Hassle-free transport: everything you need to know about the correct use of ratchet straps!
A key condition for trouble-free transportation is secure fastening. We’ll show you why using cargo securing straps is essential and which type of ratchet strap is best suited for different situations.
During transportation, one of the most important factors is securing the cargo safely. Without proper fastening, numerous risks arise, as inadequate securing can lead to damages worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. Not to mention that it can also result in fines.
To avoid this, you’ll need high-quality cargo securing straps. However, the perfect ratchet strap alone will not protect your cargo. To ensure safe transport, you must understand how to use cargo securing straps correctly and which type is suitable for different kinds of loads.
Now we’ll show you why ratchet straps are indispensable in transportation, how to find the right solution, and how to use them properly so your cargo always remains as safe as possible and arrives at its destination intact and damage-free!
Why is using a ratchet strap important?
The cargo securing strap – commonly known as a ratchet strap – is a multi-layer, high-strength fastening tool made of synthetic webbing, capable of withstanding significant loads. Ratchet straps can be made from polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, each offering different resistance to various chemical effects.
Polyester straps generally offer good resistance in environments where they may be exposed to acidic substances, but they are less practical in situations involving moisture, as they can lose some of their load capacity. The same applies to polyamide straps, whose load capacity may decrease by 10–15% when wet, although they are highly resistant to alkaline substances.
Therefore, in wet environments, the best choice is a polypropylene strap, although it is less recommended when transporting materials with acidic or alkaline properties.
Blue label and black stripes: what you need to know about the strap
At first glance, all cargo securing straps may look the same, but a closer inspection reveals many differences between various types.
Ratchet straps come in different sizes, with the most common widths being 25, 35, 50, and 75 mm. Important characteristics and technical data—such as load capacity, securing capability, length, certifications, and manufacturing date—must all be indicated on the blue label attached to the strap. This labeling is required according to EN12195-2 standards for all PES (polyester-based) cargo securing equipment.
One key difference is the load capacity. In addition to the blue label, the number of parallel black stitches also indicates the capacity: 3 stripes for 3 tons, 5 stripes for 5 tons, and so on. It’s important to note that a 5-ton ratchet strap provides a clamping force of 2.5 tons on each side in practice.
During roadside inspections, a loose strap is considered a serious deficiency, so it’s important to check tension periodically during transport and retighten if necessary. It is considered a dangerous fault if the strap has no label or if it is unreadable due to damage.
Although ratchet straps do not have an official expiration date, it is recommended to replace them annually to ensure safe performance.
How many straps should you use?
The number of straps required for securing depends on each individual load. There is no universal rule that applies in all cases. You must always consider:
- the type of cargo,
- the weight of the load,
- the size of the cargo,
- the securing method(s) used,
- and the load capacity of the anchoring points.
Below, we present a method that can be effectively used for tie-down securing, taking the above parameters into account.
How to calculate for tie-down securing
In tie-down securing, the strap is placed over the top of the cargo, and both ends are attached to the vehicle’s anchoring points. This presses the load against the loading surface, preventing tipping, sliding, and impact. The number of straps required can be calculated as follows.
Check the strap’s label for the lashing capacity indicated next to the LC marking. The value is given in daN, where 1 daN = 1 kg. This means a 5000 daN strap can secure 5 tons. Manufacturers indicate LC values for both tie-down and direct lashing, with the higher value always referring to tie-down securing.
To calculate the required number of straps, divide the weight of the cargo unit by the LC value, then always round up. For example, a 9-ton load divided by 5 results in 1.8, which must be rounded up to 2 straps.
A 40-ton truck combination (standard flatbed or curtain-sided trailer, 13.5 m loading length) requires at least 20 straps (LC > 2000 daN, STF > 500 daN).
It is also important to consider the load capacity of anchoring points, which can be found in the vehicle documentation. These are defined by DIN EN / MSZ standards depending on vehicle weight. For safe securing, divide the cargo weight by twice the anchoring point capacity, then round up.
Compare the results of both calculations and always choose the higher value. If the quotient based on LC is higher, use that number of straps; if the anchoring calculation is higher, follow that instead.
Also note the STF value, which indicates the standard tension force generated by the ratchet. This is relevant for tie-down securing, as it shows how much force is applied when tightening the strap. The higher the STF value, the fewer straps are needed.
As a general rule, use at least one strap per 4 tons of cargo, even if the load cannot shift. If too many straps would be required, you can reduce the number by using anti-slip materials (such as rubber mats), friction-enhancing solutions, or alternative securing methods (such as blocking).
Anti-slip mats and edge protectors: why they are essential
The use of anti-slip mats is extremely important. Without them, the friction coefficient is typically around 0.3 μ, while with anti-slip mats it can reach 0.6 μ. This means the required clamping force can be reduced by half.
In addition, edge protectors are also essential. They protect the straps from damage caused by sharp edges and prevent tearing. At the same time, they also protect the cargo from damage.
This is especially important when transporting goods that can easily be damaged under pressure, such as cardboard boxes.
Edge protectors also ensure the strap moves properly on both sides of the load, distributing pressure evenly and preventing damage caused by excessive tightening.
What to check before securing cargo
Before loading, always check that the vehicle and securing equipment are in good condition. Ensure the loading area is clean, and inspect the strap for damage, deformation, corrosion, cuts, or fraying.
Also check that all stitching and the label are intact. Only use equipment that has a readable blue identification label and proper load-indicating stitching.
If any issues are found, the strap must be replaced immediately, as continued use is dangerous and may result in penalties during inspections.
Proper use of ratchet straps
If everything is in order, you can begin securing the load. Always ensure the cargo is stable. The method depends on the type of load.
You can use frictional securing, where downward force increases friction, or direct securing, which allows slight movement depending on elasticity and external forces such as acceleration, braking, and lateral loads.
Do not use different types of securing devices on the same load, as they behave differently under tension.
Also, never tie or knot straps together. Only standard connectors should be used to ensure safety and compliance.
Attach the strap ends to the chassis or floor frame, route the strap over the load, thread it through the ratchet spindle, and tighten by moving the ratchet handle. Always tighten by hand only.
Once tight enough, do not overtighten, and return the ratchet to its original position. When using multiple straps, alternate the ratchet direction for even force distribution.
Pay attention to the lashing angle. Below 70°, clamping force drops to about 45%, so steeper angles are safer.
Before unloading, loosen the straps so the cargo stands freely. Ensure it remains stable without securing before fully releasing the straps.
What if the cargo space is not fully loaded?
Sometimes the cargo space is only partially filled. In such cases, extra attention is needed. The last row should be secured diagonally with straps to prevent backward movement and tipping.
In all cases, cargo must be secured so it cannot move, slide, roll, fall, or leave the loading area. This applies whether the vehicle is partially or fully loaded.
Be prepared for inspections!
Recently, NAV has trained 130 cargo inspectors responsible for checking safe transport conditions. This means increased roadside inspections are expected.
Never neglect proper cargo securing or correct strap usage. The driver is primarily responsible for securing the load, even if someone else performed the task. Lack of knowledge does not exempt you from penalties.
Always invest time in checking your equipment and ensure cargo is transported strictly according to regulations. This way, you can avoid accidents, fines, and other costly consequences.