Safe transportation: what you need to know about using anti-slip mats
For safe transportation, it is essential that the cargo does not shift while moving from point A to point B. Among several tools, anti-slip mats also serve this purpose.
Now we’ll show you why their use is important and how to choose the most suitable solution for your cargo.
There are situations where using lashing straps alone is not sufficient. In such cases, we also need to use an anti-slip mat to ensure the cargo is secured safely.
In this article, we’ll show what types of anti-slip solutions exist, which ones are worth using in different situations, and how to apply them properly to prevent accidents and avoid serious fines.
The role of anti-slip mats
It often happens that securing cargo with lashing straps is not enough on its own. If the straps cannot fully prevent movement, significant damage—ranging from hundreds of thousands to even millions—can occur both to the cargo and the vehicle.
This is why anti-slip mats are used: placed between the floor and the cargo, they increase the friction coefficient, preventing unwanted movement and reducing the risk of damage.
Anti-slip mats are made from special rubber granulate, whose material and surface significantly improve grip between pallets and the loading surface. This method is highly effective, as it can increase the friction coefficient between the pallet and the metal floor from 0.2 to over 0.6, which alone may partially or even fully solve cargo securing.
According to the EN 12195-1 regulation, when using rubber mats for safe transport, a friction coefficient of at least μ=0.6 must be considered. In practice, this value can even be higher.
The exact value of the friction coefficient depends on many factors, such as:
- humidity
- temperature
- cleanliness of the loading surface
- surface roughness of both the cargo and the loading area
- the ratio between vertical forces and contact surfaces
- the magnitude and nature of pushing or moving forces, etc.
The key point is: the higher the friction coefficient—meaning the better the grip between the cargo and the floor—the less likely the cargo is to move. For optimal results, the anti-slip mat must always be placed on a clean, dust-free, and grease-free surface.
In some cases, cargo may remain stable even without lashing or blocking. However, anti-slip mats alone do not replace other securing methods such as straps and edge protectors.
That said, high-quality anti-slip mats are extremely useful, as they can significantly reduce the required lashing force (even by half), meaning fewer straps are needed for safe transport.
How to choose the right anti-slip mat?
Anti-slip mats can be made from various materials, such as polyurethane or composite rubber granulate. Mats made from complex rubber granulate are known for being extremely durable and highly load-resistant. High-quality roll mats are also resistant to many substances, including acids and oils.
This means that the best anti-slip mats not only protect the cargo but also act as a protective layer in case of minor leaks during transport.
Besides material quality, thickness is also an important factor. It determines how heavy the secured cargo can be, and the mat should be thicker and more durable the more uneven the loading surface is.
It is also important to choose the right size. Anti-slip mats come in various dimensions, and the chosen one must match the cargo type and size. If the size or placement is incorrect, authorities may impose fines during inspections.
Checking proper sizing is simple: the mat must always be visible—it should be seen under pallet feet or between transported items.
The most popular mats are 15–30 cm wide, but widths over 100 cm are also available. Thickness ranges between 3 and 8 mm, and the thicker the mat, the higher its load capacity.
The right choice always depends on the type of cargo, its weight, and transport conditions.
Regulations regarding the use of anti-slip mats
Requirements for anti-slip mats used in cargo securing are defined by the VDI 2700 guideline. According to this, only mats that meet the highest standards in tensile strength (min. 0.6 N/mm²), elongation at break (min. 60%), and static friction can be used.
This means that only mats specifically designed for cargo securing are suitable—ordinary construction or generic rubber mats are not acceptable.
It is also important that anti-slip mats alone are not sufficient for securing cargo. They are part of a comprehensive securing system, and proper lashing equipment and other tools must also be used.
Anti-slip mats—whether in rolls or pre-cut—can be used not only on the vehicle floor but also under straps or as intermediate layers between cargo.
How long can anti-slip mats be used?
Anti-slip mats made from durable rubber granulate are long-lasting and cost-effective.
However, regardless of quality, they must be replaced when signs of wear appear. Otherwise, they may no longer perform properly, increasing accident risk and the likelihood of penalties during inspections.
Clear signs of wear include:
- worn or crumbling surface
- contamination reducing effectiveness
- tears or missing parts
- permanent deformation or compression
- swollen surface areas
- loss of elasticity
Damaged, deformed, worn, incorrectly sized, or inadequate thickness mats must never be used. Not only do they pose safety risks, but they can also result in serious fines during inspections.