Why cargo securing is more than "a few straps and go"
An 8-ton industrial machine travelling at 80 km/h generates an inertial force of 6.4 tons forward during emergency braking (0.8 g per EN 12195-1). In a swerve, the lateral force reaches 4 tons (0.5 g). If the securing system cannot absorb these forces, the machine slides across the deck — damaging itself, the trailer, and potentially other vehicles.
Germany and Poland apply the same European cargo-securing standards, but enforcement intensity differs. As a procurement agent, Hutnia ensures that securing meets the norms on both sides of the border.
Applicable standards — EN 12195 and VDI 2700
The legal framework for cargo securing in road transport:
- EN 12195-1:2010 — calculation of securing forces
- EN 12195-2 — textile lashing straps
- EN 12195-3 — lashing chains
- EN 12195-4 — lashing wires
- VDI 2700 (Germany) — cargo-securing guidelines, more detailed than the EN standard
- Section 22 StVO — German road traffic regulations on cargo
Core principle: the securing system must withstand inertial forces of 0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward and lateral, 1.0 g upward.
Methods for securing industrial machines
1. Tie-down lashing (Niederzurren)
Straps or chains pass over the machine and are tensioned downward, pressing the machine onto the deck. Friction between the machine and the surface prevents sliding.
- Application: machines with a low centre of gravity, regular shapes
- Friction coefficient: steel on wood = 0.3 (with anti-slip mat: 0.6)
- Common mistake: lashing angle too shallow (<30 degrees from horizontal) — reduces the hold-down force by over 50%
2. Direct lashing (Direktzurren)
Straps or chains attach the machine directly to the trailer's lashing points, preventing movement in every direction. Independent of friction.
- Application: heavy machines, irregular shapes, heavy haulage
- Requirement: minimum 4 lashing points on the machine + 4 on the trailer
- Advantage: works even on a wet deck (friction coefficient drops)
3. Combined securing
A combination of tie-down and direct lashing — most commonly used for machines in the 5-to-15-ton range. Straps press the machine down (tie-down), while additional chains prevent forward movement (direct lashing).
Lifting eyes and lashing points — what the seller must provide
Professionally manufactured machines have marked transport points: ring bolts (Transportoesen), holes in the base frame, or designated sling positions. These points are engineered for transport loads.
What we require from the seller:
- Transport instructions (Transportanleitung) — including a diagram of attachment points and permissible forces
- Accessibility of lashing points — not blocked by covers or hydraulic lines
- Thread condition check — a rusted M24 ring bolt will not withstand the load
If the machine has no factory lashing points (typical for older machines pre-1990), timber dunnage and base-frame lashing must be used — but this requires an individual securing plan.
Anti-slip mats — small cost, big impact
Anti-slip mats (Antirutschmatten) are the cheapest component of cargo securing and simultaneously the most underestimated. A mat increases the friction coefficient from 0.3 (steel on wood) to 0.6 — meaning you need half as many lashing straps.
Standard: 8-10 mm thickness, 200 t/m2 pressure resistance, material: rubber granulate. Cost: EUR 15-30 per sheet 800x1200 mm. For a machine with 4 base feet, you need 4-6 sheets.
Hutnia requires carriers to confirm that anti-slip mats are part of the transport equipment. If they do not use them, it is a warning sign.
More on loading requirements in our article about overhead crane loading, and on insurance in our guide to extending transport insurance.
Police checks — what to expect
Germany's BAG (Federal Office for Goods Transport) inspects cargo securing on motorways. The most common deficiencies:
- Too few lashing straps (2 instead of 4)
- Damaged straps (abrasion, missing LC label)
- No anti-slip mats
- Gross vehicle weight exceeded
Fine for inadequate cargo securing in Germany: EUR 60-500 + 1-3 points in Flensburg (for the driver); the shipper is jointly liable. In Poland: PLN 500-3,000 (approx. EUR 115-700).
Hutnia verifies securing before departure
Under a Hutnia mandate, our inspector or transport coordinator verifies cargo securing on the trailer before the rig leaves the seller's premises. We check the number and condition of straps, lashing angles, anti-slip mats, and photo documentation.
This is not a formality — it is the protection of your investment across 750 km of road.
Book an initial consultation Step 0 for EUR 49 — fully deductible from the EUR 500 mandate.
