Safe loading through load securing

Safe loading and transport depend on proper load securing. The shipper/consignor is responsible for ensuring that the load is secure for transport in the vehicle (Section 412 (1) of the German Commercial Code (HGB)). The carrier must ensure that the load is loaded in a safe manner. They must provide a suitable vehicle with appropriate load securing devices (e.g. lashing points) and ensure that operational safety is not compromised and that the vehicle functions are maintained at all times. Load securing and safe loading are part of laws, standards and guidelines.

Violations of proper load securing regulations are punished by regulatory authorities and courts, with both the carrier and the shipper/consignor facing penalties. The shipper/consignor is the person in the company who orders the shipment. Carriers and drivers must be familiar with and master the requirements and techniques of proper load securing. Non-existent or inadequate load securing is punished by regulatory authorities with fines and entries in the points register of the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg. In the event of damage to the load or even personal injury, those responsible face fines or even prison sentences.

Safe loading in vehicles is part of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). Section 22, ‘Loading’, states that cargo must be secured during loading in such a way that it cannot slip, roll, fall over or even fall off the transport vehicle during transport and road travel, even in the event of emergency braking or evasive manoeuvres. The StVO points out that the techniques and recognised rules for securing loads apply when loading. They apply both to companies such as freight forwarders or logistics providers and to private transport, for example in small vans, trailers or private cars. These rules and techniques are part of numerous publications, which will be presented here shortly.

VDI guidelines on load securing

Die VDI 2700 ist eines der wichtigsten Standardwerke für die Techniken der Ladungssicherung. Ein wesentlicher Teil der Richtlinie ist die VDI 2700 Blatt 4, "Ladungssicherung auf Straßenfahrzeugen". Neben der Darstellung verschiedener Techniken der Ladungssicherung, die sich je nach Art und Gewicht der Ladung sowie nach der Art der Beförderung oder des Beförderungsmittels unterscheiden, enthält die Richtlinie VDI 2700 auch Formeln zur Berechnung der erforderlichen Vorspannkräfte sowie zur Anzahl der zu verwendenden Zurrmittel. Bestandteil der Richtlinie ist auch der Lastverteilungsplan, der angibt, an welcher Stelle auf der Ladefläche des Fahrzeugs welches Ladegut positioniert werden muss, um eine verkehrssichere Verstauung zu gewährleisten. Der Fahrer des Lkw muss die Techniken der Lastverteilung sowie der Sicherung der Ladung kennen und beherrschen.

EN standards (European DIN standards)

European standards also contain information on safe loading for transport, as well as guidelines on the properties and handling of load securing equipment and aids. Some of the most important standards are:

• Calculation of lashing forces DIN EN 12195-1
• Lashing straps made of synthetic fibres (12195-2)
• Lashing chains (12195-3)
• Lashing wire ropes (12195-4)
• Lashing points on commercial vehicles for goods transport (12640 J)
• Superstructures on commercial vehicles (12642)

German standards for load securing

In addition to European standards, the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) has also developed standards for load securing at national level. Some of the national rules for securing loads are:

• Lashing points on commercial vehicles for goods transport with a permissible gross weight of up to 3.5 t DIN 75410-1
• Load securing in passenger cars, estate cars and multi-purpose passenger cars DIN 75410-2
• Load securing in panel vans DIN 75410-3

Violations of European or national standards by the driver do not constitute separate administrative offences, but they are considered administrative offences under other regulations, such as the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) and Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

Information from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV)

In cooperation with various professional associations, such as the Professional Association for Wood and Metal (BGHM) or BG-Verkehr, the DGUV publishes information brochures which, in terms of their validity, have the same significance as standards, laws and guidelines. These include, for example:

• DGUV Regulation 1: Principles of prevention
• Regulation 70: Vehicles
• Information 208-001: Loading bridges (link: DGUV)
• Information 208-006: Health and safety during transport and storage work
• Information 214-003: Securing loads on vehicles
• BGHM Info 108: Loading and unloading vehicles

The German Insurance Association has also published a handbook on the condition and loading of containers as required by standards and guidelines. In addition, the legal basis and other obligations under public law in the German Commercial Code (HGB) regarding the sender's liability for the integrity of the goods must be observed. For example, Section 412 of the HGB stipulates that the sender must load, secure and unload the goods in the vehicle in a manner that is safe for transport; responsibility at this point lies with the carrier.

The safe loading of dangerous goods

Truck drivers and shippers who load and transport dangerous goods must hold an ADR certificate, which can be obtained through training courses and seminars offered by organisations such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, DEKRA or TÜV.