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Cargo blocking

What is cargo blocking and when is it used?

Cargo blocking is a form-locking securing method that fixes freight in position by bracing it against the vehicle’s headboard, side walls or purpose-made devices, so the load cannot slide or tip during transport. Under EN 12195-1, blocking is often more efficient than tie-down lashing, because it transfers inertial forces directly into the vehicle structure. In addition, typical equipment includes cargo bars, void fillers and dunnage air bags, edge protectors and anti-slip mats. For example, anti-slip mats raise the friction coefficient (µ) to around 0.6, which reduces the number of tie-down lashings required. Therefore, blocking and lashing are frequently combined to meet the securing forces calculated to EN 12195-1.

Cargo blocking equipment at a glance

Because each load behaves differently, the products below are usually combined. However, always calculate the securing forces to EN 12195-1 first.

ProductFunctionNote
Load / cargo barsBrace the load against walls; prevent forward and rearward shiftAdjustable, quick to fit
Dunnage air bagsFill voids between pallets and rowsRated by burst pressure and gap width
Anti-slip matsIncrease friction coefficient µ to ~0.6Fewer tie-downs needed
Edge / corner protectorsSpread strap pressure; protect load and strapExtend strap service life

Cargo blocking — frequently asked questions

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Is blocking better than lashing? Under EN 12195-1, form-locking transfers inertial forces directly into the vehicle and is often more efficient. However, many loads need blocking and lashing combined for full compliance.

What friction coefficient do anti-slip mats give? Quality rubber anti-slip mats typically provide a friction coefficient (µ) of about 0.6, whereas wood-on-wood is only 0.2–0.45. Therefore, they reduce the number of tie-downs required.

What are dunnage bags used for? Dunnage air bags fill the gaps between cargo units, so they cannot shift. Moreover, they are rated by burst pressure and gap width and are widely used in containers.