The performance standards
| Direction | Force the restraint must withstand |
|---|---|
| Forward | 0.8 x the load's weight |
| Sideways | 0.5 x the load's weight |
| Rearward | 0.5 x the load's weight |
| Upward | 0.2 x the load's weight |
These come from the national Load Restraint Guide. They describe the result the restraint must achieve, not one required method. Many shippers and receivers also publish their own restraint guidelines for particular products, which can be stricter.
Tie-down vs direct restraint
Tie-down restraint uses lashings tensioned over the load to press it onto the deck, so friction holds it in place. It depends on the friction between load and deck, the lashing tension, and the lashing angle. Rubber matting raises friction and can cut the number of lashings needed.
Direct restraint stops movement by contact: blocking against a headboard, loading against gates or another item, or lashings attached directly to the load. It is often the better choice for heavy items with low friction, such as steel on steel.
Practical rules of thumb
- Standard tautliner curtains are not load restraint unless the vehicle is rated for it
- Steep lashing angles clamp best; shallow angles below about 30 degrees give much less downforce
- Tall, narrow items can tip even when they cannot slide, so check the height to width ratio
- Keep dunnage and gluts in single layers of sound timber, aligned so loads pass straight down
- Use edge protectors so lashings do not cut into the load or lose tension
- Re-check lashing tension after the first part of the trip
Who is responsible
Under Chain of Responsibility laws, everyone who influences the load shares responsibility for it being safe: the consignor, packer, loader, scheduler and driver. A documented load and restraint plan helps show that reasonable steps were taken.
Restraint planning in TRUXE
Every TRUXE load plan includes a restraint and lashing plan and a glut and dunnage plan, calculated from the stacks in the plan: lashing counts, lashing angles and warnings for tall stacks, shallow angles and topple risk. It is included as a page in the PDF report. Always check the plan against your site rules and the ratings of your vehicle and equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the load restraint performance standards in Australia?
The restraint system must hold 0.8 of the load's weight forward, 0.5 sideways, 0.5 rearward and 0.2 upward, as set out in the national Load Restraint Guide.
Are tautliner curtains load restraint?
Standard curtains are not. Only curtain-sided vehicles that are rated for restraint, used within that rating, count toward restraining the load.
How many lashings does a load need?
It depends on the load weight, friction, lashing capacity and lashing angle. Restraint guides give tables for common cases. TRUXE calculates a lashing count for each stack in the plan.
Who is responsible for load restraint?
The driver and every party in the chain of responsibility who influences the load, including the consignor, packer, loader and scheduler.