Securing Europe’s Roads: What Every Shipper Should Know About Cargo Safety

Maria Isabel Salinas
Jun 2
2 min read

Every day, millions of tonnes of goods crisscross Europe by road—carried on flatbeds, locked in containers, or stacked high on pallets. But behind this logistical ballet lies a crucial, often overlooked element: cargo securing.

In response to the preventable accidents caused by shifting loads, the European Commission released its Best Practice Guidelines on Cargo Securing for Road Transport—a landmark document that remains essential reading for anyone in the transport chain.

From drivers and loaders to logistics managers and enforcement officers, the message is clear: safety isn’t optional—it’s a shared responsibility.

A Science-Based Safety Manual

Published in 2014, the guidelines aren’t legally binding, but they’re widely regarded as the European gold standard for road transport safety. They combine physics, engineering, and hands-on logistics experience into a practical guide to securing cargo in real-world conditions.

“Cargo must be placed on the vehicle so that it can neither endanger persons nor goods and cannot move on or off the vehicle,” the document states.

Using calculations grounded in EN 12195-1 and other key standards, the guidelines provide a methodical breakdown of the forces involved during braking, turning, and acceleration. These forces—often underestimated—are strong enough to shift or tip entire loads if proper securing methods aren’t used.

Straps, Chains, and Friction: A Toolkit for Safety

The guide explores a wide range of securing tools and techniques:

Web lashings and chains
Steel wire ropes
Anti-slip mats, corner protectors, and nets
Blocking bars and stanchions

Each has its purpose. For example, strapping bands (made of PET, PP, or steel) are valuable for rigidifying loads—but only if applied correctly. The guidelines offer detailed advice on placement, force distribution, and tensioning.

While strapping bands are discussed in technical terms, the document does not assess their environmental impact or reusability—a contrast to more recent studies focused on sustainability.

Roles and Responsibilities: A Chain with No Weak Links

One of the standout aspects of the guidelines is its emphasis on shared responsibility. Safe cargo securing doesn’t rest on the driver alone. Everyone involved—from the person packing goods to the one securing them for transport—has a role to play.

The guide outlines responsibilities during:

Transport planning
Loading and unloading
Driving and inspections

This approach helps prevent finger-pointing after an incident and ensures that every stakeholder is accountable.

Why This Still Matters in 2025

Though published over a decade ago, the principles of the 2014 guidelines are more relevant than ever. With increased road freight traffic, tightening environmental regulations, and a renewed focus on supply chain safety, the stakes have never been higher.

As new EU policies, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), begin to reshape logistics, these guidelines offer a stable foundation for navigating that change without compromising safety.

Not a Law, But a Lifeline

The European Best Practice Guidelines are voluntary—but they’re treated seriously by enforcement bodies and insurance providers. Adhering to them can mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a legal nightmare in the event of an accident.

As the document reminds us: “Every incident is one too many.”

Access the Full Guidelines

The 2014 guidelines are publicly available and free to download.

👉