Category: Friction Mats

Metals Industry – LoadSecure™ 8260

Posted on by teamA-GG

Complete Packaging Systems supplies LoadSecure™ 6910 rubber friction mats as an effective, safe and cost- efficient replacement to traditional wood blocking and bracing, which are manufactured with a maximum working C.O.F. (Coefficient of Friction) rating of 1.2g. This C.O.F. value exceeds the required securement Performance Criteria rating of 0.8 g during forward deceleration events and 0.5 g when providing securement for cargo shifting to the sides and rear directions of the trailer or container, this per U.S. FMCSA 49 CFR and Canada National Safety Code 10 Regulations.

However, did you know that Complete Packaging Systems offers another grade of LoadSecure™ friction mat well suited for the Metals Industry? LS – 8260 provides all the benefits of our standard LoadSecure™ mat, but is a superior alternative based on ASTM dynamic test results for Tensile, Tear, Elongation and Density properties. Having  greater density (lbs./cu.³) equates to greater strength and durability necessary to withstand the load bearing forces typically realized when shipping finished products in the form of, but not limited to: Billets, Ingots, Pigs, Logs, Coil, Plate and Wire.

Given product being shipped in the metals industry can be extremely heavy, it is typically shipped on skids instead of pallets. Skids are often built with only 2-3 runners and have no bottom crossing boards. Meaning, the weight of the product on top of the skid is displaced across a much smaller load bearing footprint. The above conditions result in greater shear type forces and dynamic demand being applied to the mat.

Other industries typically ship their product on pallets. Pallet design often incorporates as many as 5 boards that travel perpendicular to the runners. The weight from the product on top of the pallet is distributed across these 5 boards and therefore less weight onto the load bearing surface area. LS – 8260  provides measurably more durability at load bearing points underneath skids and is best suited for the heaviest of cargo securement requirements.

LoadSecure™ 8260 friction mat incorporates the same high-vis printing as our standard LoadSecure™ friction mat, to identify the C.O.F. rating of 1.2 g. This assures North American friction mat compliance with all Roadside Enforcement agencies. Product is available in pre-cut sheets, rolls, perforated rolls and in thickness ranging from 2mm – 6mm.

Given this grade of mat is typically used in the metals industry, LoadSecure™ 8260 is also very effective for other applications requiring securement of extremely heavy Cargo or for shippers who want to be able to reuse their friction mats.

For more information or to speak about your Cargo Securement application, please contact us at 866-858-8800!

 

If you enjoyed the blog above, you may also like:

C.O.F. Rating on Rubber Friction Mats

Preventing Load Damage: Nail Problems?

Get Creative with Recycling: LoadSecure™ Friction Mats

Get Creative with Recycling: LoadSecure™ Friction Mats

Posted on by teamA-GG

Do you find yourself throwing away LoadSecure™ friction mats after receiving a shipment? You can put them to good use! Our LoadSecure™ friction mats can be recycled or even reused at home!

If your employer keeps a close eye on their eco-footprint then they can work with Complete Packaging Systems to recycle used LoadSecure™ friction mats. Along with our manufacturing partner, Complete Packaging Systems offers a LoadSecure™ rubber matting recycling program. Our customers can send used LoadSecure™ rubber matting to our manufacturer in Lebanon, PA for a chance to receive a rebate calculated by weight returned. The rubber matting simply needs to be free of contaminants and approved by manufacturing for the recycling process. The recycling program is a great way to be environmentally conscious and is sustainable for all parties involved.

 

If your employer does not have a disposal/recycling program in place for LoadSecure™ friction mats and will allow you to take them home, then there are plenty of creative ways to reuse them! Below are just some of the ways you can cut down and reuse LoadSecure™ friction mats:

  • Line the trunk of your car or the bed of your truck. The mats will provide grip, stopping items from sliding around, and they are easy to rinse off!
  • Under furniture! Cut the friction mats and place small pieces under chair legs, tables, couches, etc. to help stop furniture from sliding and protect the flooring underneath!
  • Inside your drawers/cabinets. Use them to line your kitchen drawers and cabinets to prevent damage caused by cutlery and items sliding when opening drawers. They also help prevent damage caused by spills.
  • Place them in or over pet crates. They are easy to rinse off when needed and when placed over a crate they will block the light/noise and help create a sheltered nook for your pet.
  • Re-doing your flooring? Line your floor with friction mats before placing the flooring down. They work well to eliminate noise and provide a protective layer.

