Are internal straps a legal requirement. We have the new type of straps that are bloody
Useless, half of the trailers have had them taken out. Every load is secured with Rachel
Straps, I was always led to believe internals were a legal requirement.
I always like to secure my load,half of our drivers don’t,
You don’t say what you are loading exactly mate, do you, so who knows ? 
Obviously if you are loading steel or something of that load type, internals would be useless, but for the likes of cardboard packaging upwards, put your internals on.
This job is all about keeping up appearnces with no real substance, and keeping up with DVSA and their habit and tactics of continuously moving the goalposts to rake the cash in…those who believe anything will tell you different, but the realists among us know different. 
As I say no real need for strapping up cardboard, but they say we have to, I’ve even heard now that internals on pallets of pop and the like ain’t acceptable now 
, so keep up with their idiosynchratic ways just to keep them happy and to keep you from being financially raped by the ■■■■ s.
Btw send that Rachel bird around to me, she sounds handy and helpful. 
General haulage, we carry everything including steel.
Defects are reported to the office, no action ever seems to be taken, they just don’t seem
To care recently, maybe money’s got right
I always thought internal straps were a legal requirement on trailers
I’ve always found them pretty useless, just window dressing to “show willing” to DVSA. They’re only rated to 400kg so only for light pallets, anything heavier and they’re going to want to see proper straps.
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.
Simonh1877:
I was always led to believe internals were a legal requirement.
Nope. No internals, use ratchet straps to secure it. No ratchet straps or internals, no loadey trailer.
Legally you have to secure it to stop movement although there are a lot of different systems.
For curtainsiders, internals can be used for loads up to 400kg. Over 400kg its usually ratchets although you can use those on anything even a pot of paint (in theory).
If you’re asking do you need internals when its ratchet strapped then no, although personally I tend to as ratchets can come loose and they are a backup.
Easiest way is ask yourself is it over 400kg amd will it move when internalled. If yes to either then ratchet it and keep yourself on yhe right side. Other drivers can pickup the huge fines for not bothering.
I don’t pull curtainsiders so it doesn’t affect me. I do however see lots of them getting tipped at places where I’m at and I must say that it appears that you fellas on here are in the minority in strapping loads. The pallet network ones seem to be the worst offenders.
I’m not judging btw, just saying what I see.
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.
REALLY
Use ratchet straps !!!
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.
Internal straps are one big bluff you cannot secure a load to the bed of a trailer with internals, at best you just stop it tipping sideways, until UK hauliers spec trailers for the job they are required to do load security in curtainsiders will always be an issue. Take a look in the back of the next empty European reg lorry you see and notice the difference, night and day springs to mind
Mazzer2:
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.Internal straps are one big bluff you cannot secure a load to the bed of a trailer with internals, at best you just stop it tipping sideways, until UK hauliers spec trailers for the job they are required to do load security in curtainsiders will always be an issue. Take a look in the back of the next empty European reg lorry you see and notice the difference, night and day springs to mind
Transiting Germany might just have something to do with that !
robthedog:
Mazzer2:
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.Internal straps are one big bluff you cannot secure a load to the bed of a trailer with internals, at best you just stop it tipping sideways, until UK hauliers spec trailers for the job they are required to do load security in curtainsiders will always be an issue. Take a look in the back of the next empty European reg lorry you see and notice the difference, night and day springs to mind
Transiting Germany might just have something to do with that !
Lol spot on, one place in Germany wouldn’t give me my paperwork until I had strapped down a knee height euro pallet on an empty trailer even though I was filling out in the place next door and it was coming off there to be put at the back, no arguing with the Germans when it comes to loading.
Thats because in Germany the sender is partly responsible for load security and must send goods in a way that allows them to be secured.
Unlike over here where once its out the door of the warehouse its your problem.
What is the requirement for XL curtains. I understand they are only used for weather protection as those in the big yellow jackets like to bang on about but what weight are they specified to hold. For example would a load of dry cardboard pallets or bog roll only need a cross strap at the back or would you still have to stick 26 straps down the sides?
I’ve noticed euro liners being more reinforced at the bottom half of the curtain with twice the webbing (if that’s what it’s called) in the curtain givin they don’t have internals on most.
Wouldn’t trust it for solely for anything with a bit of weight in it but common sense for light goods I would imagine?
thehighlandscot:
What is the requirement for XL curtains.
In short: load to the headboard, secure at the rear, positive fit between load and curtains at the sides (no more than 80mm gap)
the maoster:
…I must say that it appears that you fellas on here are in the minority in strapping loads.
Very much so from what I see too. Luckily I rarely go to the main pallet hubs, but when I did Palletforce it was amazing how many thought internals would hold an IBC.
As for XL, its all very well having the load held by just curtains, but what happens when you come to open the curtains. Could easily have a heavy load come crashing off. Potentially dangerous.
trevHCS:
the maoster:
…I must say that it appears that you fellas on here are in the minority in strapping loads.Very much so from what I see too. Luckily I rarely go to the main pallet hubs, but when I did Palletforce it was amazing how many thought internals would hold an IBC.
As for XL, its all very well having the load held by just curtains, but what happens when you come to open the curtains. Could easily have a heavy load come crashing off. Potentially dangerous.
Goods need to be well wrapped onto pallets or corner boards used. Flimsy boxes wrapped by one turn of cling film won’t be well restrained by a strap.
Lousy pallets will move either side of any single strap. Pallets where the weak bottom cartons collapse will tilt and tip.
An XL curtain will stop an IBC exiting the side, but will show an embarrassing bulge if it moves. I find internals will stop IBCs from moving into the side sheets.
XL works well, but a bit of thought and effort is still needed.
robthedog:
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.REALLY
Use ratchet straps !!!
REALLY
so you’d put ratchets over pallets of paper cups or pallets of boxes containing clothing? Or anything else that would just keep on crushing no matter how much you tightened it?
Mazzer2:
DickyNick:
I doubt they are a legal requirement. However securing the load is a legal requirement. If you’ve no internal straps with some loads that’s going to make it very difficult to put any type of load security on.Internal straps are one big bluff you cannot secure a load to the bed of a trailer with internals, at best you just stop it tipping sideways, until UK hauliers spec trailers for the job they are required to do load security in curtainsiders will always be an issue. Take a look in the back of the next empty European reg lorry you see and notice the difference, night and day springs to mind
Fair point but unfortunately it’s got nothing to do with what we think and logic. All it’s got to do with is playing the game so if the powers the be pull you in, you’ve done all you can to avoid getting a fine which you’d be liable to pay out of your own wages. If internal straps tick the boxes to avoid said fine despite how useless they actually are, then I’m happy spending 10-15 minutes putting them on all my loads.