04/11/2025
Load securing in rail transport – Safety on the rails
Freight transport by rail is becoming increasingly important . Compared to road transport, rail offers not only ecological advantages but also enormous transport capacity . However, safe transport is not possible without reliable load securing on the rails.
Special features of load securing on rail
In contrast to road transport , other forces act on the load in rail transport:
- Acceleration and braking forces during shunting and driving maneuvers
- Lateral forces when cornering
- Vertical loads caused by impacts when coupling the wagons
These factors make it clear why load securing in rail transport places special demands .
Proper load securing on the rails ensures that goods are protected even during abrupt movements or long transport routes .
Methods of load securing in railway transport
There are various established procedures for securing loads on the railway , which are applied depending on the goods being transported and the type of wagon.:
1. Positive locking:
- The load is secured by solid walls, stanchions or container frames.
- Particularly suitable for palletized goods or containers.
2. Force-locking securing:
- Use of lashing straps , lashing chains or tensioning devices to hold the load firmly on the wagon.
- The load-bearing capacity of the lashing points is crucial here.
3. Aids for securing transport on the rail:
- Anti-slip mats
- Wooden and metal wedges
- Dunnage cushions or barrier bars
Railway load securing: regulations and standards
Load securing on railways is subject to strict regulations laid down in international guidelines (e.g. UIC regulations, DIN standards). These define, among other things,:
- Permissible forces that may act on the load
- Guidelines for positioning and securing heavy goods
- Requirements for safety devices such as belts, chains or anti-slip materials
Advantages of professional load securing on rail
Well -thought-out load securing in rail transport offers numerous advantages:
- Security : Protection of personnel, material and infrastructure
- Damage prevention : Reduction of transport damage and complaints
- Legal certainty : Compliance with all national and international regulations
- Efficiency : Optimal use of transport capacities
Conclusion on load securing in rail transport
Securing cargo on rail is a crucial factor for the reliability and safety of freight transport . It requires specialized expertise, high-quality securing equipment, and compliance with international standards.
Sandax GmbH supports its customers with practical solutions for securing transport on rails – from lashing devices and anti-slip mats to innovative stowage aids. This ensures that every freight is optimally protected during rail transport .