Securing 2 pallets (300kg) in a 20ft Reefer Container
When we talk about securing a complex load, what often comes to mind is extremely heavy and oversized machinery.
How about 2 pallets, holding cardboard boxes, shrinkwrapped and a total weight of 150kg per pallet? Sounds simple, does not it?
Today we were contacted for advice and a loading plan for an interesting case. We like interesting cases and creating a solution for them!
Although the load sounded simple to secure it was actually complex in its own way. The type of load in question at first sight seemed super simple, just 2 pallets with a total weight of 150kg each. On the pallet were small cardboard boxes, shrink wrapped to the pallet. It is not often that we see such a lightweight cargo being shipped in a container.
Here is the tricky part. These 2 pallets need to be shipped, just by themselves, in a Reefer container. The contents are extremely valuable, and it is imperative that these 2 pallets travel alone in a 20ft Reefer.
Securing cargo in a reefer container
Reefer containers (usually) lack container lashing points so you cannot use tie-downs. To avoid cargo movement, inflatable dunnage bags are often used to block and brace cargo. However, they can only be used in empty voids up to a certain void width.
To overcome this obstacle and be able to use tie-downs, Cordstrap has created the Reefer Lashing Points. Reefer lashing points are metal rings that can be instantly bolted anywhere in the floor of the Reefer and provide a certified 1t anchor point to use for your tie-downs or lashing system.
How do you secure just 2 pallets in a Reefer container?
Dunnage bags will be of no use when you have to secure just one pallet, because as you will understand, there is not a dunnage bag big enough to basically fill an empty container void (learn more about Dunnage Bags – Do’s and Don’ts 10 Tips here).
The Reefer Lashing Points are the perfect solution for this cargo. The customer can decide where he bolts the anchors to the floor so he can use lashing straps to to tie down his pallets, preventing any movement in transit.
For these 2 pallets we advised to secure them with corner boards, Cordlash lashing in combination with the reefer lashing points and potentially one dunnage bag. The slotted corner boards are specifically designed to protect soft packaging from being damaged by (the tensioning force of) the lashing. Here is what the loading plan looked like:
Yes the cargo looked simple, yes the cargo is simple to secure, as long as you have the right tools. Without reefer lashing points, securing this cargo would have been impossible.
Free loading plan and site demo
Whether you have a simple or complex cargo you need to secure and like our advice, please get in touch anytime by simply calling 1300 4 strap (1300 478 727). We look forward to assist you, and provide you with a free loading plan or meet you for an onsite demo.
