Container lashing offers a structured solution for internal load securing within shipping containers. This method is adaptable to various load types, including palletised goods, irregular shapes, and heavy equipment.
Unlike dunnage bags, which fill void spaces and bracing cargo with pneumatic pressure, container lashings provide direct restraint through mechanical tension. While both serve to prevent shifting, lashings are typically favoured for high-mass or high-risk shipments where sustained tension and anchoring strength are required.
What is Container Lashing?
Container lashing refers to securing cargo within a shipping container using tensioned restraints that prevent movement during transit.
Its primary function is maintaining cargo stability by restricting load displacement caused by acceleration, deceleration, vibrations, or external forces during multimodal transport. Lashing is applied internally by affixing straps or wires to built-in lashing points or anchor rails along the container’s walls, floor, or ceiling.
Cargo is then secured by tightening the lashings across or around the load in configurations that meet the required restraint forces. This approach accommodates diverse cargo profiles and is often combined with edge protectors or corner boards to distribute tension and prevent package damage.
Types of Container Lashings
Various container lashing systems are employed to meet the demands of different cargo types, transport modes, and safety standards. Each type offers distinct mechanical properties and application methods.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lashing belts and straps | Made from high-tensile polyester webbing, lashing belts are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to moisture and chemicals. Commonly used for general cargo, they offer an adaptable solution for securing palletised goods or irregularly shaped items. These straps are adjustable in length and compatible with various fastening devices. |
| Wire ropes and chains | Suited for heavy-duty applications, particularly where cargo is extremely heavy or subjected to high mechanical stress. These provide superior strength and abrasion resistance but require specialised handling and are less suitable for delicate or lightweight goods. |
| Ratchet lashing systems | Incorporate a mechanical ratchet to tighten and lock webbing straps at a defined tension. They enable precise force application and secure fastening, making them suitable for diverse cargo profiles. Often used in combination with lashing belts for added stability. |
| Buckles and tensioners | Buckles, used with webbing or composite strapping, facilitate quick locking of straps. Manual or pneumatic tensioners are applied to achieve the required strap tension. Together, they support adjustable and reusable lashing systems. |
Lashing Applications by Cargo Type
The application of lashing systems depends on the cargo’s type, weight, and geometry. Selecting the appropriate lashing method enhances cargo integrity and ensures compliance with transport safety standards.
-
Heavy machinery and equipment: High-mass items such as industrial machinery, construction equipment, or significant components require robust lashing solutions, typically using wire ropes, chains, or heavy-duty webbing straps. These are anchored to reinforced lashing points to resist shifting under high inertial forces during transit.
-
Palletised goods: Standardised loads on pallets are typically secured with adjustable polyester lashing belts and ratchet systems. This approach accommodates uniform shapes and allows for efficient tensioning across rows of cargo, minimising lateral and vertical movement.
-
Drums, barrels, and cylindrical items: Cylindrical cargo presents unique stability challenges due to rolling risks. Lashing belts combined with chocks, cradle supports, or anti-slip mats are used to restrain movement. Additional straps may be applied over and across the load to secure it in place.
-
Fragile or irregular-shaped products: Lightweight or uniquely contoured items require careful tension control to prevent compression damage. Soft polyester webbing with edge protectors is often applied, along with strategic strap placement to avoid pressure points. These applications may incorporate secondary supports such as dunnage or void fillers for added stability.
Why Container Lashing is Essential
Container lashing addresses the challenges of intermodal transportation. It plays a direct role in minimising cargo-related incidents and maintaining supply chain continuity.
One function of lashing is preventing cargo from shifting during transit. Whether by sea, rail, or road, shipments are frequently subjected to acceleration, braking, vibrations, and tilting. Without adequate restraint, these forces can cause cargo to slide, topple, or collide, leading to physical damage, compromised product integrity, or safety hazards.
Lashing also ensures cargo safety over long distances and through variable handling conditions. During container loading, unloading, and transhipment, goods may be exposed to repetitive impacts and forceful movements. Properly secured cargo is more resilient to these disruptions, reducing the likelihood of claims, delays, and rejected deliveries.
In addition, container lashing is essential for compliance with international shipping regulations and safety standards, such as the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). Regulatory adherence mitigates legal risks and supports carrier acceptance, insurance coverage, and operational consistency across logistics networks.