Aggregate mass
The maximum permissible laden mass of a particular vehicle.
Anchor points
See load anchor points.
Baffles
Barriers erected transversely and sometimes longitudinally in tanks used for transportation of fluids. Baffles are intended to limit surging of tank contents due to changes in vehicle acceleration.
Baulking
Large timber at least 100mm × 100mm used to prevent longitudinal movement of the load under vehicle deceleration or acceleration, especially when the load cannot be placed against a headboard.
Bolster
That part of a machine or mechanism which forms a hard support or base.
Blocks or blocking
Suitable material used as baulking or packing against a load.
Cantling
A support frame under a cylindrical object.
Cap tarp
Tarpaulins fitted across the top of the load and general tarpaulins fitted to ‘cap’ the others.
Chocks
Suitable blocks used primarily to restrain loads that could move during transit. Also known as cleats or scotches.
Claw
A device incorporating prongs for grappling or holding.
Cleats
See chocks.
Coaming
A raised frame border on edge around the load platform of a vehicle.
Cribbing
A reliable method of supporting loads by means of suitable packing. Material of uniform thickness is stacked in spaced pairs. Alternate layers of packing are placed at 90° to one another to form a stable column.
Crossbearer
A support placed transversely across the loading platform.
Drawbar
A solid coupling between a hauling vehicle and its hauled load.
Dunnage
Packing placed between the base of the load and the surface of the vehicle’s load platform to level and/or cushion the load. It may also be placed between parts of the load to keep them steady.
Edge protectors
Material used to protect the exposed edges of relatively soft sheet and similar materials from the lashing used.
Flush deck
A flat tray deck without coaming.
Gate
Vertical frames used at the front, sides and rear of a load carrying platform to contain the load. The front gate is also known as a loading rack or head board. It is important that the front rack be of adequate strength to ensure that any load shifting, as in cases of an accident or rapid deceleration, does not result in damage to the driver’s cabin or any vehicle operating accessories.
General tarp
See tarpaulin.
Gooseneck
Closely related to the fifth wheel, a gooseneck is anchored through the bed of a truck and uses a hitch ball to lock the trailer in place.
Gross combination mass (GCM)
The maximum of the sum (as specified by the manufacturer) of the laden mass of the vehicle plus the axle loads of any vehicle being towed as a semi-trailer or trailer. Can also refer to measured weigh bridge mass or the road regulation limit.
Gross vehicle mass (GVM)
The maximum laden mass (as specified by the manufacturer) above which the motor vehicle should not be operated.
Headboard
See gates.
Kingpin
The main pivot in the steering mechanism of a car or other vehicle.
Lashings
Fastening devices, chains, cables, ropes or webbing used to restrain loads.
Lifts
Dressed timber or steel which has been stacked in layers.
Load anchor point
Robust devices to facilitate attachment of one or more lashings to the main frame or chassis of a vehicle to restrain the load.
Load binder
A device fitted to each chain or lashing used to tighten (tension) the restraint. The binder manufacturer’s recommendations should be applied. Frequently over centre locking action is incorporated.
Load capacity
The maximum load which may be carried in or on any motor vehicle upon any road. It is equal to GVM less tare mass.
Loading rack
See gate.
Loading stake, peg or pin
A metal fixture used for load control when set in pockets.
Outrigger
A horizontal beam, spar or framework projecting from the loading platform of the vehicle. Some may be retracted and/or extended.
Pallet
A portable platform or tray onto which loads are placed to facilitate mechanical handling.
Pockets
Female housings fixed to the vehicle to locate gates, stakes or loading pegs.
Rave
A rail or framework (permanent or removable) added to the sides of the loading platform to increase load capacity.
Rope hooks
Attachments fixed to the surrounds of the load platform to facilitate securing of tarpaulin hold down ropes. Rope hooks are not load anchorage points; they do not have sufficient strength and must not be used to restrain loads.
Rope rail
A rail which skirts the perimeter of the load platform below the coaming. Used to secure rope. Support points may be used for limited load restraint.
Round timber
Felled trees, logs.
Shackle
A metal coupling link closed by a bolt. Used for connecting chains to anchor points. The two principal shapes are ‘D’ and ‘bow’.
Sheet
See tarpaulin.
Shoring bar
Metal or wooden load-carrying beam or fabricated truss section used to restrain or transmit a load from one frame, column, post, wall or bearing point to another. May be adjustable. Also known as a shoring pole.
Sling
A length of hemp-core rope or steel-wire rope with eyes formed by splicing at each end. Used to hoist or restrain loads. May be webbing.
Snotter
See strop.
Spreader
A transverse spar or frame used to support tarpaulins or for load control.
See strut.
Spigot
The male cylindrical end of a fitting which mates with a hole in another component thereby forming a joint (connection, support).
Strop
A cradle made from suitable flexible material to facilitate hoisting of a pulley or similar loads. Also known as a snotter.
Strut
A rigid support intended to bear loads in the direction of its length.
Tare weight
The weight of the vehicle without any load.
Tarpaulin (tarp)
A waterproof sheet used to cover and protect goods from the weather.
Thimble
A metal liner, usually pear-shaped and concave on the outside that is fitted into the eye of a rope to prevent chafing and to distribute the load.
Tie-down fittings
An anchor point and fitting designed to facilitate fastening or restraining of a load.
Transverse beam (spar)
A beam aligned across the minor span of an area rather than longitudinally along the major span.
Turnbuckle
A type of coupling fitted between the ends of a lashing or between two lashings. Used primarily for adjusting or regulating the tension in lashings. It consists of a loop or sleeve with a screw thread on one end and a swivel at the other. Alternatively it has an internal screw thread at each end.
Twistlock
A locking device designed to fasten containers to the vehicle on which they are being transported.
Twitches
See load binder.
Wedge
A piece of wood or metal, thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge at the other.
Winch
Load control device that uses chains, ropes or webbing lashings.
