Breaking the Strata Line

The Use of Risers When Loading Roll Paper

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Erik Burden

When loading roll paper into a boxcar, many people keep the stacks of rolls at an even height, such that the top of the rolls create a flat surface when placed side by side. The flat line created by the top of the rolls is known as the strata line. While this technique can be a secure method in certain load plans, it is advisable to break the strata line whenever possible. When the rolls are placed at even heights, they have the potential to shift during transit which could lead to unwanted freight claims, product damage, and safety hazards.

Honeycomb risers are a form of corrugated dunnage which is used to elevate a roll or stack of rolls in a cargo container. They are corrugated fiberboards made of fiber sheets which have been produced and/or laminated to a thickness that provides adequate stiffness and strength. To break the strata line, risers can be used underneath roll paper to place the rolls at staggered heights. By using honeycomb pads under the rolls, the load will become more secure and less likely to shift as adjacent rolls will act as a bulkhead. Complete Packaging Systems offers our customers a variety of sizes of strip and square risers to properly fit your cargo securement needs.

Depending on your usage, risers need to meet certain regulations like the ones sent out by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). In their publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars; risers need to be within certain dimensions, placed in a particular way, and have appropriate crush strengths. Our knowledgeable sales team will be able to help you determine which honeycomb riser pad is appropriate for your load of roll paper. Using risers to break the strata line in your load of roll paper can lead to significant improvements to the securement of your cargo.

For more information on the use of risers and how to break the strata line when loading roll paper, please contact our load consultation services or refer to AAR’s Closed Car Loading Guide – Loading Roll Paper in Rail Cars.

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine