Steel coils, axle overload and insufficient lashing
You are loading a 13.6 m curtainsider with 20 t of steel coils. Each coil is 1.2 m in diameter, 1.5 m wide and weighs 5 t. The loader places four coils in a row about 2.5 m behind the headboard because the forklift cannot reach further forward. The trailer has a plywood floor, no headboard, and four 5 m ratchet straps rated at 2,000 daN lashing capacity. The weighbridge shows a drive axle load of 13.1 t against a limit of 11.5 t, and a trailer axle load of 7.6 t. The driver says the coils 'won't move because they are heavy'. The load is not against the headboard, and the curtains are closed. The vehicle's permissible total combination mass is 40 t, and the trailer's axle limit is 24 t. You have a 30-minute loading window left.
1. Identify the weight-distribution problem and explain the legal consequence.
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The weighbridge shows the drive axle at 13.1 t against an 11.5 t limit - an overload of 1.6 t (13.1 − 11.5). The trailer axle at 7.6 t is within its 24 t limit, and the total combination is 36 t, below the 40 t permissible total. The problem is not total weight but axle load and load position. The coils sit about 2.5 m behind the headboard, too far forward over the kingpin, which puts excessive load on the drive axle. In Denmark, axle loads and total weights are legal limits, and an overloaded axle can result in a prohibition notice, fines and a requirement to redistribute or unload before continuing. The driver cannot rely on the total being under 40 t. The load must be moved rearward to transfer weight to the trailer axles, then reweighed. Moving it too far back could overload the trailer axle or affect stability, so the new position must be checked on the weighbridge.
2. Assess the load securing: are four straps enough for these coils?
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Probably not. Steel coils on a plywood floor have low friction, and the curtains provide no real containment. Four straps rated at 2,000 daN give a nominal lashing capacity of 8,000 daN, but the required securing force depends on the load weight, friction and lashing angles. With 20 t of steel and a low friction coefficient, the forward force to restrain is large; the coils also need to be prevented from rolling. A proper solution includes coil cradles or chocks, direct lashing over the coils in a way that does not damage them, anti-slip mats, and a headboard or equivalent positive stop. The straps must be rated and marked, and the lashing points must be strong enough. Four straps over four 5 t coils is not a demonstrated securement. I would not depart until a competent person has calculated and applied the securing arrangement.
3. What would you do before departure?
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First, stop loading and tell the loader that the load position and securing are not acceptable. Move the coils rearward to bring the drive axle within 11.5 t, but check the trailer axle and total weight on the weighbridge after moving. Second, redesign the securing: use coil racks or chocks, anti-slip material, and enough direct lashings; if the trailer has no headboard, the coils must not rely on the front wall. Third, document the weighbridge ticket and take photos. Fourth, if the correct position cannot be achieved with this trailer, request a different trailer or split the load. Do not sign for an overloaded or inadequately secured load. The 30-minute loading window does not justify departing. A heavy coil that moves under braking can kill someone and will also make the combination unstable.