When you’re training to become an HGV driver, there are a lot of things you will be learning. From the practical aspects of daily HGV maintenance to the theory-based information like how to spot hazards, or how to navigate around tricky corners, training is a pretty intense experience. But it all adds up to helping you achieve your HGV licence and become a fully qualified driver. One of the key aspects covered multiple times in your training is safety – and particularly the loading and unloading of cargo. After all – the entire job revolves around transporting goods from point A to point B safely and in one piece! So one of the most important things you will learn about is safe loading.

Why Safe Loading Matters

How you load your HGV is a key component in keeping you, your cargo and other road users safe. HGV’s typically carry loads weighing in the tonnes, often of awkwardly sized and shaped items. This is particularly true if you’re transporting goods for construction or on occasion even a fully built house! If this kind of load isn’t safely secured to the bed of the HGV, or within a container, then there is a risk that the load could shift or move during transit. The worst-case scenario would then be that your HGV sheds its load while on a major road, which would not only cause a loss of goods and significant cost to your employer and their clients, but it could cause catastrophic accidents on the road and potentially end in loss of life.

So needless to say, safe loading matters!

The Basic Principles Of Safe Loading

When it comes to loading your HGV or LGV, there are generally 3 guiding principles you need to follow:

  • Principle 1 – The securing system you’re using need to be able to withstand the entire load weight forwards (in case of heavy raking), half the weight to the rear and to the sides (in case of unexpected lateral movements). This stops your load falling off in any direction and minimizes movement.

 

  • Principle 2 – Always use the structure of your trailer or vehicle to secure your goods. This might mean loading into a fully secured lorry box, or it may mean strapping it to the bulkhead or headboard. Any gaps between the anchor points need to be packed with pallets or similar materials to stop any undesired movement.

 

  • Principle 3 – Always use the correct restraints and lashes for the type of load you’re carrying. Some trailers will come with this equipment built-in, which makes securing loads easier. But often you’ll need to use netting, webbing, lashes or chains to secure the load, depending on what you’re transporting.

 

Lashing Techniques

When it comes to lashing loads to your HGV, there are two main methods. They are known as frictional lashing and direct lashing.

 

  • Direct lashing is mainly used for the loading of heavy machinery and plant equipment, with the lashes being used in opposing pairs.

 

  • Frictional lashing is the more common method, and it involves putting lashes over the load from one side of the vehicle or trailer to the other. The quantity of lashes used will depend on a lot of things, like the load weight, the rating of your lashings, load bed friction and how many tensioners you use.

 

One of the most crucial aspects of lashing in either technique is that it should be as close to vertical as possible. With some loads, this would be easy but if it’s proving difficult and your load looks low, you can take measures like placing pallets underneath and on top of the load to increase the angle. Of course, lashings aren’t always appropriate, especially if you’re transporting malleable things like powder or aggregates but in that scenario, you would switch to chains or a container vehicle.

At Easy as HGV, we cover all elements of HGV safety in our training, including teaching you all the techniques you would need to load your HGV securely and safely. As specialised HGV trainers, we pride ourselves in supporting drivers to become the best and safest haulage workers they can be. To find out more, just get in touch with us today.