Introduction
Heavy cargo does not fail politely. A loose 6-tonne machine or a rolling steel coil can damage the container, the cargo next to it, and the people who open the doors. Insurers in cargo transport have attributed a large share of cargo damage claims, by some estimates up to two-thirds, to poor packing and securing rather than accidents at sea.
This guide shows you how to secure machinery, steel coils, and pipes for export. It draws on our experience supplying lashing products to manufacturers in Rajkot and across Gujarat since 2012. You will get general principles, a method for each cargo type, product selection, and a final checklist.
Why Heavy Cargo Needs a Different Approach
Heavy cargo puts more force on fewer points. A 5-tonne coil sits on a small area of floor and pushes on only a few lashing points. That brings three issues:
- Point overload: container lashing rings have limited ratings
- Floor load: concentrated weight can damage the floor
- Momentum: small gaps let heavy cargo gain dangerous speed
General Principles for Heavy Cargo
Spread the Weight
Use timber bearers or skids under heavy items to spread the load across the floor.
Centre the Load
Keep the centre of gravity near the middle of the container length and width.
Block First, Then Lash
Blocking with timber against the cargo resists sliding. Lashing resists tipping and holds the cargo against the blocks.
Use Many Lashings
Spread the force across many lashing points. Do not depend on two or four rings.
Protect Edges
Use edge protectors on every sharp corner a strap touches.
How to Secure Machinery
Step 1: Prepare the Machine
- Drain fluids if required
- Fix moving parts
- Bolt the machine to a skid or timber base
Step 2: Place on Bearers
Set the skid on timber bearers to spread the load.
Step 3: Block All Sides
Nail or brace timber blocks against the skid on all four sides.
Step 4: Lash to the Container
Use cord strap or lashing strip from lifting points or the skid to floor lashing points. Run lashings in pairs in opposite directions:
- Two forward
- Two backward
- Two to each side
Step 5: Tension and Lock
Use a tensioner and matching wire buckles. Check tension again before closing.
A practical point: lifting lugs on machines are designed for vertical lifting. A lashing pulling sideways on a lug may put load in a direction it was not designed for. Use the skid or frame where possible.
How to Secure Steel Coils
Coils are among the hardest cargo to secure. They are heavy, round, and want to roll.
Eye-Horizontal Coils (Eye Facing the Doors or Walls)
- Place the coil in a timber cradle or wedge it with timber chocks on both sides
- Strap through the eye of the coil to lashing points on both sides
- Use multiple lashings per coil
Eye-Vertical Coils (Eye to the Sky)
- Place on a pallet or timber base
- Strap the coil to the base through the eye
- Block the base against movement
- Lash the base to container points
Coil Tips
- Never place a coil directly on the container floor without a cradle or bearers
- Spread coils along the container length
- Use heavy-duty cord strap or lashing strip with edge protection inside the eye
How to Secure Pipes and Long Steel
Step 1: Bundle
Strap pipes or bars into tight bundles with cord strap at regular intervals, often every 1 to 1.5 m.
Step 2: Use Bearers
Lay bundles on timber bearers so straps can pass under them and forklifts can lift them.
Step 3: Separate Layers
Put timber between layers so each layer can be lashed.
Step 4: Block Ends
Pipes slide lengthwise. Block both ends against the front wall and a door-end barrier.
Step 5: Lash Each Layer
Lash each bundle or layer to floor lashing points.
Choosing Strap and Buckles
| Cargo | Suggested Range |
| Machinery under 3 tonnes | 25mm–32mm cord strap, multiple lashings |
| Machinery 3–10 tonnes | 32mm–50mm cord strap or lashing strip |
| Steel coils | 32mm–50mm, through the eye, edge protection |
| Pipe bundling | 19mm–25mm |
| Pipe layer lashing | 25mm–32mm |
Always match the buckle to the strap. Ask for system break strength figures, and plan to use about half as your working load.
Checklist Before Closing the Doors
- Every heavy unit sits on bearers
- All sides are blocked
- Lashings run in opposite directions
- Each lashing is tensioned and buckled
- Edge protectors sit at all sharp contact points
- Weight is centred
- The door end is braced
- No cargo moves when pushed
Mistakes to Avoid
Relying Only on Friction
Heavy cargo still slides when the ship rolls.
Too Few Lashing Points
Two rings will not hold a multi-tonne machine.
No Cradle for Coils
A coil without a cradle can roll even with straps on it.
Light Strap on Heavy Cargo
Width and grade must match the force.
Skipping Re-Tension
Strap can relax slightly after loading. Check tension before sealing.
A Worked Example: 4-Tonne Machine in a 20ft Container
Here is how a typical plan looks for a 4,000 kg machine on a skid.
Forces
- Sideways at 0.8g: about 3,200 kg
- Lengthwise at 0.4g: about 1,600 kg
Blocking
Timber blocks on all four sides of the skid take most of the sliding force. Blocking against the front wall takes the forward load.
Lashing
- Three lashings to each side, about 550 kg working load each
- Two lashings forward and two backward
- 32mm cord strap with heavy-duty buckles, giving a system break strength above 1,100 kg per lashing
Floor Points
This plan uses about 10 floor points. Each stays within a typical 1,000 kg rating because the blocking carries part of the load.
Timber and Bearers: Practical Notes
- Use dry, sound timber with no large knots
- Bearers should run across the container width to spread load to the floor cross-members
- For export, timber must meet ISPM 15 treatment and marking rules
- Nail blocks firmly or brace them so they cannot shift under load
Working With Your Loading Team
Most heavy-cargo failures trace back to the loading bay, not the product. A short written plan per cargo type helps:
- A sketch of placement in the container
- Number and width of lashings
- Blocking positions
- A photo of a correctly finished load for reference
Loaders follow a picture far more reliably than a verbal instruction.
FAQs
Can cord strap hold heavy machinery?
Yes, when you use the right width and enough lashings, combined with blocking. Heavy grades and woven lashing are widely used for machinery.
How do I stop a steel coil from rolling?
Use a timber cradle or chocks and lash through the eye to points on both sides. Never rely on lashing alone.
Should pipes be loaded lengthwise?
Yes, usually along the container length. Block both ends to stop sliding.
Do I need a surveyor for heavy cargo?
For very heavy or high-value cargo, many exporters use a lashing survey. It can help with insurance claims and buyer requirements.
Conclusion
Heavy cargo needs blocking, bearers, and many lashings working together. Choose strap by the force, protect every edge, and check tension before sealing. If you are preparing machinery, coils, or pipes for export, send us the weights and sizes and we will suggest the right lashing products.
About Amass Strapping Solution
Amass Strapping Solution in Shapar, Rajkot manufactures heavy-duty cord polyester strapping, container lashing strips, wire buckles, and tools. Since 2012 we have supplied exporters of machinery, steel, and engineering goods across Gujarat.