Securing a container's load: what solutions are available?

Securing a container's load relies on:

• Choosing an appropriately sized GVWR container (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
• Covering the materials
• Securely fastening the tarp or net

To transport your materials and goods under the best safety conditions, it's crucial to select a container with suitable dimensions: ranging from 7 to 90 m3, with one or two axles, containers of various sizes also have different load capacities, from 750 kg to 3500 kg. Therefore, the choice of the container should be tailored to the usual volume of your load (green waste) and its weight (debris, construction materials).

If the contents of the container are likely to escape in any way during transport, they must be protected by a tarp or a net with specifications suitable for the types of materials being transported: resistant to tearing, waterproof, or UV-treated as needed. While a net is suitable for green waste and agricultural materials, a tarp is necessary for all materials that need protection from rain and sunlight or are likely to escape through the mesh of a net, such as sand or shredded waste.

The Road Traffic Code enforces the impeccable fastening of the tarp: it must not extend beyond the vehicle's contours, drag on the ground, or risk detaching while the vehicle is in motion. Different fastening systems exist, making tarping and untarping operations easier and suited for various types of loads: construction materials, waste, straw, metals.

Risks of an unsecured container load

The risks are numerous when dealing with an unsecured container load. By neglecting the use of tarps or nets or not securing them adequately, the container driver risks:

• Losing their load or part of it
• Damaging the transported goods
• Causing serious harm to other road users
• Causing road accidents
• Environmental pollution by scattering waste

In the event of a check or an incident, the container driver with an inadequately secured load can be fined for a Class 3 infringement, which can amount to up to €450. Moreover, their vehicle is immobilized as it violates road traffic regulations and poses a danger to others.

A covered container offers many benefits not only for the safety of other road users but also for the protection of the load and the environment. OTEXIO's advisors will guide you in purchasing a tarp tailored to your container and in selecting the most practical fastening systems for your business.