Episode 13: Door lock at the container

Container identification | Who is responsible for load securing? | Friction value on the truck | Incoming container inspection

Episode 13: Door lock at the container

Opening a container is always an exciting affair for everyone. The control authorities know from experience that opening can sometimes have unpleasant consequences.

To prevent this, they basically take precautions to be able to open the door without danger. From my experience, there are two types of shippers.

Some create a danger for those who open the doors because they do not know any better, and others deliberately accept this danger. For example, when the container is fumigated and not marked. My focus is on the loading group that does not know better, and I want to change that.

The CTU Code stipulates that the door must always be safe to open. This principle must run through all considerations.

The load securement to the container door must fulfill two tasks, if necessary

- firstly, secure the load against falling out and

- secondly, secure the load against transport loads.


Sigurd Ehringer - SeLogCon

About the author:

In a series of specialist articles from the field, on topics relating to containers and trucks, you will receive first-hand professional knowledge.
How to secure cargo correctly and what are the basics of cargo securing?

They are developed and presented by Sigurd Ehringer, owner of SE-LogCon:

  • VDI certified instructor for load securing
  • Reference book author
  • 8 years Project Manager
  • 12 years with the Bundeswehr (company commander)
  • 20 years of sales experience
  • since 1996 consultant/trainer in logistics
  • 44 years instructor/trainer in various fields

Episode 13: Door lock at the container


Where is the difference?

When the distance of the load to the door is more than 15cm, then the securing method (e.g. lashings) must secure the cargo against the usual transport loads (sea transport 0.4g). This also ensures that the cargo cannot fall out.

Load securing container - distance to the container door

When the distance is less than 15cm, then the door takes over securing the cargo against the usual transport loads (sea transport 0.4g) and it is only necessary to secure the cargo against falling out.

20 feet container cargo securing

Now what methods are there to secure the load if the distance to the door is greater than 15cm and this distance cannot be reduced in any other way?

The classic method is bracing. Whereby the forces should not be introduced into the beads, as in this example, but into the corner posts.

Fixing the crosspieces in the beads is an indeterminate method because there are no reliable data on the transmissible forces.

If there are tests with repeatable results for a specific case, that would be acceptable. Otherwise, avoid this method.

Wooden bracing in overseas container

H, or double H, fusing used to be a common method because it could be made with running strip stock.

However, its effectiveness today is rather controversial, because the correct preparation is difficult and requires a lot of practice.

Load securing to the container door

Professionally manufactured Lashings with up to 4 cross bands are the common method today.

In the variant shown in the picture on the right, the height of the cross straps can be variably adjusted to the load.

Container load securing

There are also a number of now standardized methods for securing against falling out.

Safety Plane, combined with a flat dunnage bag.

The crossed straps prevent the dunnage bag from exerting pressure against the door.

Retaining tarpaulin in overseas container

The S.A.M.-System consists of two dunnage bags, which are connected with a tarpaulin.

The outside of the pads may have a non-slip coating to provide greater friction.

This system has proven particularly effective for refrigerated containers.

Restraint system SAM

The TyPatch system is a method suitable for uniform and dimensionally stable load units.

Since this is a system that works like an adhesive tape, it is important to pay special attention to the manufacturer's application and processing instructions.

In particular, the bonding surfaces must be dust-free and dry.


The above examples are not final and conclusive; there are certainly many company-specific variations.

In any case, the responsible stevedore must ensure that the general requirements of the CTU Code are implemented correctly and sufficiently so that there are no complaints, delays and fines during inspections.

Your Sigurd Ehringer.


A pallet secured with a strap stands in a container.

Quote from: The lashing buckleFunction: Retain goods - Hobbies: I live on suspense 😉


Picture company building Rothschenk
An employee of G&H GmbH Rothschenk sews a webbing strap to a dunnage bag.

On our own account:
Rothschenk. That's us.

Rothschenk is a manufacturer of load securing equipment for overseas containers. In the tranquil town of Aub in central Franconia, we develop, test and sell our own load securing equipment such as dunnage bags/padding, Lashing restraint systems, Edge Protectors, Anti-slip Mats, Lashing Straps and drum securement. You can get a small insight into our product world in our Online Shop: [R] SHOP24.

We develop for our customers, to whom also large corporations e.g. from the CHEMICALS-, BEVERAGES- and Automotive industry belong, individual load securing. Therefore we are used to come up with new products and solutions in our own research and test department.

We stand for quality "Made in Germany„. Not only in development, but also in production. Because we are the only manufacturer for load securing with our own production site in Germany. Real "Made in Germany" even.


>> Please use the comment function below for suggestions, additions and also for further questions.

We will, of course, respond promptly and professionally. Your Rothschenk Team


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