Montana DOT Prepares for Oversized Loads

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Admin

At Redback Industries, we are committed to keeping you up to date on the latest cargo securement news: The Montana Department of Transportation is gearing up for approximately 300 oversized loads bearing oil modules, on interstates 90 and 15. The plan will eliminate the need to use state highway 12, which is generally favored by large oil importers.

Breakbulk.com reports:

The 205 original [Kearl] modules… were reduced in size to meet interstate highway weight and size requirements after Idaho denied use of Highway 12, a route that did not have overpasses…. All shipments are bound for Imperial/Exxon’s Kearl Oil Sands Project in northeastern Alberta.

The loads will enter the state of Montana on Interstate 90 in Mineral County and exit the state of Montana on Interstate 15 at the Port of Sweet Grass in Toole County, according to a MDOT statement. Some of the loads will originate from the river ports in Pasco, Wash., and Lewiston, Idaho, where they were broken down into smaller pieces. Some of these loads –about 30 downsized loads from Lewiston–have already been trucked into Montana.

The smaller, conventional loads are able to move during daylight hours, while the larger loads on hydraulic trailers must move after 8 p.m. The largest of the modules measure 25 feet wide, nearly 12 feet high and 123 feet long.

For irregular sized loads such as these, we recommend cargo strapping like our Powerlash Cargo Restraint Systems.  Powerlash Cargo Restraint is a modular system, using high-tenacity polyester webbing, high joint efficiency no-sew fasteners and a removable tensioning mechanism. Using various combinations of webbing, hooks and strap buckles, Powerlash works well for securing heavy or irregular shaped loads inside of containers and rail cars, as well as onto vessels, barges and flat rack containers.

For irregular-sized loads and cargo securement, contact Redback Industries today for a quote or consultation, or visit our website at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Restraint Systems, Cargo Securement | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Apply Composite Cord Strapping

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Admin

Applying composite cord strapping is fast and easy when using the correct technique. A common mistake is to pull both ends of strap to cinch down strapping.  Pulling both tails creates far too much friction at the strap buckle. Likewise, pulling all the slack through the tight s-curve of the buckle can also create too much drag.

A simple solution is to pretension by pulling the loop towards yourself in the same motion as you thread it over the front leg of the buckle –and prior to pulling the tail. this reduces resistance in the s-curve of the buckle.

Redback composite cord strapping is thicker and consequently more durable than competing composite cord strap products, so reducing drag during pretension is very helpful. This video demonstrates the correct methodology to apply Redback composite cord strapping.

Posted in Cord Strapping | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Come See our Strapping Options at the Breakbulk Transportation Conference.

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Admin

The trade show crate, strapped tight with Redback strapping, is on its way to the Breakbulk Transportation Conference in New Orleans.  Visit us in Booth 907 to see our full line of polyester cord strapping, cord lashing, manual and pneumatic banding tools, as well as buckles, hooks and accessories for securing project cargo and export packaging.  Also on display will be our new synthetic round lifting slings for vertical, choker and basket hitches.  And, be sure to check our low profile, hands free inflator for our line of poly woven air dunnage bags.  For more information on the Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference or our line of cargo securement options, visit www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Restraint Systems, Cargo Securement | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Redback Industries at the Breakbulk Americas 2011 Transportation Conference

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Admin

Visit Redback Industries October 25-27 in Booth 907 at the Breakbulk Americas 2011 Transportation Conference and Expo in New Orleans. Redback Industries will be exhibiting their full line of heavy duty polyester cord lashing, strap buckles and strapping tools, as well as woven polyester strapping and composite cord strapping.

Breakbulk Americas is the largest and most important gathering in the Americas for companies involved in the shipping of heavy-lift, project cargo and traditional breakbulk cargoes. It is where shippers have the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the leading specialized carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements.

Exhibitors include the world’s major carriers, forwarders and ports that handle specialized heavy-lift, project and breakbulk cargoes. In addition to a bustling exhibition floor, Breakbulk Americas will feature a 2-day conference with top speakers addressing industry issues. The in-depth program will delve into today’s most pressing breakbulk transportation topics. Speakers will also discuss the hottest regions for breakbulk and project cargo, and review sectors such as oil and gas, and other power generation markets.

