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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Secure Your Loads with the Right Strapping

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Admin

As experts in load securement and cargo securement, Redback Industries consistently reviews cargo securement rules to make sure we’ve got the right products for the job.

The rules for cargo securement state that that all devices and systems used to secure cargo on or in a vehicle must be capable of meeting the performance criteria. All vehicle structures, systems, parts and components used to secure cargo should be in excellent shape, with no damaged or weakened components that might fail during transport.

For this reason, we recommend either POWERWEB Woven Cord Strapping or POWERFLEX Composite Strapping which both stay tight, and retain tension better than other methods of load securement.  These two products will absorb the shocks of shifting cargo, so that your cargo stays secure, and suffers less damage than it would using steel chain or steel banding.  Not only that, but POWERFLEX and POWERWEB are both easy-to-use, and safe since they don’t snap back like steel banding.

To find out more, check out this demo of our POWERFLEX Composite Strapping.  To read more about the Federal Cargo Securement Rules, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.  And to find out how Redback Industries can help you secure your load, visit www.redbackindustries.com.

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Strapping Tools from Redback Industries

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Admin

Redback Industries carries a complete range of strapping tools and strapping tensioners for securing cargo as well as Compression Covers and Drum Clips exclusively from Redback Industries.

Redback Industries also offers PROGRIP Heavy Duty Buckles, which provide maximum joint efficiency and high system strength. Available in standard Galvanized or Phosphated coatings, as well as NEW Black Galvanized finish for superior holding power in all weather conditions.

PROGRIP Buckles allow high tension and provide maximum joint strength when paired with POWERWEB, POWERFLEX or POWERLASH. The geometry of PROGRIP Buckles is optimized for use with Redback Strapping.

PROGRIP Buckles are available in a wide range of sizes and types. Use Galvanized Buckles for ease of use and Black Galvanized or Phosphated Buckles for optimal holding power.

Redback’s line of PROSERIES strapping tools is noted for their precision manufacturing, durability, and safety.  PROSERIES Tools last longer and tension straps tighter.  Industrial strength strapping tools and accessories are economical and require minimal maintenance. Trust the protection of your cargo to poly strapping and strapping tools from Redback Industries. For more information please visit our site at www.redbackindustries.com

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Exploring Strapping Options with Redback Industries (Pt. 2)

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Admin

Nylon strap has the greatest specific strength of the three plastics, the cost outweighs the strength benefits. In the past nylon strap used to be very popular, but over time polyester has replaced almost all of its use. One application that still uses this type of strap is cold room applications, because it does not creep as much as the other types of plastic.

Corded and woven strapping is available in several constructions, generally in polyester and rayon. Because this system uses a buckle for a joint, corded and woven strapping can have larger system strength than steel banding.   Corded polyester strapping also has higher elongation and memory than other strapping systems, which makes it ideal for sea and rail shipments. Because corded and woven polyester is light and soft, it is also a safer alternative to steel banding and is more environmentally friendly as it is generally reusable.

There are specialized types available for specific applications. For instance, in cold climates a strap bonded in hot melt glue can be used because it is weather-proof.

Composite strapping has filaments embedded in it and is often referred to as “synthetic steel”.  It has the highest joint efficiency when used with a buckle is very abrasion resistant.

For cargo securement that offers maximum impact resistance, high joint strength and maintains tension over time, contact Redback Industries. We will help determine which strapping solution is right for you – contact Redback Industries at 1.866.455.1345 or visit our site at www.redbackindustries.com

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Exploring Strapping Options with Redback Industries

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Admin

Steel strapping is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses as well as variations in the grade of steel. Steel is used where minimal stretch is desired. Surface finishes for steel strap include: paint, paint and wax, bluing or zinc and wax. The wax is used to better transmit the tension around the bundle and for use with certain types of tensioners. Common applications include steel coils, bundles of metal, baling wire, bricks and pavers, and roll end-binding.

Unfortunately, there have been numerous accidents over the last few years and with the cost of steel strapping continuing to rise, it is time to replace steel banding with a superior and safer alternative.

Polypropylene strap (oriented or tensilized), also known as poly strapping,  is an economical material designed for light to medium duty unitizing, palletizing and bundling. It is available in various widths, thicknesses, and polymer variations (e.g., copolymers). Some polypropylene is embossed or printed.

This product offers high elongation at break but tends to have irrecoverable dead stretch with constant stress. What is not generally known to end users is that polypropylene strapping will lose about 50% of the applied tension within one hour, and that this tension loss is accelerated with increases in ambient temperature, consequently although suitable for packs with a degree of stored energy that will take up any relaxation that occurs in the strap, unacceptable strap slackness may occur after time if used on product that is ‘Solid’ such as bricks or concrete. Furthermore, polypropylene strapping is susceptible to UV degradation and can quickly degrade if left outside exposed to the elements.

Oriented or tensilized polyester and nylon strapping are stronger than polypropylene and are used as an alternative to steel strapping in the some industries.  Polyester provides excellent retained tension on rigid loads.  Its excellent recovery properties can help a load absorb impact without strap breakage, however polyester strapping can rupture easily on the corner of a load due to its low cross directional strength, especially under high tension.

Ensuring that you adequately secure cargo without damaging the export cargo container or goods’ being shipped is of the utmost importance. Redback strapping stays tight during transit and is ideal for securing heavy or irregular shaped loads inside of containers and rail cars, as well as onto vessels, barges and flat rack containers.

For more information please visit our site at www.redbackindustries.com

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Use the Proper tools for your Strapping Application (Pt. 2)

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Admin

Hand grade poly strapping, is a user-friendly packaging solution that is applied using manual poly strapping tools such as feeders, tensioners and sealers. It is ideal for hand strapping and palletizing in smaller to medium volumes.  Hand grade poly strapping is able to stretch for a snug fit during packaging and has low tension retention.  Manual tensioners and crimping systems are available for low volume applications. Automatic hand tools are used for higher volume applications.  Both manual and automatic tools are available as combination tools, which perform the tensioning, sealing and cutting, or as separate tensioners, sealers, and cutters.

Hand grade poly strapping can be manually applied using wire buckles and tightened using manual strapping tools. The ends of the poly strapping can be fused together using a handheld friction weld, a heat sealing strapping tool or a plastic strapping seal.

Redback Industries carries a complete range of strapping tools and strapping tensioners for securing cargo. Redback’s line of PROSERIES strapping tools is noted for their precision manufacturing, durability, and safety. Industrial strength strapping tools and accessories are economical and require minimal maintenance.

Trust the protection of your cargo to poly strapping and strapping tools from Redback Industries – which can be used on poly strapping. For more information please visit our site at www.redbackindustries.com

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