USA Strapping
With access to over 24,000 strapping products, tools, and other shipping products, USA Strapping is your one-stop shop for everything you need in the cargo industry. We work with only the highest quality products and aim to bring nationwide delivery at a modest price. USA Strapping supports good practices for securing cargo and should be your only consideration. To order any of our strapping products or for more information, visit us online or call 888-768-0001.