When reusing our LoadSecure™ friction mats for personal use, make sure you ask your employer if you are allowed to take the used rubber matting. Although, it may seem like they are being thrown away, your employer may already have another use for them or have their own recycling program in place. If you receive the “go ahead” from your manager, be creative and reuse LoadSecure™ friction mats in your home!

If more information about our LoadSecure™ friction mats or the rubber recycling program offered, please contact us toll-free at 1-866-858-8800.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

 

C.O.F. Rating on Rubber Friction Mats

Posted on by teamA-GG

Have you ever wondered why rubber friction mats are printed with yellow numbers and writing? In this blog, we will be covering the C.O.F. value, why it’s important, and a rough idea on how it’s calculated.

The C.O.F. value (the number printed in yellow) stands for coefficient of friction, measured in G force. It’s calculated in an independent laboratory by testing the amount of force needed to move an object across a surface, while taking into account the friction between the object and the surface it is on. In order to measure the C.O.F. rating of rubber friction mats, a weight of 100 grams is placed on a tilt board lined with a friction mat. The tilt board is raised slowly, and the maximum angle is measured at the exact moment the weight begins to slide down the tilt board. The larger the angle, the more effective that particular friction mat is, which means it would be awarded a larger C.O.F. value.

Friction mats are meant to replace wood and block bracing, so the minimum industry standards have been measured to the following for rubber friction mats:

  • 0.5 G in the rearward direction towards the doorway
  • 0.5 G for side to side movement toward the walls of the trailer or container
  • 0.8 G toward the nose of the trailer or container

At Complete Packaging Systems, we believe that a minimum standard is never enough. That is why we have far exceeded industry standards, by a factor of at least 33%, to ensure our customers are confident when using our LoadSecure™ rubber friction mats.

Furthermore, the rubber friction mats must be clearly printed with a numeric C.O.F. rating and the manufacturer’s brand name, as this is what roadside inspectors use to verify the mats meet industry standards. Another feature of our mats is the printing repetition of the C.O.F. value is every 3 inches down the entire mat and placed only 5 inches from the edge. This becomes important, as inspectors must be able to easily see the rating. If you are following proper loading procedures, and leaving at least 6 inches of exposed friction mat towards any and all voids in the trailer or container, you can be certain that our printing will show the C.O.F. value.

Using our LoadSecure™ friction mats will not only save you time and money, it will create a safe, secure, and approved load every time. For more information on our LoadSecure™ friction mats, contact our load consultation services toll-free at 1-866-858-8800.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Preventing Load Damage: Nail Problems?

Posted on by teamA-GG

In this industry we constantly hear stories about loading malfunction and how even the smallest issues can become much larger if they are not dealt with correctly. Here at Complete Packaging Systems, we have the solutions you need to get your loads to their destinations safely and securely.

A recent issue our customers have come across is troublesome nails left in the floor of containers from previous loads causing damage to new product. Customers shipping super sacks have been placing their products directly on container floors where protruding nails have then snagged on the fabric of these super sacks. During a long transit, even the smallest of movements can cause some pretty significant tears in the fabric over time.

We have a simple solution to this problem. Our Load Secure™ rubber friction mats can minimize product movement ensuring a more secure transit. Our mats will prevent movement and provide a gripped barrier between the container floor and your load, preventing further damage caused by nails rubbing against your cargo. Our mats are safe, cost-effective, reusable, and an efficient replacement for wood blocking & bracing. Eliminating the need for wood blocking & bracing will prevent the potential of future nail damage for everyone!

Our mats are available in a variety of configurations and grades with the ability to work under both wet and dry conditions. To better determine which product is right for you please contact our team for load consultation service. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the products you really need.

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

 

Learn More: Rubber Friction Mats

Posted on by teamA-GG

In the world of cargo securement, safety begins from the ground up. Complete Packaging Systems makes sure that our clients know the importance of rubber friction mats when securing their next shipments. Load Secure™ rubber friction mats have a high friction surface that will minimize the likelihood of load shifts during long hall cargo trafficking.

