Always secure load

Throwing the material in and driving off – no one should take it that easy. If the load is unsecured, the driver, loader, and vehicle owner are liable. Heavy fines and even driving bans are possible.

Getting to the customer quickly? But only if the tradesman has already taken the time to load the truck. "Simply putting it in and hoping the load doesn't slip is simply not allowed," says load securing expert Josef Lahme from Brilon. "Anyone caught during a traffic check can expect drastic penalties and must ensure that the load is properly secured."

The basis for this is the Road Traffic Regulations. Clause 22 requires that cargo must always be stowed in such a way that it cannot slip, tip over, roll around or fall down and that noise is avoided. This has to be done according to the recognized rules of technology such as the VDI guidelines on "Load securing on road vehicles." Drivers who fail to comply and are unfamiliar with load securing will face a fine of at least €50 and receive one point on their license; in extreme cases, up to €150 and three points.

The shipper, his supervisor and vehicle owner are also liable

What is less well known is that the shipper, his supervisor, and the vehicle owner are also liable. "250 euros and five points await the shipper, 400 euros and five points for the shipper's supervisor due to the violation of his duty to monitor, and 540 euros and nine points for the vehicle owner due to the lack of instruction of his drivers," says Peter Schnellinger, press spokesman for the Police Headquarters MiddlerankIf the police prove intentional behavior, for example because the regulations were repeatedly violated, driving bans may even be imposed.

Furthermore, immediate onward travel is only possible if the load is secured. If unsecured cargo causes an accident, the company may face liability claims and demands for damages. "There are two types of load securing: positive and non-positive," explains expert Josef Lahme. Positive means that the load is loaded flush and without gaps, i.e., it is packed directly against the front or side walls and then lashed down.

You might also be interested in:

Operations management

Injuries during company football are not considered workplace accidents.

Craft policy

Alf Reuter receives a gold craftsman's badge

Mobility - Passenger cars

The new third-generation Mazda CX-5

Load securing is no secret

"Force-locking means that the materials are lashed down, for example, with lashing straps, onto the loading area," explains Lahme. This increases friction and prevents slipping. A system is helpful for safely stowing cargo. Already, one in four commercial vehicles is delivered with interior fittings, for example, from companies specializing in vehicle interiors such as Sortimo, bott, Modul-System or Aluca.

This protects the driver, not least of all. Unsecured cargo flies through the cargo area – physics can't be outsmarted. The law that force equals mass times speed applies. A classic example: During an emergency stop from 50 km/h to 0 km/h, parts accelerate to 40 times their weight. The two-kilogram Atlas arrives at the front with a physical weight of 80 kilograms. Load securing itself is no secret; it can be learned in appropriate training courses.