Category: Synthetic Cord Strapping/Lashing

System Strength of Synthetic Cord Strap

Posted on by teamA-GG

When trying to determine the proper strength of synthetic cord strap needed in your load plan there are two types of measurements commonly referred to – Break Strength and System Strength – but what do these mean? Below are descriptions of each of these terms and why they are just some of the important terms to know when trying to decide which type of synthetic cord strap you need to secure your cargo.

Break Strength (also referred to as Tensile Strength):  The Break Strength of synthetic cord strap is the amount of force (commonly measured in pounds or dekanewtons) that a piece of strap can withstand before breaking and/or splitting. The Break Strength of strap is used to determine the strength of the synthetic cord strap alone, without the addition of a buckle (i.e. Joint Efficiency).

Joint Efficiency: Joint Efficiency is a percentage of the strap strength with the incorporation of a wire buckle or ladder buckle. The Joint Efficiency is critical when trying to calculate the System Strength.

System Strength: System Strength is the force (commonly measured in pounds or dekanewtons) required to break a unit of strap. This consists of one loop of strap and one buckle used to connect the ends of the strap, forming a “belt loop”. The System Strength can be found by multiplying two times the Break Strength of the strap by the Joint Efficiency of the buckle (Ex. System Strength = (Break Strength x 2) x Joint Efficiency).

Below is a diagram of the different types of measurements being tested.

When trying to obtain the proper System Strength of your strap, it is important that the same strap and compliant buckle combo are being used that was originally tested to achieve the AAR approval. Using an unapproved strap and buckle combination can lead to a different System Strength and cause your load to be non-compliant. The approved strap and their corresponding buckle can be found on the AAR’s website in Table 19.2 of the AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules. The list of AAR approved strap for doorway protection can be found in the AAR’s publication “Nonmetallic Strap Substitution for Steel Strap as Doorway Protection in Boxcars”.

Please note, not all the factors that need to be considered when choosing a strap for your load plan were mentioned in this blog. Understanding Break Strength, Joint Efficiency and System Strength will provide you with a good start on your search for your cargo strap. For more information about the strength of synthetic cord strapping and the corresponding buckles, speak to one of our knowledgeable technical sales and services representatives by calling us toll free at 866-858-8800.

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Woven Vs. Composite Strap

Posted on by teamA-GG

Two of the most popular types of strap used in the cargo securement industry are polywoven and composite. Both are great products to use when securing your cargo, but there are differences between the two that make each one more suitable for certain load applications.

Polywoven strap is made up of polyester fibers that are woven together. Its strength comes from the way the fibers are woven in a multi-directional pattern, weaving both horizontally and vertically. The composition of polywoven strap allows it to have flexibility while providing good tension on rigid loads. The woven material provides slight elongation of the strap, helping it absorb some of the shock and impact during transit while still maintaining its position.

Composite strap is made up of strands of polyester fibers, all traveling vertically and coated together by clear polypropylene. The polypropylene coating increases its resistance to abrasion, yet still allows for slight elongation during transit. Due to its polypropylene coating, composite strap is much stiffer than polywoven strap. The stiffness of composite strap makes it easy to feed underneath pallets.

Both woven and composite strap have different wire buckles that are intended to be used with each type of strap. The difference is the finish on the buckles. For woven strap, you should use phosphate coated wire buckles. The phosphate coating on the buckle allows for more friction against the woven material. If composite strap were used with the phosphate coated wire buckles, the strap would become worn from the friction between the buckle and strap. Instead, for composite strap you should use galvanized wire buckles. The smooth finish of the galvanized buckle allows the composite strap to thread effortlessly on the buckle and stays in place because of the stiffness of the strap. If woven strap were used with the galvanized buckles, the strap could slip off the buckle as there would be no friction between the buckle and strap to hold the strap in place.

In order to get the maximum effectiveness from your cargo securement products, it is important the correct products are used together. To find out more about the products you should be using in your load plan contact us toll free at 866-858-8800.

