12 Oct Container Lashing Equipment: A Complete Guide to Load Securing

When transporting goods in containers, one of the most critical but sometimes overlooked aspects is load securing. Using the right container lashing equipment to secure cargo not only protects your cargo, but also meets regulatory requirements. Proper securement will reduce damage claims, and build your reputation as a reliable shipper. 

In this guide, learn how to choose effective lashing equipment, understand the key components, and apply best practices. 

Why Container Lashing Equipment Matters

• Effective cargo protection and damage prevention. Improperly secured loads may shift, fall, or puncture containers, resulting in product damage, container wall damage, or safety hazards.
• Ensure regulatory compliance. Many shipping lines, ports, and international standards (IMO, CTU code, etc.) set minimum requirements for lashing, securing, and inspection.
• Cost savings and impact on your reputation. Reducing damage claims and loss improves your bottom line and builds trust with clients and carriers.
• Safety during operations. Proper lashing reduces risk to personnel during loading, unloading, and transit.

With DunLash’s 40-year strong experience in cargo securing, the equipment you choose integrates with your entire load-securing system.

Key Types of Container Lashing Equipment

To choose well, you must understand the types and roles of each lashing component. Below are key categories you should consider.

In your configuration, some elements may already be in place (e.g. container lashing points), while others you must supply or integrate.

Steps to Choosing the Right Equipment

Here is a practical, step-by-step approach you can follow:

1. Understand the Cargo & Transport Mode

• Weight, dimensions, centre of gravity: Heavier or taller cargo may need more or stronger lashings.
• Cargo type & fragility: Fragile goods may require softer, more adjustable systems (straps, edge protection).
• Mode(s) of transit: Road, rail, ship, or multimodal may impose different load shifting forces.
• Motion / dynamic forces: Ship rolling, acceleration, vibration—factor in shock loads.

2. Match Load Forces to Equipment Ratings

• Use load charts or software to determine forces acting on cargo in different directions.
• Select lashing components whose Working Load Limit (WLL) comfortably exceeds expected forces. Include safety factors (commonly 1.5× or 2×).
• Ensure the weakest link in the chain (rod, buckle, anchor) is still robust.

3. Consider Material, Durability & Environment

• Saltwater / marine environment demands corrosion-resistant materials (galvanised steel, stainless, coated).
• UV, abrasion, chemical exposure—choose protective coatings or covers.
• Maintenance: bright finishes, easy to inspect wear and deformation.

4. Ergonomics, Ease And Safety of Use

• Ratchet or lashing tensioners that are easy to operate by hand reduce injury risk.
• Quick connectors, easy-to-read markings, safe access for tightening / inspection.
• Training requirements: choose equipment your team can reliably use safely.

5. Regulatory And Compliance Considerations

• Check IMO, CTU, ISO, national, or shipping line rules for lashing, securing, inspection.
• Certificates and load tests: prefer lashing gear with documented test certificates or third-party verification.
• Inspection intervals, marking, maintenance records.

6. Integration And Compatibility

• Ensure your lashing system components work together: strap widths vs lashing buckle aperture, rod dimensions vs fittings, anchor spacing.
• Existing container or vessel infrastructure: anchor points, recesses, strength.
• Expands easily: ability to add extra lashings for heavier or new cargo types.

7. Supplier Support, Training And After-Sales

• Choose suppliers who offer technical support, training, and advice (as DunLash does).
• Spare parts availability, replacement policies, inspection services.
• References / past projects, reputation in cargo securing.

Example Application For Container Lashing Equipment

Scenario: You need to lashing-pack palletised steel bars into a container for overseas shipment via ocean. These steps will ensure safety and security in line with the CTU Code (Cargo Transport Unit):

1. Calculate the dynamic forces for the expected acceleration (ship’s motion, lurches).
2. Choose high-strength rods and buckles, supplemented with steel chains or webbing in less critical directions.
3. Ensure you have sufficient container lashing rings / anchor points and check their strength.
4. Add edge protectors to prevent strap cutting on sharp metal edges.
5. Select tensioners (hydraulic/manual) that can achieve the required tension safely.
6. Use a lashing plan for consistent placement and inspection.

Best Practices And Tips

• Always leave slack or movement allowance for bedding / stowage adjustments.
• Tighten lashings gradually and symmetrically.
• Inspect regularly during transit (if possible).
• Replace any component showing wear, distortion, corrosion.
• Keep documentation of tests, inspections, certificates.
• Use a container lashing plan: a repeatable, documented layout you can store and reuse.
• Integrate DunLash’s product lines (such as tensioners, buckles, edge protection) to ensure compatibility, backed by supplier support.

Speak to the DunLash team about container lashing equipment to prevent movement for your next shipment. Contact us here.