Introduction

Cargo that shifts during transit causes damage, delays, and safety incidents. The right load restraints prevent these problems before they start. At Ferrier Industrial, we’ve worked alongside transport operators, steel mills, and logistics teams across Australia and New Zealand for decades, and the common thread in every conversation is the same: how do we keep freight stable without slowing down operations?

Choosing restraint equipment involves more than grabbing straps off a shelf. Different freight types demand different approaches. Coiled steel behaves nothing like palletised chemicals. Intermodal containers present different challenges than curtain-siders. And the equipment that works brilliantly on one route might be completely wrong for another.

We’ve seen firsthand how well-specified restraint systems reduce handling time, protect products, and keep drivers safer. We’ve also seen what happens when teams compromise on quality or specification — the costs add up quickly through damage claims, re-work, and compliance issues. This guide covers what procurement teams and operations managers need to consider when selecting cargo restraint equipment for heavy transport applications.

Background: Why Restraint Selection Matters

Transport compliance frameworks in Australia and New Zealand set clear expectations around cargo security. The Load Restraint Guide provides the baseline, but meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee operational efficiency or product protection. Teams that take restraint seriously think beyond compliance.

Freight characteristics drive restraint decisions. Weight distribution, centre of gravity, surface friction, and potential for movement all influence what works. A steel coil sitting eye-to-the-sky needs vertical bore restraint. The same coil loaded horizontally requires completely different equipment. Palletised goods on smooth decks behave differently than the same pallets on high-friction matting.

Route conditions matter too. Long-haul interstate runs, short urban deliveries, and port transfers each present unique stresses. Vibration over distance loosens some restraint methods. Repeated stopping and starting generates different forces than sustained highway travel. Temperature changes affect strap tension and material performance.

The interface between restraint equipment and vehicle also needs attention. Track systems, anchor points, deck surfaces, and available working space all constrain what’s practical. Equipment that works perfectly on one fleet might be impossible to deploy on another.

Operations teams need restraint systems that their people can use correctly every time. Complicated setups invite shortcuts. Heavy components create manual handling risks. Equipment that’s difficult to inspect or maintain gets neglected. The best restraint approach balances security performance with practical usability.

Services and Solutions Overview

At Ferrier Industrial, our restraint and cargo protection portfolio covers the full spectrum of heavy transport applications. We supply equipment for steel mills, logistics operators, mining contractors, and general freight carriers across both countries. Our focus sits squarely on durability, specification fit, and ongoing serviceability.

Our load restraint range includes high-friction rubber mats that increase deck grip without chemicals or adhesives. These mats suit mixed freight operations where different products share deck space across shifts. We also supply ratchet strops and cargo straps in various configurations — polyester webbing rated for heavy duty cycles, weather-resistant hardware, and custom assemblies for specific vehicle setups.

For steel and heavy industry applications, we manufacture specialised coil restraint equipment. Our bore vertical coil restraint corners use cold-rolled steel with vulcanised rubber linings, engineered to handle the forces generated during transport. Horizontal coil restraint follows similar principles with different geometry. Truck cradles in vulcanised rubber provide stable bases that absorb vibration and prevent surface damage.

Dunnage forms another key part of the restraint picture. Our LVL high-friction dunnage combines eucalyptus-sourced laminated veneer lumber with rubber linings, available in multiple grades depending on application severity and reuse requirements.

• Rubber restraint mats with high static friction coefficients for deck grip
• Ratchet strops and custom strap assemblies in polyester webbing
• Bore vertical and horizontal coil restraint equipment in steel and rubber
• Vulcanised rubber truck cradles for coil and heavy product transport
• LVL and hardwood dunnage in packing, engineering, and waterproof grades
• Dunnage airbags for void filling in containers, trucks, and rail wagons
• Chain protectors and edge protection for steel and sheet products

Matching Load Restraints to Freight Types

Steel Coils and Heavy Products

Steel coils present particular restraint challenges. Their weight concentrates significant forces during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Their cylindrical shape creates inherent instability. And their surface value means any movement risks costly damage.

We’ve supplied coil restraint equipment to Australian and New Zealand steel operations for many years. The approach varies by orientation. Vertical bore restraint uses corner fixtures that engage the coil’s inner diameter, preventing lateral movement while allowing controlled vertical settlement. Horizontal restraint requires cradles that support the coil’s weight while preventing rolling.

Material selection matters here. Our restraint corners combine steel structural elements with vulcanised rubber contact surfaces. The steel handles the mechanical loads. The rubber protects the coil surface and provides grip. This combination has proven itself across countless transport cycles without the maintenance burden of alternatives.

Truck cradles follow similar logic. Moulded vulcanised rubber bonded to steel bases creates stable platforms that absorb road vibration rather than transmitting it into the product. Our cradles meet the specifications major steel producers require, and they’ve demonstrated extended service life without significant maintenance in real-world conditions.

General Freight and Mixed Loads

Mixed freight operations need flexible restraint approaches. The same vehicle might carry palletised chemicals one day, bagged products the next, and equipment the day after. Fixed restraint setups rarely suit this reality.

High-friction rubber mats provide a foundation layer that works across freight types. Placed on deck surfaces, they increase the friction coefficient significantly compared to bare steel or timber. This added grip reduces the strap tension needed to achieve adequate restraint. Less tension means faster loading, less strap wear, and reduced risk of product damage from over-tightening.

