Load Securing (Ladungssicherung)

Load securing (Ladungssicherung) means stowing and securing cargo so that it cannot slip, tip over, roll around, fall off, or create avoidable noise "even under emergency braking or sudden evasive manoeuvres" — as required by § 22 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). This applies to a 40-tonne truck as much as to a private estate car.

Why it matters

Under emergency braking from 50 km/h, cargo is subjected to a multiple of its weight. An unsecured 30 kg box becomes a projectile with several hundred kilograms of impact force. The recognised technical rules (including VDI 2700) require cargo to be secured against 80 % of its weight forwards and 50 % sideways and backwards.

The two basic methods

• Positive-fit securing: Cargo is placed gap-free against walls, partitions, or other cargo items — gaps are filled with padding. The simplest and often most effective method.
• Friction-based securing: Lashing straps press the cargo onto the load floor (tie-down lashing), increasing friction; anti-slip mats amplify the effect considerably.

In practice you combine both: pack tightly, heavy items low and against the front wall, then lash. For how this works in commercial transport — the 80/50/50 rule, VDI 2700, and the right lashing equipment — see load securing on trucks.

Load securing in a car

§ 22 StVO applies to private cars too. Key rules:

• Heavy items in the boot, ideally against the rear seat back; nothing loose on the parcel shelf.
• Lock rear seat backs; use divider grilles or nets where available.
• Use the boot lashing points; bundle small items in boxes or bags.
• Cargo may protrude up to 1.5 m at the rear (up to 3 m under conditions); from 1 m of overhang, marking (e.g. a red flag) is mandatory.

If a sofa or washing machine would just be "squeezed in somehow", a small transport with the right vehicle is usually the safer — and ultimately cheaper — choice. For all details, including the driving-theory exam answer, see load securing in a car.

Who is responsible?

Responsibility is shared: the driver (check before departure), the loader (transport-safe loading), and the vehicle keeper (suitable vehicle and equipment). Violations start at around €35, rise to €60 plus one point in Flensburg when others are endangered — and in accidents add liability and insurance consequences.

Frequently asked questions

Is packing tightly enough? Positive fit is a recognised method — but only if truly no gaps remain and the walls can absorb the forces.

Are anti-slip mats mandatory? No, but they raise the friction coefficient substantially and reduce the required lashing force — standard in professional load securing.

Does § 22 StVO apply to short trips? Yes, without exception. Most cargo accidents happen on short trips, where securing is skipped most often.

Sources

• § 22 StVO – cargo (German Road Traffic Regulations)
• VDI 2700 – load securing on road vehicles (VDI)