If you’ve been in the shipping game for any significant amount of time, you know how crucial cargo securement is. Damaged goods are a seriously expensive problem to deal with, and that doesn’t even address how dangerous unsecured cargo can be to the truck drivers themselves. To help you keep everything straight, we’ve compiled a glossary of cargo securement terms that focuses on the most important terms you should know if you’re in the industry.
Aggregate Working Load Limit
The total working load limit of all securement devices securing some amount of cargo on a vehicle.
Anchor Point
A point on the transporting vehicle where a tie-down or collection of tie-downs can be attached to secure cargo properly.
Banding
A strip of material used to tie multiple articles of cargo together. These are then tensioned and clamped back over themselves.
Binder
Any device that you use to tension a singular tie-down or a collection of tie-downs.
Blocking
Refers to any item or device pressed against or tied around cargo. Blocking specifically refers to preventing horizontal movement.
Bracing
Refers to any item or device that has the purpose of preventing cargo from tipping over or shifting.
Deck
Sometimes called the floor or the bed of a truck, the deck refers to the area of the truck that carries loads.
Direct Tie-down
A tie-down that has one end attached directly to the cargo to reduce shifting during transit.
Friction Mat
A securement device placed on the deck of a truck or between articles used to generate more friction between objects than would typically be present.
Indirect Tie-down
Any tie-down where neither end is not attached to the cargo itself. Instead, the tension increases pressure on the load, helping it stay in place.
Lateral
When referring to movement, lateral means movement that goes across the vehicle or sideways. Also known as transverse and crosswise.
Longitudinal
When referring to movement, longitudinal means movement that goes along the length of a vehicle.
Pallet
Any tray or platform that holds multiple items of cargo that are considered a singular unit.
Securing Device
A device with the sole purpose of securing articles of cargo to a truck or trailer.
Shift
A change in either the longitudinal or lateral position of cargo
Tie-down
Devices that attach cargo to trucks and trailers using anchor points. Can also be used to restrain cargo on a flatbed.
Logistick knows how vital a glossary of cargo securement terms is because we understand how important securement is as a whole. Our load bars for trucks are ready to help you in your next transport, and they’ll make sure your cargo arrives safely.