Steel and Metal Cargo Securing and Lashing Solutions South Africa

DunLash & Cordstrap Load Securing Solutions for Steel Coils, Metal Sheets, Structural Steel & Industrial Metal Cargo

Steel & Metal Cargo Requires the Highest Level of Securing

Steel and metal products present some of the most demanding challenges in global cargo securing. Whether transporting steel coils, metal sheets, structural steel, beams, piping, fabricated components, aluminum products, or industrial metal cargo, the risk of movement, damage, or operational hazards is extremely high.

Steel is dense, heavy, and dynamic — meaning even slight shifts in momentum can result in severe damage or safety incidents. When moving across Africa’s long-distance routes or through major export ports like Durban, Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Ngqura, Walvis Bay, or Dar es Salaam, securing steel correctly is not optional — it is essential.

DunLash, as the exclusive distributor of Cordstrap in Africa, provides certified, engineered cargo securing solutions specifically designed for steel and metal applications. With over 20 years of industry experience, DunLash works closely with manufacturers, mills, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, stevedores, and logistics operators to ensure steel cargo remains stable and compliant during transport.

In addition to our core cargo lashing solutions, we offer a full range of lashing systems and components to meet all your shipping needs:

• Lashing edge protectors
• Lashing accessories
• Lashing buckles
• Lashing tensioners

Why Steel & Metal Cargo Is High-Risk

Steel is one of the most difficult types of cargo to secure because of its:

1. Extreme Weight & Concentrated Loads

Steel coils, billets, plates, and rods can weigh several tons each — requiring high-strength lashing systems engineered for dynamic and static load retention.

2. Smooth, Slippery Surfaces

Steel easily slips when not stabilized using the correct combination of anti-slip mats, tensioning points, and composite/woven lashing systems.

3. Irregular Shapes

Structural steel, fabricated metal parts, and industrial components often require custom securing strategies.

4. Potential for Catastrophic Damage

If steel shifts even slightly during transit, it can:

• Destroy other cargo
• Crush containers
• Damage vehicles
• Cause severe injuries to handlers

5. Coastal Climate Corrosion Risk

Moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause rust or surface damage, especially in port cities like Durban or Gqeberha.

6. Compliance Requirements

International ports require CTU Code–compliant securing, especially for heavy steel cargo.

DunLash solutions are engineered to eliminate these risks using certified, high-strength components designed for extreme loads.

DunLash Cargo Securing Solutions for Steel & Metal

Composite Lashing (Cordstrap CC Series)

The strongest & safest securing method for steel cargo

Composite lashing is DunLash’s most relied-upon securing solution for steel and metal shipments due to its exceptional tensile strength and dynamic load performance.

Key Features

• Breaking strength up to 20 tons
• “Synthetic steel” strength without the hazards
• High retained tension during movement
• Non-abrasive to steel surfaces
• Corrosion-free
• Shock absorbent
• CTU Code, AAR & GL compliant

Composite lashing is widely used for:

• Steel coils
• Steel plates & sheets
• Fabricated steel structures
• Steel beams & girders
• Reinforcing bar (rebar)
• Copper & aluminum ingots
• Industrial metal components

Woven Lashing (Cordlash®)

Flexible, high-tension securing for packaged or palletized steel cargo

Woven lashing is a strong alternative to steel wire and strapping–and is commonly used for:

• Bundled metal products
• Palletized metal sheets
• Drums of chemicals or metal powders
• Metal packaging & crates
• Smaller fabricated metal parts

Benefits

• Lightweight & easy to handle
• No sparks, no sharp edges
• Non-abrasive to metal surfaces
• CTU Code compliant
• High shock absorption during trucking

Perfect for mixed metal shipments and export containers.

Lashing Buckles & Dynablock®

DunLash supplies Cordstrap buckles designed specifically for heavy industrial cargo:

• Standard steel buckles
• Heavy-duty buckles
• Zinc-coated buckles for humidity resistance
• Dynablock® dynamic load buckle
• Hooks & buckle hooks

Why Dynablock® is Essential for Steel

Steel loads generate tremendous dynamic force during:

• Cornering
• Braking
• Container lifting
• Sea movement

Dynablock® prevents slippage and maintains tension — making it a critical component in steel logistics.

Lashing Tensioners (Manual, Pneumatic & Battery)

For consistent, secure tensioning of steel shipments

DunLash provides:

• Manual tensioners for general steel packaging
• Pneumatic tensioners for high-volume port & depot operations
• Cordstrap CBT Series battery tensioners for fast, precise tensioning

Steel loads require multiple high-strength tension points — tensioners ensure consistent securing every time.

Edge Protectors

Protect steel surfaces and prevent strap damage

Steel cargo—especially coils, sheets, polished metal, or coated metal—must be protected from pressure points.

Edge protectors:

• Distribute load tension
• Prevent strapping cuts
• Protect painted or coated metal
• Improve load stability

Used extensively in steel mills, engineering firms, and port packing facilities.

