How many straps do you need to secure a pallet?
To secure a pallet correctly, the restraint must withstand 0.8g forward and 0.5g backward and sideways (EN 12195-1), and the number of top-over straps follows the formula n = m·g·(c − μ) / (2·STF·μ). Two figures drive it: the friction coefficient μ between the pallet and the deck, and the tension force STF printed on the strap label (not LC!). For a typical 800–1,000 kg pallet on an anti-slip mat (μ ≈ 0.6), two top-over straps usually suffice; on a bare steel deck (μ ≈ 0.2) you need several times more. Below is how to work it out for your own load and stay clear of a roadside fine.
This is a practical guide for pallets specifically. If you want an overview of every securing method, we cover that in our guide to the 5 cargo securing methods — here we focus on the most common case: pallets on a flatbed or curtain-side trailer.
What the standard demands: the forces you must hold
Securing isn’t sized by eye but against specific inertia forces. EN 12195-1 sets the minimum an inspector checks under Directive 2014/47/EU:
| Direction | Inertia force | When it occurs |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | 0.8g | Emergency braking |
| Backward | 0.5g | Acceleration, climbing a gradient |
| Sideways | 0.5g | Cornering and manoeuvres |
In plain terms, under hard braking a pallet “wants” to slide forward with a force equal to 80% of its own weight. That force is what the friction-plus-securing combination has to hold — and it’s where the whole calculation starts.
The two figures that decide it: friction (μ) and tension (STF)
Before counting straps, grasp that the strap isn’t the only thing holding the load. Friction between the pallet and the deck acts first — and it’s free. The higher it is, the fewer straps you need.
| Surface pair | Friction coefficient μ (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Wood (pallet) on a steel deck | 0.2 |
| Wood on a wooden/plywood deck | 0.3–0.4 |
| Wood on an anti-slip mat | ≥ 0.6 |
The second figure is STF (Standard Tension Force) — the tension a ratchet actually generates. It sits on the blue strap label next to the LC. Don’t confuse the two: in top-over lashing the calculation uses STF, not LC, because it’s the tension that presses the pallet onto the deck, not the strap’s rated strength. The recommended minimum STF is 500 daN, and higher is better.
How to calculate the strap count for a pallet
For the most common method — top-over (a strap thrown over the top) — the strap count n is:
n = m · g · (c − μ) / (2 · STF · μ)
where m is the pallet mass (kg), g is 9.81 m/s², c is the coefficient for the direction (0.8 forward), μ is friction, and STF is the strap tension (in the same force units). The factor of 2 reflects that a top-over strap presses the load down with two legs.
Take a worked example: a 1,000 kg pallet, a strap rated STF 500 daN, checking “forward” (c = 0.8).
| Deck | μ | Calculation | Straps (round up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-slip mat | 0.6 | 1000·9.81·(0.8−0.6) / (2·5000·0.6) | 1 → use 2 for stability |
| Plywood | 0.3 | 1000·9.81·(0.8−0.3) / (2·5000·0.3) | 2 |
| Steel deck | 0.2 | 1000·9.81·(0.8−0.2) / (2·5000·0.2) | 3 |
The key point stands out: the same pallet on a mat needs two to three times fewer straps than on bare steel. One more nuance — when μ exceeds the direction coefficient c, friction alone holds the load in that direction, and top-over becomes a safeguard against tipping rather than the main restraint. If you’d rather not do the maths by hand, use our guide to selecting a strap by LC.
Step by step: securing a pallet in practice
- Block the pallets in. Push them against the headboard and against each other, so blocking holds part of the load, not just the straps.
- Lay anti-slip mats. It’s the cheapest way to cut the strap count and the risk of shifting.
- Throw the strap over the top as close to vertical as you can. The angle matters: a flatter strap presses down less.
- Tension with the ratchet and lock it. Fit edge protectors on the pallet corners — they save both the strap and the packaging.
- Recheck after 50 km. Tension always drops a little over the first kilometres, so re-tension.
And remember, a poorly secured pallet isn’t only a fine. As we covered, bad securing can void your insurance payout, and the real cost of damaged cargo runs many times higher than a set of straps.
What you need for pallets. EN 12195-2 certified ratchet straps with a legible LC/STF mark, anti-slip mats and edge protectors — all in the LPX Trade catalogue.
FAQ: securing pallets
How many straps does one pallet need?
It depends on mass, friction and strap tension. For a 1,000 kg pallet with an STF 500 daN strap in top-over lashing, you need about 2 straps on plywood (μ 0.3) and 3 on a steel deck (μ 0.2), while an anti-slip mat (μ 0.6) brings it to 2 for stability. The exact number comes from the EN 12195-1 formula: n = m·g·(c − μ) / (2·STF·μ).
What matters more for securing a pallet — LC or STF?
In top-over lashing, STF matters more — the tension the ratchet generates. That’s what presses the pallet onto the deck. LC (Lashing Capacity), the strap’s rated working force, governs direct and loop lashing instead. Both figures appear on the blue EN 12195-2 strap label.
Why use anti-slip mats under pallets?
Mats raise the friction coefficient between pallet and deck from around 0.2 (steel) to 0.6 or more. That sharply cuts the strap count — often from 6–8 down to 2 — and reduces the risk of shifting. They cost a few euros, so they pay for themselves on the first load through saved straps and time.
What forces must a secured pallet withstand?
Under EN 12195-1 the securing must hold 0.8g forward (emergency braking) and 0.5g backward and sideways (acceleration and cornering). In plain terms, under braking the load pushes forward with about 80% of its weight, and the friction-plus-securing combination has to counter that force.
Can pallets be secured by friction alone, without straps?
No. Even on an anti-slip mat, friction usually doesn’t cover 0.8g forward, so you need at least one or two top-over straps. Where the friction coefficient does exceed the required direction coefficient, friction holds the load — but securing is still fitted to guard against tipping and manoeuvres.
Do straps need re-tensioning en route?
Yes. Strap tension drops after the first kilometres as the load settles and vibrates. Standard practice is to stop after about 50 km and re-tension, then check at every rest stop. A slack strap doesn’t create the required pressure and counts as a violation at a check.
Author: LPX Trade Expert Editorial Team — a supplier of EN 12195 cargo securing equipment. This guide is based on EN 12195-1 and roadside-inspection practice.
Last updated: 23 August 2026.
Sources: EN 12195-1 (calculation of securing forces, 2010 edition with AC:2014); Directive 2014/47/EU (roadside technical inspection and cargo securing); EN 12195-2:2010 (textile straps, LC/STF).
This article is for information only. The exact calculation for a given load depends on mass, friction and equipment. Certified securing equipment to EN 12195 is in the catalogue at lpxtrade.lv.