Cargo securing in containers

General cargo securing rules

Cargo stowed in containers must be secured on all sides to prevent shifting, in particular towards the door.
Spaces between packages and/or container walls must be filled. Secure the cargo by using the lashing points
provided on the top and bottom side rails and on the corner posts. Containers should be packed and cargo
secured in accordance with guidelines for packing cargoes other than bulk cargo in or on cargo transport
units (CTUs) for carriage by any means of transport at sea and ashore. Air transport has not been taken into
account. The CTU packing guidelines published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and
International Labor Organization (ILO) of 02.05.1997 supersede any previously applicable container packing
guidelines.

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Cargo securing components in the container

Component Cargo securing

Lashing bars on corner posts, on top and bottom For fastening ropes, plastic strapping, steel strapping,
side rails or lashing rings in the floor rapid tensioners etc..

Transverse beams may be fitted into the corrugations to

Corrugated steel side walls
secure the cargo in the longitudinal direction.

Capable of withstanding high point loads, e.g. due to

Corner posts
shoring.

Anchoring by lumber connectors, nailable, possibly with

Wooden container floor
staples.

Table 1: Cargo securing components

Cargo securing aids
Depending upon their purpose, various aids are available for securing cargoes in containers

Purpose

Bracing and dissipating pressure Separating different cargoes

Securing cargo in sections Securing cargo to lashing points

Filling dead space Joining pallets, sleds and wooden battens

Loading in several layers Increasing friction

Purpose Stowage aid

Bracing and dissipating pressure Wooden beams

Planks

Squared lumber

Wooden dunnage

Boards

Stowage gratings

Empty pallets

Airbags

Empties

Intermediate floors and partitions

Purpose Stowage aid

Wooden beams

Planks

Squared lumber

Wooden dunnage

Boards
Securing cargo in sections
Stowage gratings

Empty pallets

Airbags

Intermediate floors and partitions

Nets
 Purpose Stowage aid

Wooden beams

Planks

Squared lumber

Wooden dunnage

Boards

Stowage gratings
Filling dead space
Empty pallets

Airbags

Empties

Foam

Corrugated board

Used tires

Purpose Stowage aid

Wooden beams

Planks

Squared lumber

Loading in several layers Wooden dunnage

Boards

Stowage gratings

Intermediate floors and partitions

Purpose Stowage aid

Wooden beams

Planks

Squared lumber

Wooden dunnage
Separating different cargoes
Boards

Stowage gratings

Empty pallets

Airbags
 Empties

Intermediate floors and partitions

Purpose Stowage aid

Nets

Ropes

Wire

Belts

Steel strapping
Securing cargo to lashing points
Plastic strapping

Chains

Nylon tape

Hercules

Rapid tensioners

Purpose Stowage aid

Joining pallets, sleds and wooden battens Lumber connectors

Purpose Stowage aid

Empties

Ropes

Plastic mats

Coconut fiber mats

Increasing friction
Sacks

Rough paper

Nonslip spray

Rubber mats