We supply mats in standard dimensions that suit common deck widths, though custom sizing is available where operations justify it. The material handles repeated use, resists oils and common transport chemicals, and cleans easily.

Ratchet strops complete the picture for most general freight. Our assemblies use polyester webbing rated for heavy applications, paired with ratchet mechanisms and end fittings selected for specific vehicle anchor systems. We can configure straps for particular working lengths, breaking strengths, and attachment methods based on fleet requirements.

Container and Intermodal Applications

Intermodal transport adds complexity. Freight experiences forces from multiple vehicle types across a single journey. Container constraints limit access for restraint adjustment. And the interface between container fittings and restraint equipment needs careful consideration.

Dunnage airbags work well in container applications. Inflated bags fill voids between cargo and container walls, preventing lateral shift during transport. They’re quick to deploy, require no specialised tools, and deflate easily for removal. We supply airbags suitable for truck, rail, and shipping container applications.

For containerised steel and coils, the restraint approach often combines multiple elements. Cradles or dunnage provide base support. Strapping or corner fixtures prevent movement. Edge protectors shield products where chains or straps contact surfaces. The specific configuration depends on product dimensions, container type, and handling requirements at origin and destination.

Key Benefits and Considerations for Procurement Teams

When evaluating cargo restraint equipment for transport operations, several factors deserve attention beyond initial purchase price.

• Specification fit: Does the equipment suit your vehicle anchor systems, deck surfaces, and freight profiles? Mismatched specifications create workarounds that compromise security.
• Durability under cycle: How will the equipment perform after repeated use over months or years? Materials that degrade quickly cost more in replacement and create compliance gaps.
• Operator usability: Can your drivers and warehouse teams deploy the equipment correctly without excessive time or manual handling risk? Complex systems invite shortcuts.
• Inspection and maintenance: How easy is it to check equipment condition and perform necessary upkeep? Equipment that’s hard to inspect gets neglected.
• Serviceability and spares: When components wear or fail, can you source replacements promptly? Waiting for parts creates gaps in your restraint capability.
• Supply continuity: Can your supplier maintain consistent availability to support your operations long-term? JIT and consignment arrangements reduce your inventory burden while ensuring access.
• Compliance documentation: Does the equipment come with adequate technical documentation to support your compliance obligations? Traceability matters for audits.
• Sustainability pathway: What happens at end of life? Equipment designed for repair, refurbishment, or recycling reduces waste and often indicates better initial construction.

Our Approach at Ferrier Industrial

We approach load restraints as an engineering problem, not just a supply transaction. When teams come to us with restraint challenges, we start by understanding the specific operational context — what’s being moved, on what vehicles, over what routes, with what handling at each end.

At Ferrier Industrial, we combine decades of restraint experience with manufacturing relationships across multiple countries. Our Auckland and NSW operations provide local support, stockholding, and technical input. Our production partners deliver the manufacturing scale and specialisation that complex restraint products require.

For standard items, we maintain stock for prompt dispatch. For custom configurations, we work through discovery, design, and prototyping before committing to production quantities. This approach catches specification issues early, before they become expensive problems in the field.

Our relationships with major steel producers have run for many years. These partnerships have driven continuous improvement in our restraint products, refined through real operating feedback rather than just laboratory testing. The equipment we supply today reflects lessons learned across countless transport cycles.

We also think about what happens after initial supply. Spares availability, maintenance guidance, and replacement pathways all form part of our service model. Restraint equipment that can’t be serviced or replaced promptly creates gaps in your cargo security that benefit nobody.

Practical Steps for Specifying Restraint Equipment

Procurement teams can follow a structured approach when evaluating transport restraint requirements.

• Document your freight profiles: List the products you transport, their weights, dimensions, surface characteristics, and handling requirements. Different freight types may need different restraint approaches.
• Map your vehicle fleet: Record anchor point configurations, deck surfaces, working heights, and access constraints for each vehicle type. Restraint equipment must interface correctly with your specific vehicles.
• Review your route conditions: Consider journey lengths, road conditions, loading and unloading facilities, and any intermodal transfers. Different route profiles generate different restraint demands.
• Assess operator capabilities: Evaluate your team’s ability to deploy and inspect restraint equipment correctly. Factor in training requirements and manual handling considerations.
• Check compliance requirements: Confirm which standards and guidelines apply to your operations. Ensure any equipment you consider meets relevant requirements with appropriate documentation.
• Consider lifecycle costs: Look beyond purchase price to durability, maintenance needs, spares availability, and replacement intervals. The cheapest option upfront often costs more over time.
• Request samples and trials: Where practical, test equipment in your actual operating conditions before committing to volume purchases. Real-world performance matters more than specification sheets.

Getting Started

Selecting the right load restraints directly affects transport safety, product protection, and operational efficiency. The equipment needs to match your freight, your vehicles, and your people’s capability to use it correctly every shift.

At Ferrier Industrial, we’re ready to discuss your restraint requirements whenever you’re ready. We can review your current approach, suggest alternatives where our experience indicates better options, and provide samples or drawings for evaluation. For operations with specific challenges, we’ll work through the discovery and prototyping process to develop solutions that fit your exact needs.

Our stockholding supports prompt supply for standard items. Our manufacturing relationships enable custom configurations with reasonable lead times. And our ongoing commitment to spares and service means the restraint equipment you purchase today will remain supportable for years ahead.

Share your freight profiles and vehicle specifications with our team. We’ll respond with practical options, honest guidance on what works, and clear information to support your procurement process.