A US-based company which exports its machines to many countries throughout the world was spending on average A$1,500 per container to secure the machines with steel chains, cable and ratchet straps.

However, many machines arrived at their destination severely damaged, resulting in expensive repairs.

Like many exporters they assumed heavy cargo should only be secured with steel cable or chains. They did not believe a non-metallic product could secure their 13,600kg machines.

After desperately looking for an alternative they found Cordstrap composite lashing, which they decided to use on a trial basis.

But the company was still sceptical the composite lashing would be strong enough.

Representatives of the Cordstrap company recorded the entire process from loading in the US to offloading the machines in Eastern Europe.

Step 1

One half of the machine is strapped on top of the other half to make it fit in a container.

Step 2

Loading the machine inside the container to be transported to Russia.

Step 3

Compared to steel chains and metal straps, the polyester composite lashing is much easier to position and tension the system inside the tight confines of a container. The strapping can be tensioned with a hand tool or a pneumatic tensioning tool. In this case a pneumatic tool was used to tension the strap. 

Step 4

When the composite strapping is tensioned it is as tight as steel. It will not stretch or loosen during transport.

Step 5

We used varied securing patterns as shown here. This prevents the top of the machine from swaying during transport. This top end swaying was the primary cause of the cargo damage experienced with previous securing methods.

Step 6

Various machines parts were secured to the frame before loading it into the container. For this a Cordstrap composite strapping system was used.

Step 7

The distributor’s sales agent was pleased the composite lashing system had secured the machine solidly with no damage or movement. 

Seeing is believing

The US manufacturer is still using Cordstrap composite lashing with complete satisfaction.

The company now spends less than A$100 per container, compared with A$1,500 for chain and turnbuckles previously.

And more importantly, they no longer have to pay for expensive repairs to their damaged machines.

Cargo Restraint Systems supplies Cordstrap composite lashing systems in Australia to secure cargo in containers, on flat racks or direct break bulk on ships. 

For more information visit: www.cordstrap.com or www.cargorestraintsystems.com.au