 

What makes our friction mats different is the versatility of the product. Not only are all mats 100% recyclable and reusable, they can be used in both wet and dry conditions without a problem. These mats are easy to apply and remove again and again. Another benefit of choosing Load Secure™ rubber friction mats is the variety of configurations and grades they come in. We are sure to meet any of your specific application needs such as cut sheet, roll stock, perforated, metals grade and so on.

By choosing our friction mats, you’re choosing a company dedicated to your cargo securement. Our mats will secure multiple supplies including paper rolls, metal coils, steel drums, food and beverages and so much more. There is no more need for wood blocking and bracing, save your self from the holes in the floors and switch to Load Secure™ rubber friction mats. Complete Packaging Systems is your best choice in cargo securement, and we are always here to help.

To learn more about Complete Packaging Systems and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

Amendments to NSC Standard 10 Are Now Being Enforced!

Posted on by teamA-GG
In June of 2013, changes were proposed and implemented to the National Safety Code Standard 10, which governs over-the-road securement devices. In particular, we are focusing on the amendments to the WLL (Working Load Limit) of rubber friction mats.

Please note these important changes as per the National Safety Code Standard 10:

 

2. Devision 2 – General Performance Criteria: Friction Mats
 Current  Amendment
 Section 12 (9)

A friction mat which is not marked by the manufacturer with a working load limit is assumed to provide resistance to horizontal movement equal to 50% of the weight of the cargo resting on the mat.

  Section 12 (9)

To be considered part of a cargo securement system, a friction mat must be marked by its manufacturer with the maximum usable friction resistance (in g’s) the mat will provide in restraining cargo against horizontal and lateral movement.

Notes:

Eliminates default Working Load Limit for unmarked friction mats, as supported by CVSA Cargo Securement Public Forum and FMCSA

Assessment:

No major objections were received to this proposal.

 

The Canadian Trucking Alliance proposed that implementation of the requirement be introduced in January 2014 to allow the current inventory of unmarked friction mats to be consumed.

 

At the moment, these changes only effect Canadian shippers, although U.S shippers that are exporting to Canada must follow these regulations as well. We expect the U.S governing agencies will follow Canada’s lead, as it makes inferior products unusable and ultimately will lead to a more regulated industry.

 

If you would like to find out if your product is approved, contact us today!

 

Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

 

Why You Should Use Rubber Friction Mats to Secure Your Shipments

Posted on by teamA-GG

I would like to start out this blog by addressing a problem: the many terms to describe rubber friction mats, such as “anti-skid mats”, “rubber transportation mats”, and various brand names. Our industry refers to them as rubber friction mats. I encourage you to do the same.

If you had the choice between using wood bracing or rubber friction mats to secure your shipment, which would you choose?

Many who have had the pleasure of using friction mats would say it’s no contest; they would choose friction mats for their anti-skid needs.

It is important for companies to abide by the railroads’ methods of securing loads. However, we are here to tell you that wood bracing is not always the answer and can be replaced in many situations. This would save your company the cost of wood, nails, energy, and time, along with providing a better, safer workplace for your employees.

By using our Load-Secure™ Friction Mats, you can easily secure your loads and keep them from shifting during transit – with no need for nailing, gluing, or constructing dunnage. Simply lay down the suggested mats underneath your shipment and let the product do its job.

As part of an effective load plan, rubber friction mats almost always eliminate the need for wood bracing. These products have been tested and approved by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for use, but not all rail carriers are ready to change. In certain situations, wood bracing is still used but we urge you to ask why.

Why use wood bracing when something more cost-effective and efficient is available? Load-Secure products eliminate a potentially dangerous work environment. There is no loss of time due to injury from hammers, nails, or saws.

Rubber friction mats meet the North American Cargo Securement Standard. Friction mats don’t damage the rail carrier’s floors, and they save your company from the frustrations of wood bracing.

Many industries can benefit from replacing wood bracing with friction mats. Manufacturers working to produce varied commodities including metals, forest products, roll paper, glass, pharmaceutical, and even the food industry use Load-Secure™ products.

Free yourself from the old ways of load securement. You’ll be glad you did.

>> Need help with your cargo securement plan? Want to order our Load-Secure™ products? Contact us today!

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