Composite Strapping (Cordstrap)

Safer, more efficient alternative to steel strapping

Steel strapping can corrode, snap, and cause severe injuries. Composite strapping provides:

Advantages

• High tensile strength
• Shock absorption
• Lightweight handing
• Can be re-tensioned
• No sharp edges
• GL certified

Perfect for bundling:

• Steel rods
• Metal profiles
• Sheets & plates
• Aluminum bundles
• Copper pipes

Dunnage Bags

Stabilizing steel cargo during heavy transport & container movement

For steel shipments, dunnage bags:

• Fill voids between heavy steel items
• Prevent collision
• Reduce lateral and longitudinal movement
• Absorb high-impact forces

Used in:

• Durban Harbour
• Richards Bay bulk terminals
• PE & Ngqura steel exports
• Zambia, Namibia & Gauteng trucking routes

Desiccants — Critical for Preventing Steel Corrosion

Steel & metal cargo is extremely vulnerable to:

• Rust
• Surface moisture
• Condensation (“container rain”)
• Corrosion under packaging

DunLash desiccants are essential for:

• Coastal humidity
• Containerized steel shipments
• Long dwell times at ports
• Ocean transport

They absorb moisture from the environment, protecting metal integrity.

ANTI-SLIP MATS — Essential for Steel Freight

Steel has a naturally low friction coefficient. Anti-slip mats:

• Increase load stability
• Reduce movement risks
• Improve safety
• Protect flooring & cargo during heavy braking

They are a required component in steel securing systems.

Optimal Load Securing Strategies for Steel Cargo

For maximum steel load safety:

Recommended Combination:

• Composite CC lashing
• Dynablock® buckles
• Anti-slip mats
• Edge protectors
• Dunnage bags
• Desiccants

This creates a complete, certified, globally compliant securing solution.

Industries That Ship Steel & Metal Using DunLash Solutions

This industry page interlinks perfectly with your regional landing pages because steel moves through:

✔ Automotive Manufacturing (KZN, Eastern Cape)

✔ Mining & Metal Processing (Zambia, Gauteng, Namibia)

✔ Construction & Engineering (All regions)

✔ Port Logistics (Durban, Richards Bay, PE, Ngqura)

✔ Fabrication Workshops & Steel Mills

✔ Export Logistics (Africa-wide: Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique routes)

Steel supports Africa’s industrial growth — DunLash secures that growth.

Steel & metal Cargo Securing Solutions FAQs

1. Why is steel cargo difficult to secure?

Steel is extremely heavy, slippery, and dense. This means even minimal movement can cause severe impact damage. Without certified securing systems like composite lashing and anti-slip mats, steel cargo poses major safety risks.

2. What securing system is best for steel coils?

Composite CC lashing with Dynablock® buckles and anti-slip mats is the safest method. It maintains high tension, absorbs shock, and prevents slippage — essential for coil transport.

3. Do DunLash solutions meet international shipping regulations for steel exports?

Yes. DunLash systems are fully CTU Code compliant, GL certified, and AAR approved, ensuring steel shipments pass global port inspections without reworking.

4. Can steel strapping be replaced with composite strapping?

Absolutely. Composite strapping offers similar strength while being safer, corrosion-free, shock-absorbent, and easier to handle. It is widely used to replace traditional steel strapping.

5. Why are desiccants important for steel shipments?

Moisture creates rust and corrosion that can compromise the steel’s value. Desiccants absorb humidity inside containers, preventing “container rain” and protecting metal quality during storage and sea transit.

6. Are DunnLash dunnage bags strong enough for steel cargo?

Yes. Dunnage bags are engineered to handle high compression and stabilize even heavy steel products. They fill voids and prevent dangerous load shifting.

7. Does DunLash offer on-site assistance for securing steel cargo?

Yes. DunLash specialists help steel mills, engineering companies, and port operators design custom securing solutions based on the weight, shape, and route of each steel shipment.

8. What role do anti-slip mats play in steel securing?

Steel’s smooth surface can slip easily. Anti-slip mats dramatically increase friction, preventing movement and improving overall lashing performance during trucking and port handling.

9. What is the safest way to secure structural steel or fabricated components?

A combination of composite lashing, edge protection, anti-slip mats, and dunnage bags is recommended. DunLash tailors the exact configuration based on the cargo dimensions and securing points.

10. Do African steel exporters commonly use DunLash systems?

Yes. Steel exporters in South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and beyond rely on DunLash for certified securing solutions due to the high risk associated with steel cargo.

Protect steel & metal cargo with certified securing systems engineered for heavy industrial loads.

As the exclusive Cordstrap distributor for Africa, DunLash provides the safest, strongest, and most compliant solutions for transporting steel coils, structures, plates, and metal shipments across Africa’s logistics corridors.

📩 Contact DunLash today for a customized steel cargo securing solution.

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