Lashing is the securing of transport cargo. It applies to the transport of all types of goods: machines and vehicles, loading of packages on pallets, containers, etc.
Lashing also refers to all modes of goods transport: road transport, maritime and river transport, air transport. Each mode of transport has its own specific regulation. The transport of dangerous goods requires specific precautions when it comes to lashing given the danger posed by the goods being transported.
There are various accepted methods for securing goods or containers:
There are various types of lashing equipment available. It depends on the type and composition of the load being transported:
This lashing equipment bears identification plates or labels indicating:
This label identifies the lashing equipment to be used depending on the load. Lashing equipment must be checked regularly to guarantee its strength.
Certain ancillary equipment can be used to hold the goods in place on board the transport vehicle:
The lashing is sized based on the forces and energies present on board the transport vehicle: weight of the goods transported, centrifugal force, longitudinal and friction forces applied to the load, etc.
For road transport, the number of lashing equipment required for each load must be calculated based on the criteria defined in standard EN 12195-1: 2010.
Personnel responsible for planning and supervising the loading and lashing of goods must consider all the risks inherent to this task and apply any relevant provisions. They must also know the standard terminology to be able to communicate effectively with shippers, carriers, forwarding agents and senders.
European code of good practice on lashing loads on road vehicles. European Commission (Directorate-General for Energy and Transport), 2008
In accordance with the ADR, the lashing of dangerous goods is considered adequate if it complies with European standards:
EN 12 640 – Lashing points.
Regulation on the transportation and handling of dangerous goods in maritime ports ("RPM”): Annex to the amended decree of 18 July 2000