Securing heavy, irregular, or oversized cargo is one of the biggest challenges in modern logistics. When loads shift in transit, the consequences can include damaged goods, compliance breaches, and serious safety hazards. For Australian businesses operating under the National Transport Commission’s Load Restraint Guide and the CTU Code of Practice, ensuring loads remain stable throughout transport is not optional — it’s a legal and safety requirement. Anti-slip mats, when paired with certified lashing systems, provide a tested and compliant method for keeping even the most awkward loads stable during transport by road, rail, or sea.
The Challenge of Awkward Loads
Machinery, unevenly shaped equipment, and industrial products often cannot be restrained effectively using straps or load bars alone. Without proper friction between cargo and the container floor:
- Load Movement: Even small shifts increase instability and can overload lashings.
- Cargo Damage: Goods may collide or tip, especially in rough sea conditions.
- Non-Compliance: Operators risk breaching the Load Restraint Guide and facing penalties.
- Safety Hazards: Shifting loads can cause accidents during unloading.
This is why industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing require solutions that combine grip and restraint.
The Science Behind Anti-Slip Mats
Unlike traditional timber dunnage or bare steel container floors, anti-slip mats are engineered from high-friction rubber compounds. When placed under cargo, they significantly increase the coefficient of friction (COF) between the load and the transport surface.
- Standard timber flooring typically achieves a COF of 0.2–0.3.
- Anti-slip mats can deliver a COF of 0.6 or higher — a threefold increase in grip.
This means far less lashing force is required to hold cargo in place, as friction absorbs much of the sliding energy. According to the Load Restraint Guide, higher friction directly reduces the number of straps, chains, or load bars needed, saving operators both time and consumable costs while still achieving compliance.
How Anti-Slip Mats and Lashing Systems Work Together
- Anti-Slip Mats – Prevent sliding by gripping cargo surfaces, even under heavy braking or ship roll.
- Lashing – Provides multidirectional restraint, distributing forces evenly across the load.
- Lashing Tensioners & Hooks – Maintain consistent, secure tension throughout the journey.
- Edge Protectors – Protect cargo corners from strap pressure, distribute tension evenly, and prevent straps from cutting into packaging or damaging goods.
By combining grip, restraint, and edge protection, operators can secure loads more effectively while extending the life of their lashing equipment. This integrated method not only improves compliance with the Load Restraint Guide, but also reduces the risk of damage to both cargo and restraint systems.
Case Study: DSI Underground
X-Pak partnered with DSI Underground, a global leader in mining solutions, to address the challenge of transporting heavy steel products safely across road and sea freight.
By introducing anti-slip mats beneath their cargo, DSI:
- Prevented load movement even during long sea voyages.
- Reduced lashing requirements, saving time and materials.
- Ensured compliance with the Load Restraint Guide and CTU Code.
The result was safer, more efficient transport — and peace of mind that their cargo would arrive intact and undamaged. Read the full case study here.
Benefits of Using Anti-Slip Mats with Lashing Systems
- Improved Safety – Minimises risks during transit and unloading.
- Compliance Confidence – Meets Australian and international load restraint standards.
- Reduced Damage Rates – Protects cargo surfaces from abrasion and impact.
- Operational Efficiency – Fewer straps required; faster loading times.
- Versatility – Suitable for containers, flat racks, open-top containers, and irregular cargo.
Strengthening Cargo Security with Proven Solutions
Anti-slip mats are not just an accessory, they are a critical component of modern load restraint systems. When combined with certified lashing equipment, they deliver safer, more efficient, and compliant outcomes across industries.Explore X-Pak’s Anti-Slip Mats here or book a free site visit with our technical team to assess your operations and recommend a customised solution.
