Lashing Straps Flat Rack Tie Down vs Direct Lashing

Lashing Straps for Flat Racks –
Tie Down vs. Direct Lashings

When it comes to securing cargo on flat racks, I see that most often lashing straps are used as a Tie-down (top-over lashing). Unfortunately, this is often the least effective and least economical method, because the cargo securing only relies on the tension in the lashing material. Let me explain…

Lashing Straps as Tie Down Lashings

I always recommend using Direct Lashings instead of Tie Down Lashings. With Tie Down Lashings, also known as Over the Top Lashings, you only use the actual tensioning force of your restraint system and not the actual breaking strength. This means you need to apply more lashing straps, chains or ratchets to secure your cargo.

Tie Down Lashing Examples by Cordstrap Cargo Restraint Systems Pty Ltd

Lashing Straps as Direct Lashings

Using a direct lashing, the cargo is secured by making a direct connection in the direction of movement between the cargo and the CTU. When a force is exerted on the cargo, this is transferred directly to the lashing material. This allows you to make use of the maximum strength of the lashing material.

Direct Lashing Examples by Cargo Restraint Systems Pty Ltd
Flat Rack and Container Direct Lashing Examples by Cargo Restraint Systems Pty Ltd

Tie-Down vs Direct Lashing Straps | Video

To show you the effectiveness of both methods in real life, we put both systems to the test at our Cordstrap Training and Testing Facility. Here is a video of a cargo secured on a flat rack with lashing straps with the tie-down method and the direct lashing (aka loop or belly lashing) method.

Cost Effective Lashing Straps for Flat Racks

In most cases, Cordstrap Heavy Duty Lashing Systems are a more economical solution compared with conventional restraint systems such as chains or ratchet straps.

With the Cordstrap lashing system we base our calculations on the rules and regulations of the IMO/ILO CTU Code. These rules and regulations use 75% of the breaking strength of Cordstrap materials as the Safe Working Load. For ratchets and chains, this is only 50%.

Rule of Thumb to secure cargo according to the CTU Code is to secure the weight of the cargo in ALL directions using the SWL of the weakest link in your lashing system. These weakest links are mostly the lashing points of the container and flat rack.

I hope this article gave you a better understanding of why it is better to use direct lashings instead of tie downs when it comes to securing your cargo on flat racks.

If you have any questions or like us to come out for a free on-site demonstration and show you how you can apply direct lashings, please get in touch with us anytime! We will meet you at any location in Australia.