Tips and Advice Railcar Securing

When securing in or on a railcar, G-forces are a major consideration. Forces in excess of 4G can easily be generated during shunting. Cordstrap’s unique dynamic cargo securing solutions provide a high degree of shock absorbency, critical in this event.

• Lashing should be applied only after consideration and calculation of the forces and movements that may act on the cargo. Calculations should be based on relevant codes or standards such as the CTU Code or AAR regulations. Cordstrap’s team of cargo securing experts can advise for specific applications.
• Compliance with the latest version of regulations is important for shippers – who are now explicitly responsible for delivering a cargo which is safe and suitable for transport. 
• Different securing materials have divergent load-deformation properties – and different types must thus not be used to secure the same item of cargo.
• Cordstrap strapping and lashing comes in different strengths, from 1,000 lbs (450 daN) to in excess of 45,000 lbs (20,000 daN). Note that polypropylene based straps, whilst superficially similar, have completely different elongation properties from Cordstrap strap.
• The best lashing for a particular solution depends on a variety of factors such as the nature and weight of products and mode of transportation.