Lashing / Securing

Lashing (Securing) refers to the operations taken in international trade transportation to secure cargo and prevent it from shifting, tipping, or colliding during transit. It is commonly used in sea, rail, and road transport, especially for oversized, overweight, irregular, or bare cargo such as machinery, steel, steel coils, and timber. Application scenarios include lashing inside containers, on deck, on flat racks, and on bulk carriers. Precautions: lashing materials (e.g., wire ropes, lashing straps, chains, wooden dunnage) and plans must be selected based on cargo characteristics, mode of transport, and route sea conditions, ensuring compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code or carrier requirements; improper lashing may cause cargo damage, vessel damage, or even casualties, and may be rejected by the port or shipowner. Difference from 'Reinforcement': reinforcement focuses on structural strength enhancement, while lashing focuses on position fixing; difference from 'Dunnage': dunnage is used for separation and cushioning, while lashing is used to restrain displacement. Foreign trade contracts should specify the responsible party for lashing (seller or buyer) and cost bearing.