Load securing on flatbed trucks – basics, requirements

The transport of goods on a flatbed is part of everyday operations in many industries—from the construction sector and landscaping to logistics and industry. At the same time, load securing on flatbed vehicles presents specific challenges, as the loading area is open and the cargo is exposed to various forces during transport. Inadequate securing can lead not only to property damage but also to serious accidents and legal consequences.

In this article, we explain what a flatbed is, the challenges of load securing, and what companies and drivers must pay close attention to in practice.

What is a flatbed?

A flatbed is an open loading platform of a vehicle, usually a truck or van, used for the transport of all kinds of goods. Unlike enclosed box bodies or containers, a flatbed has no fixed enclosure for the cargo. Depending on the design, it may be equipped with:

side panels (fixed or foldable),
a front wall,
stakes or removable posts,
lashing points for load securing.

Flatbed vehicles offer high flexibility for loading and unloading, especially for bulky or heavy goods. However, this openness makes professional and standards-compliant load securing absolutely essential.

Why is load securing on a flatbed particularly important?

During transport, various physical forces act on the cargo:

Braking forces (especially forward),
Centrifugal forces in curves,
Acceleration forces,
Vertical forces caused by uneven road surfaces.

On a flatbed, the cargo is directly exposed to these forces. Without proper securing, it can shift, tip over, or even fall off the vehicle. The consequences range from damaged goods and fines to endangering other road users.

Legal framework for load securing

Load securing in Germany is clearly regulated, including by:

Section 22 StVO (cargo),
Section 23 StVO (driver responsibility),
VDI Guideline 2700 et seq. (recognized rules of technology).

In principle: Cargo must be secured in such a way that, even during emergency braking or sudden evasive maneuvers, it neither shifts, tips, rolls, nor falls off. Responsibility lies not only with the driver, but also with the shipper and the vehicle owner.

Typical challenges in load securing on flatbeds

In practice, the following problems frequently occur with flatbed vehicles:

Insufficient or incorrectly positioned lashing equipment
Missing or inadequately dimensioned lashing points
Smooth loading surfaces without anti-slip materials
Inadequate side panels that are mistakenly assumed to provide load securing

Important: Side panels are not automatically considered load securing unless they are explicitly designed for this purpose and sufficiently load-bearing.

Methods of load securing on flatbeds

Form-fit load securing

In form-fit load securing, the cargo is positioned so that it cannot move, for example by:

placing it against the front wall or side panels,
using stakes or blocking bars,
precise loading without gaps.

This method is effective, but requires suitable vehicle equipment.

Friction-fit load securing

Friction-fit load securing is achieved by downward lashing of the cargo using:

In this case, the cargo is pressed onto the loading surface by pre-tensioning force. In combination with anti-slip mats, the required number of lashing devices can be significantly reduced.

Combination of both methods

In practice, a combination of form-fit and friction-fit securing is standard and provides the highest level of safety.

Suitable equipment for flatbeds

For standards-compliant load securing on flatbeds, the following equipment is particularly relevant:

certified lashing straps according to DIN EN 12195-2,
anti-slip mats,
edge protectors,
certified lashing points on the vehicle.

The selection of the right equipment depends on the weight, shape, and characteristics of the cargo.

Common mistakes in practice

Despite clear regulations, typical errors still occur:

Use of damaged or uncertified lashing straps
Underestimating the forces acting on the load
Too few or incorrectly tensioned lashing devices
Relying on the weight of the cargo itself

These mistakes not only increase the risk of accidents, but can also lead to significant penalties during inspections.

Conclusion: Load securing on flatbeds requires expertise and diligence

The flatbed is a versatile transport solution, but it also places high demands on load securing. Relying on side panels or improvisation involves considerable risks. Professional planning, the right equipment, and compliance with legal requirements are essential.

Sandax GmbH supports companies in aligning transport safety, efficiency, and legal compliance—from selecting the right equipment to providing practical consulting on load securing and logistics processes.

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Questions & Answers (FAQ) on load securing on flatbeds

Which legal regulations apply to load securing on flatbeds?

The most important legal foundations are:

Section 22 StVO – requirements for safe cargo
Section 23 StVO – responsibility of the driver
VDI Guideline 2700 – technical rules for load securing

These regulations require that cargo remains securely in place even during heavy braking or evasive maneuvers.

Which equipment is used for load securing on flatbeds?

Typical securing equipment includes:

lashing straps or lashing chains
anti-slip mats
edge protectors
nets or tarpaulins for loose materials
blocking bars or stakes

These tools ensure that the cargo is firmly secured and cannot shift.

What role do lashing points on the flatbed play?

Lashing points are fixed attachment points on the loading surface where lashing equipment is secured. They must be strong enough to withstand the forces that occur during transport. Their minimum load capacity depends on the total weight of the vehicle.