Ratchet Straps can be a couriers best friend at times. No matter what kind of work you plan on doing, it makes sense to always have some available.
Okay, so the exception is if you are a parcel multi-dropper then you won’t have much of the time or inclination to bother tying anything down. And it won’t be as necessary.
But occasionally there might just be that one item that needs securing, and if you have the right equipment you’re good to go.
For everyone doing same day, next day and large item transport, straps are essential. Especially when you’re carrying palletised goods.
Use Straps, Because Split Happens
You might think that your “driving is smooth” and that you are “not going very far” and that it’s “all motorway” (the terms in quotes are all things I’ve heard said in relation to people choosing NOT to strap pallets), but the fact is that you can never be sure what forces will act upon the goods in transit.
I’ve seen it first hand. A driver that set off without strapping a pallet down and turned up at the delivery site with the pallet having tipped forward under heavy braking to avoid a collision, and the entire load shed inside the vehicle.
Even if you’ve collected a pallet of boxes that look extremely well wrapped, having to anchor on when a car cuts in front of you or making a slightly aggressive turn when your sat nav changes its mind can soon have those boxes breaking free from the pallet wrap. With ratchet straps securing the load it provides extra structural rigidity. This gives you more chance of getting the load there exactly as it left the collection depot.
Which Straps and When?
Learning which straps you need and when to use them is effectively down to experience. If you’re planning to operate a large 3.5 tonne panel van, most of your loads are going to be under 1 tonne in weight. Straps with a lashing capacity of 1.5 tonnes or higher (per strap) are more than enough to do the job.
Generally it makes sense to have a selection of straps if you can afford to. Smaller straps with a quick-release mechanism can be used to secure loose items like furniture to the side of your van or the bulkhead. Heavy-duty ratchet straps are better for pallets. But make sure you select straps long enough to go over the pallet and down to your floor hooks (I’d suggest over 5m in case you carry pallets over 1.5m high).
Further Information on Securing Loads
You can find government guidelines on securing loads at the link below. It is tailored more towards hauliers using HGV’s than van operators, but the advice can be applied fairly easily.
Basic guide on the Government’s website
Visit the store to find a selection of straps and other essential equipment
- 4 pieces lashing strap 5000 dan kg 6m, strap width 50 mm two-piece / strap and ratchet / handle made of metal / no plastic. Longer durability
- !!! IMPORTANT!!! Our belts are safe and officially approved for load securing / Comply with DIN EN 12195-2 / Label with all legal notices on the belt strap and ratchet
- Our lashing strap for the trailer, boat trailer or semi-trailer
- The lashing strap with ratchet is hooked in at the right and left ends. The lashing strap is pulled through the metal ratchet and tensioned with the lever until the tensioning force is reached
- INDUSTRIE PLANET stands for load securing with responsibility: Whether you are a camper, caravan driver, haulage contractor, truck driver, you will always receive very good and consistent quality from us
- 2 RATCHET STRAPS: This 2-pack of S hook ratchet straps is perfect for tying down your motorcycle, ATV, UTV, kayak, furniture or moving supplies; The straps measure L4m x W25mm (L13ft x W25mm) and can hold a working load of 500kg (1102lbs)
- WEATHER-RESISTANT: Our heavy-duty ratchet straps are made from durable, weather-resistant polyester fibre webbing; The material won’t break or tear, even when wet; The buckle straps have a break strength of 500kg (1102lbs)
- S HOOKS & HANDLES: The non-slip S hooks on each strap are rubber coated to prevent scratches/damage to your car, truck or vehicle; Our securing straps also have rubber handles with a release lever for ease of operation and a comfortable grip
- SECURE YOUR CARGO: Use these ratchet straps to secure cargo to your roof rack whilst in transit; They can be used for transportation, camping, as tent/awning storm straps, recovery straps, or tying down paddle boards, dirtbikes and other accessories; They’re easy to use and offer strong support
- MONEY BACK SATISFACTION: We believe you’ll be satisfied with our ratchet strap sets. However, in case you’re not happy with your purchase, please get in contact with us and we will refund you.
Last update on 2023-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
