Safe transport begins long before the load on a trailer hits the road. Proper load restraint begins at the design and manufacturing stage, where decisions about structure, usability, and safety have the greatest impact. Each choice can influence how efficiently, safely and reliably a heavy load is transported.

One of the most effective ways to support safe heavy transport is to integrate engineered lashing points into the design of trailers. This ensures operators have the right connection points to safely and efficiently restrain loads in line with Australian load-restraint guidelines.

RUD’s Role in Manufacturing

RUD offers a wide range of certified lashing solutions. Our weld-on and bolt-on lashing points are designed for heavy-haul, industrial and general transport applications, including trailers.

By incorporating RUD lashing points during construction, manufacturers can:

• Build trailers that are ready for heavy, irregular or high value loads
• Ensure safety and operational efficiency without relying on retrofit solutions
• Provide customers with clear and reliable information on lashing capacity and safe use
• Integrate engineered lashing points from the outset, which is a practical and proven way to ensure safety, compliance and trailer value

Leading manufacturers worldwide can attest to the benefits of integrating lashing points during the design phase, improving safety and operational efficiency. By embedding rated, accessible anchor points directly into trailers or heavy equipment, these companies provide transport-ready solutions that simplify load securing, reduce risk and support compliance. These global examples offer insights for Australian trailer manufacturers to adopt in their builds.

MTU Solutions

MTU Solutions’ 48-tonne Series 8000 diesel engine used in ships includes purpose-designed lashing points which are fitted directly on the housing. This ensures that each engine can be transported safely from the factory to its destination. By integrating lashing points into the engine, MTU demonstrates that load restraint is most effective when incorporated into the design phase.

https://www.mtu-solutions.com/au/en.html

August Alborn

The German heavy haul specialist August Alborn recently commissioned a 400+ tonne modular trailer equipped with RUD ACP-TURNADO lashing points. These points permitted the safe transport of 215 tonne test loads and provided flexibility for a variety of heavy cargo. August Alborn’s experience shows the practical benefits of integrating rated lashing points into trailer builds.

https://www.alborn.de/en/

Goldhofer AG

Goldhofer, a leading global manufacturer of trailers and low-loaders, specifies RUD lashing points in its designs. Their trailers come with multiple anchor points built into the frame, which helps with safe restraint of heavy machinery and industrial equipment without additional modifications. This process ensures the trailer is transport ready when it leaves the factory.

https://www.goldhofer.com/en/

These examples highlight that designing lashing points into the build is the most effective way to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Why Integrating Lashing Points Matters

Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) requires the loads to be secured so they cannot move during transit. Integrating lashing points during trailer manufacture makes compliance easier and more reliable.

Key Benefits:

• Improved load stability and safety: Correctly positioned, rated lashing points help restrain heavy loads during braking, cornering and other challenges in transit
• Reduced risk of damage: Engineered lashing points provide a strong, reliable connection which helps secure the trailer, cargo, driver and road traffic
• Faster and more consistent load securing: Accessible and strategically positioned lashing points allow operators to secure loads efficiently and correctly every time
• Confidence and compliance: Rated lashing points with safe load capacity ensure compliance with Australian load restraint guidelines

Supporting Better Outcomes for Manufacturers and Operators

Australian trailer manufacturers can benefit from integrating lashing points during the design phase:

• To ensure trailers are compliant and safe for transport from day one
• To support a variety of cargo types and sizes with accessible anchor points
• Certified RUD solutions provide confidence in the strength, reliability and longevity of the trailer’s load restraint system

By incorporating lashing points into the design process, manufacturers can deliver trailers that meet operator expectations, improve safety on Australian roads and enhance their reputation for quality, reliability and innovation.

This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.