T-Strap Hangers Vs. Tape

Posted on by teamA-GG

When shipping paper rolls, many load plans require strap to be placed around the rolls to help unitize the rolls. It is important the cargo strap stays in place on the rolls and doesn’t fall to the floor during transit or the strap becomes useless for securement. Some shippers use tape to hold up the strap, but using tape can have its disadvantages. Tape can come loose from your paper rolls during transit and fall to the floor. This is mainly due to two reasons. First, during transit the strap shifts from side to side around the rolls. As the strap shifts, the tape is pulled with the strap causing the tape to slowly be pulled away from the rolls. Second, the weight of the strap pulls down on the tape throughout the entire shipment, forcing apart the tape adhesive and the surface of the paper roll.  Once the tape is completely pulled away from the paper roll, there is nothing to hold the strap in place, causing it to slip down the rolls and onto the floor. So, what’s the superior solution for holding up your cargo strap during transit? T-Strap Hangers. T-Strap Hangers are die cut pieces of thick, high quality cardboard that have a strong adhesive on the back. T-Strap Hangers are specifically designed to hold the cargo strap used around your paper rolls in place and prevent it from falling. The upside down “T” shaped cut of the T-Strap Hanger allows the strap to rest in two cut grooves during transit. By having the strap rest in these grooves, it allows the strap to slide from side-to-side as the unitized rolls shift slightly during transit, but it doesn’t allow the strap to fall downward because the grooves will act as hooks for the strap. T-Strap Hangers are also incredibly easy to install. Simply, peel the covering off the adhesive located on the back of the T-Strap Hanger, stick the T-Strap Hanger onto a paper roll, and put the strap into the cut-out grooves. The strong adhesive on the hangers will keep it secured to your paper rolls while the design of the hangers will allow the strap to shift with the rolls and keep it at the required height from the trailer floor. Overall, T-Strap Hangers are the simple and superior way of keeping the cargo strap around your paper rolls in place during transit.

For more information regarding T-Strap Hangers and how they could be used in your load plan, contact us toll free at 866-858-8800.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Railcar Doorway Securement

Posted on by teamA-GG

At the beginning of the year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee made changes to Rule 7 in their Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42-K. Rule 7 of AAR’s Circular No. 42-K previously stated that when the cargo within a container has the potential to move towards the doorway or make contact with the sliding or plug type doors of a container, the doorway must be secured with equipment that has sufficient strength to withhold the weight of the cargo. Rule 7 now presents the same statement, but also expresses that lumber wedging is no longer an acceptable method of securing the doorways of cargo containers.

If you previously used lumber wedging as a mode of securing doorways and are now in need of an alternative method, you can use synthetic strapping. Non-metallic strapping may be the preferred method as it’s a safer and more cost effective solution to steel strapping. Approved and recommended by the AAR, our Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ is an excellent way to replace steel strapping and lumber wedging used for doorway protection in railcars.

The AAR Approved markings on our strapping are visible and can be easily referenced when needed. When using Complete Packaging Systems Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ to replace other doorway securement practices, be sure to use the appropriate application methods and buckles. It is also important that our customers use the proper conversion when replacing steel with synthetic strap. When threading the buckles, our customers can refer to our online resource videos for step by step instructions. Furthermore, to tighten the strap, confirm that the correct tensioner is used with the appropriate strapping.

We have a variety of different widths, lengths, and break strengths of strapping for other cargo securement purposes and applications. To find out more about the variety of strapping we offer, visit our websites Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ page.

Complete Packaging Systems always recommends our customers follow and try to exceed the standards set out by the AAR when securing their cargo containers. For more information about the use of Tex-Steel Cord Strapping™ in doorways, please contact our load consultation services by calling toll-free at 1-866-858-8800. To review the details about Rule 7 in Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42-K, please visit AAR’s website.

 

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine

Learn More: Tex-Steel Cord Strapping

Posted on by teamA-GG

Here at Complete Packaging Systems we understand that damage to your goods costs time and money, and no one can afford to have their supply chain disrupted. When your products are properly secured, they will not move around in transit and get damaged. Products like dunnage bags and rubber friction mats are products that keep the loads stable with less potential for banging into one another and causing accidents.

Along with the other essential cargo securement products, Tex-Steel™ synthetic cord strapping and lashing is recommended for anyone on their next cargo shipment. Tex-Steel™ is a high-strength, safe, and cost-effective alternative to steel strap that is more secure, lighter, and easier to handle. By keeping cargo tightly secured together, the harder for the product to move around.Gator straps close
Be assured that we can supply you with all the products you need to secure your cargo properly. Tex-Steel™ synthetic cord strapping and lashing is always at the top of our list and we will make sure you are using it properly with multiple lengths and strengths to choose from. All of our strapping is AAR approved, 100% recyclable and easy to dispose of. Complete Packaging Systems is your best choice in cargo securement, and we are always here to help.

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

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Drafted & Edited by: Makenna Wolowich

 

Are You Still Using Steel Banding? 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be.

Posted on by teamA-GG

Do you want to enhance workplace safety?

Do you want a cost-effective strapping solution?

Are you still using steel banding?

Traditional steel banding has long been the industry standard and is still in widespread use today. You may be using steel banding to secure your heavy-duty cargo because it’s what you are familiar with.

But steel banding is no longer the only choice.

Through technological advancements, synthetic cord strapping/lashing has become as strong and reliable as steel – but with fewer risks and costs. In my experience, synthetic strapping alleviates many of the common problems with steel strapping without any major drawbacks.

So ask yourself: why you would continue to use steel banding when a superior option is available?

I will explain the key reasons why you should switch from steel strapping to synthetic cord strapping based on an analysis of the benefits of synthetic strapping.

1. Synthetic Strapping is Less Expensive

Steel banding is more costly than synthetic cord strapping. Furthermore, steel banding can be difficult to budget for because the cost can change based on the price of the base metal.

Synthetic strapping is more cost-effective and the price remains stable, so you will always be able to factor it into your budget with confidence.

2. Synthetic Strapping is Safer

Even when smoothed and de-burred, steel banding can be a safety hazard. All it takes is a moment of carelessness, and even an experienced employee can be injured. When a tightened steel band is cut improperly, it releases with strength. Its sharp edges can cause deep gashes on the user, particularly on the face.

Synthetic cord strapping is made of polyester, addressing this safety hazard. Securing cargo with synthetic strapping and lashing reduces lost-time accidents and injuries. Not to mention, fewer injuries = fewer liability claims.

3. Synthetic Strapping is Ergonomically Friendly

On average, steel banding coils weigh about 100 pounds. Many users struggle with loading these heavy coils into the dispenser. The weight of the steel can cause an accident that leads to an injury, or create a built-up strain injury over time.

Synthetic strapping/lashing is lighter and easier to handle. Each coil weighs only 50 pounds on average, which is much more manageable for the user.

4. Synthetic Strapping Won’t Damage Your Cargo

Scratches. Tears. Rust. Stains. Steel banding can damage your cargo, particularly if you’re transporting anything with exposed paint, vulnerable surfaces, or tires.

Synthetic strapping has rounded edges that don’t scratch paint or damage loads. It won’t rust or stain your cargo, either.

5. Synthetic Strapping Conforms to Settling Loads

Once applied, steel banding does not stretch. If your load settles while in transit, your steel banding will no longer be wrapped tightly around it. This leads to shifting loads, potential damage, and safety hazards. I have often seen pallets with loosely hanging steel-banding after the load has settled.

As you may expect, synthetic strapping stretches. If your load settles, synthetic cord strapping will simply conform to the new load perimeter and continue to hold tightly.

The Bottom Line

Steel banding is rapidly becoming an outdated form of cargo securement. Synthetic cord strapping/lashing is superior, while maintaining the strength necessary for heavy loads.

>> Get Tex-Steel synthetic cord strapping/lashing from Complete Packaging Systems – it’s as strong as steel and suitable for railcar, truck, or ocean containers! Contact us today.

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