Redback Industries has built a strong reputation in the cargo securement industry for providing quality strapping solutions and services at competitive prices.  Redback Industries provides composite cord strapping, woven polyester strapping, and cargo lashing for load securement.  In addition, check out our strap buckles as well as strapping tools and accessories for maximum efficiency and durability.  Find out how we can help you with load restraint at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Restraint Systems, Cargo Securement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TM395 Heavy Duty Lashing Tool

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Admin

Redback Industries is pleased to announce the arrival of the new TM395 Heavy Duty Lashing Tool.  The TM395 Lashing Tool is built for extreme tension, industrial use and features an extra long handle for maximum leverage.  The TM395 is compatible with Powerlash, Cordlash and Gatorlash, as well as most webbings and woven lashing straps.

Our industrial strength  Strapping Tools & Accessories are economical and require minimal maintenance. Redback Strapping Accessories are built for durability and heavy duty use.  For more information, contact Redback Industries, or visit www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Strapping Tools | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CINS Works Towards Decreasing Cargo Securement Related Incidents

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Admin

At the end of September 2011, The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) network will finish an extremely important pilot project.  Established in November 2010 by container operators that include Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk Line and other companies, the CINS embarked on a project that aimed to reduce accidents caused by improper cargo securement, incorrect weight declaration, and improper packaging.

What did the CINS pilot project involve?

The operators worked in tandem and shared information regarding company cargo accidents, incidents and near accidents.  This information was then compiled in a pilot CINS database.  Using this information, trends were identified concerning high risk load securement and other areas; in turn, this data provided guidance on how to minimize such risks in the future.  Advice how to ensure that cargo will arrive at its destination intact – and general information regarding how to ensure safer container shipping was also given.

How will this pilot project affect the future of the industry?

In the future, the CINS network believes that this database will also show just how widespread certain unsafe practices are in the cargo securement and shipping industry.  In turn, this important information will lead to the proper load securement and shipping legislation changes.  In addition, this information will also result in better load containment and cargo packing training in containers.

Moreover, besides these improvements, the founders of this initiative also hope to improve the quality of cargo delivery and of how individuals in the maritime industry communicate and fulfil obligations.

Redback Industries is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on cargo securement regulations.  We have built a strong reputation in the cargo securement industry for providing quality strapping solutions and services at competitive prices.  Redback Industries provides composite cord strapping, woven polyester strapping, and cargo lashing for load securement.  In addition, check out our strap buckles as well as strapping tools and accessories for maximum efficiency and durability.  Find out how we can help you with load restraint at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Restraint Systems, Cargo Securement, Federal Regulations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How FMCSA Regulations Affect Lumber Banding

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Admin

What Exactly are the FMCSA Regulations?

As you may or may not know, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has adopted specific load securement regulations for a number of different types of commodities.  Some of these commodities include metal coils; paper rolls; intermodal containers; concrete pipe; light trucks automobiles, and vans, heavy vehicles, machinery and equipment; roll-on/roll-off containers; flattened or crushed vehicles; large boulders – and of course dressed lumber and logs.

Through various public meetings, it was discovered that the enforcement agencies and the industries disagreed a great deal about how to properly secure these types of commodities.

However, regulations regarding log transport are applicable to almost all types of log transportation except for the following:

(1)    Logs that are bundled with banding or strapping can be transported according to general US cargo securement regulations.

(2)   Loads that contain one to four processed logs can be transported according to general US load securement regulations.

(3)   Log debris, stumps, firewood,  and other shorter logs are subject to containerization – located in a strong, closed container and/or inside a vehicle.  In addition, longer logs may be transported in a closed container or in a vehicle.

393.118 – Dressed Lumber and Similar Building Products

The rules in this section apply to the transportation of bundles of dressed lumber, packaged lumber, building products such as plywood, gypsum board or other materials of similar shape. Lumber or building products that are not bundled or packaged must be treated as loose items and transported in accordance with the general cargo securement rules. For the purpose of this section, the term ” bundle ” refers to packages of lumber, building materials or similar products which are unitized for securement as a single article of cargo.

Redback Industries specializes in lumber banding and containerization – we can help you in securing heavy or irregular shaped loads inside of containers and rail cars, as well as onto vessels, barges and flat rack containers.  Find out more at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Restraint Systems, Cargo Securement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Many Disadvantages of Steel Banding

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Admin

Without a doubt, when it comes to shipping cargo, steel banding offers some distinct disadvantages over composite strapping, woven polyester strapping, and cargo lashing.  Some of these disadvantages include:

Potential Damage to Cargo:

Steel banding has the potential to rust and in turn, stain any cargo that this banding touches.  Further, as the steel banding can also tear and/or scratch cargo, this type of banding is inappropriate to use on certain surfaces.

