Photo of the month – June 2026

[German version]

Expensive goods – cheaply secured!

The text and photos for the current edition of Photo of the Month once again come from the Königsberg load securing committee (KLSK). The members of the committee keep a watchful eye on what is going on in terms of load securing in road traffic.

The officials who encountered this cargo must have rubbed their eyes in amazement: Three very expensive sports cars were being transported along the motorway on a trailer. The cars consisted of one blue McLaren and two red Ferraris. Even if they were being shipped with only the standard accessories, the total value of the three vehicles must have been between 800,000 and 1,000,000 euros.

What leaps out here is the flagrant disparity between the value of the cars, on the one hand, and the condition of the trailer and the way the vehicles were secured, on the other. Before we even start to consider the load securing arrangements, it is very doubtful whether the transport vehicle and the trailer were suitable for conveying this cargo.

The identified shortcomings are serious:

• Load on the trailer: An actual load of 4,300 kg instead of the permitted 2,500 kg, meaning that the trailer was massively overloaded
• Lashing points: Home-made and fastened with only a single nut
• Exhaust system: Illegally shortened by removing the catalyzer
• Frame: Already cracked
• Parking brake Completely non-functional

And the load securing arrangements themselves are also far from convincing: The wheel blocks were not even tight up against the tires; instead there was free space between them This means that they were unable to provide the intended securing effect.

The lashing points had been installed by the user and were “fastened” with only a single nut. Of course, it is possible in theory to add lashing points to an existing trailer. However, this should always be done by an expert and documentary evidence of the forces the new lashing points can withstand should be available.

Quite apart from this, the tires of the sports cars were squeezed in between them. This resulted in damage to a least one wheel rim.

The employed lashing belts cannot escape criticism either. What is important here is not just where they were purchased, but whether they were used appropriately and correctly in compliance with the standards.

At first glance, the label is not very informative because the information is printed in different languages and data is repeated. However, that is not in itself. contrary to regulations To answer the question of whether or not the belts actually met the requirements set out in the standards, it would be necessary to conduct a more detailed study under laboratory conditions.

However, the way these lashing belts were used was definitely not right. They were guided through sharp-edged holes in the metal floor of the trailer. This can very quickly lead to incisions and cause irreparable damage. What is more, the belts were subject to stress by the loop formed at the hook, leading to massive compressive forces and considerably reducing the load-bearing capacity of the belts

The way the lashing belts were attached is vaguely reminiscent of the guideline set out in VDI 2700 Part 8.1. The loaders clearly tried to implement a point of deflection. But in actual fact, all there was to stop the vehicles from moving was a loop.

When we also consider that the tires were not actually held by the wheel blocks, this attempt at load securing was inadequate. A sudden evasive maneuver could have set the vehicles moving. In the best case, the result would have been limited to “only” extensive property damage. In the worst case, other road users would have been placed at risk.

The trailer is subject to the requirements set out in VDI 2700 Parts 8 and 8.1 because perforated decking sheets were used. First of all, this raises the question of whether the towing vehicle and trailer had been tested and certified as complying with these requirements. According to the information available to us, no such test reports or certifications are available.

Lashing material that at least meets the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations should therefore have been used. Wheel chocks or blocks should have been in direct contact with the tires in order to create a tight fit capable of absorbing a large proportion of the arising forces.

What are the potential consequences for the various parties?

Due to the inadequate load securing, the driver faces a fine of 60 euros and the loss of a point from his driving license. And there will be further fines for driving a non-roadworthy vehicle and the significant excess load on the trailer.

Because the drivers were out on the road with a quite clearly unfit vehicle, the vehicle owner will undoubtedly be charged and also faces the prospect of a fine. Arranging for or permitting a vehicle to take to the road in such a condition usually results in a fine of 270 euros and the loss of a point.

The loader who handed over the vehicles for transport will also probably face a fine. In the light of his responsibilities as loader, he is open to the same accusations in connection with the inadequate load securing as the driver.

Conclusion:

This case very clearly shows what can happen when transport operations are poorly organized. Often, this type of risk remains hidden. Many enterprises send high-value goods on their way without properly checking the way the load is secured or making sure that the transport equipment is suitable for the task at hand.

But checking exactly these points is one of the mandatory requirements in the transport process. This obligation also applies to the consignor as set out in §§ 411 and 412 of the German Commercial Code, as well as due to the general responsibility for loading laid down in the relevant ruling of Stuttgart Higher Regional Court in association with § 22 of the German Road Traffic Regulations. It is not enough simply to assume that the drivers will manage somehow or other.

The result can be seen very clearly in the present case: Goods of enormous value are inadequately secured This leads to avoidable damage and considerable risks for traffic safety.

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