Potential for Serious Injuries:

If a steel band is cut from a bundle in a careless manner, the steel band most likely will lash and cause deep bounds.  In addition, since steel banding coil weigh so much when compared to other banding materials, many people also get injured from loading these coils into a dispenser.

High Cost:

Without a doubt, steel banding is definitely a costly choice.  Further, as the price of steel tends to change according to the markets, budgeting for this type of banding is next to impossible.

Other Problems:

Since steel banding does not stretch after it has been attached to bundles, there is a potential for significant load securement problems.  If the cargo settles for instance and becomes smaller, the steel banding will remain the same size, and in turn, will no longer hold the cargo in a secure manner.  This situation can cause potential problems as the cargo now has the shift and cause accidents in turn.

The Alternative

Fortunately, Redback Industries can provide alternatives to steel banding for a competitive price.  Specifically, Redback Industries offers non metal strapping, and cargo lashing for cargo securement.  Find out how Redback Industries can help you secure your cargo at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Alternative to Steel Strapping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Use a Proper Cargo Restraint System to Minimize Truck Accidents

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Admin

According to the 2006 federal Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), there are a number of different factors that contribute to truck accidents. However, while there are a number of different factors involved in these types of accidents, the LTCCS notes that the following factors contribute to the majority of truck accidents:

Truck Cargo Shift – when an improperly secured cargo load on a truck shifts, serious accidents can occur.

Truck Driver Training – while many truckers receive proper training, there are cases where inadequate driver experience and training plays a major role in trucks accidents.

Truck Manufacture– if there is a mechanical fault within a truck, an accident can occur.

Traffic Signalling and/or Highway Conditions – both faulty signalling and inadequate highway infrastructure can contribute to truck accidents.

Weather Conditions – unfavourable conditions that include blizzards, rain storms, freezing rain, fog and other poor environmental conditions can contribute to truck accidents

Secure Your Truck Load Properly

While many factors do contribute to truck accidents, one way to avoid such accidents and/or to minimize damage if involved with an unavoidable accident is to ensure that a truck’s pallet loads are properly secured.  One excellent way to promote safety is to make use of a steel banding alternative that will ensure the cargo securement of these bundles.

For instance, Redback Industries specialises in non-metal straps that are impact resistant and maintain both their strength and tension over time.  Ideal for both irregular and heavy loads, the woven polyester cord strap, the composite cordstrap, and lashing systems all provide excellent support.

To conclude then, in order to minimize the damage caused in truck accidents or to avoid these types of accidents altogether, it is vital that bundles on trucks are properly secured on pallets with the proper straps.  To find out how Redback Industries can help your business with load securement, visit www.redbackindustries.com, or call us at 1.866.455.1345.

Posted in Alternative to Steel Strapping, Cargo Securement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CVSA Inspects Cargo Securement During Annual Roadcheck Event

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Admin

From June 7th to 9th, 2011, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), held their annual three day commercial vehicle safety enforcement and education campaign.  More specifically, almost 8000 qualified inspectors examined 70,712 trucks at 2550 locations throughout North America.

Called Roadcheck 2011, this campaign revealed that both the motor coach and commercial motor carrier industries continue to improve with respect to safety issues – including cargo securement.  However, the CVSA’s Executive Director Stephen A. Keppler stated that there was still room for improvement.   Keppler went on to say the following:

“Events that focus on ensuring vehicles and drivers are complying with the law, like Roadcheck and all roadside inspections, draw critical attention to out-of-service rates and are shown to also impact crash reductions.”

About Roadcheck 2011

During this year’s Roadcheck event, about sixteen buses or trucks were inspected per minute in this seventy-two hour intensive campaign. More specifically, truck and bus drivers were asked to display their record of duty status, commercial driver’s license, and medical examiner’s certificate at truck inspection locations.

Along with thoroughly examining for proper load securement – including safe cargo straps and cargo tiedowns – the tires, brakes, lights and other bus and truck safety components were carefully scrutinized by the qualified inspectors.

While this three day safety blitz was definitely an intensive process, it is important to note that roadside inspections take place everyday throughout North America.  In fact, in 2010 alone, just under four million trucks and buses were examined for issues that include cargo strap safety on this continent.

Redback Industries has built a strong reputation in the load containment industry for providing quality strapping solutions and services at competititve prices.  Redback Industries provides composite strapping, woven polyester strapping and cargo lashing for cargo securement.  Find out how we can help you with load restraint at www.redbackindustries.com.

Posted in Cargo Securement, Federal Regulations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment