Schedule of penalties | Load securing for the journey with the trailer

27. August 2020 at 9:35

 Load securing for the journey with the trailer

When driving with the trailer, for example when moving or driving away the green waste, it is important to properly secure the load. This is not only necessary because it prevents the load from moving and thus influences the trailer’s travel negatively and starts the trailer to roll, for example. To avoid unnecessary noise, cargo must be secured. Load securing is also specified by the authorities in the catalog of fines. Which violations are relevant for your trip with the trailer?

Load securing violations

If your cargo protrudes beyond the trailer, for example, a fine is due. This is staggered depending on how far the load protrudes and where. If it protrudes three meters to the rear, you have to expect a fine of 20 €. If it protrudes only one meter, but without being marked by a lamp, € 25 is due. It is in any case important that you always clearly mark the protruding loads for other road users. To do this, you have to attach a red flag or a red cloth of a specified size and in a maximum height of 1.50 meters to your load in order to warn other road users.

The height of the load is also relevant. So your vehicle with a load may not be higher than 4.20 meters, otherwise you will have to pay a penalty of € 60. In addition, you will even get a point in Flensburg, Germany. If your load is not secured against falling, the fine is € 35. If the lack of security could even result in a hazard or damage to property, you can expect a penalty of up to € 75 and a point.

When driving, always make sure to stow the load safely and load the trailer well thought out. A non-slippery floor can be helpful, heavy loads should also be stored as deep as possible. Cushion sharp edges and corners, avoid gaps in your cargo and at best fix the cargo in place. For some loads, such as green waste, it makes sense to use a net that prevents the load from flying away. Below you can find the staggering for load securing:

  • Avoidable noise from charging not prevented: € 10 
  • Cargo protrudes backwards min. 3 meters beyond the vehicle: € 20
  • Cargo protrudes backwards min. 1.5 meters above the vehicle at min. 100 km / h: € 20
  • Load protrudes to the rear by one meter without being identified by the light: € 25
  • Load protrudes forward beyond motor vehicle: € 20
  • Cargo not adequately secured against falling: € 35
  • Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
  • Cargo not adequately secured against falling with property damage: € 75, 1 point
  • Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
  • Vehicle with a load higher than 4.20 meters: 60 €, 1 point

 

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

Safe loading for the drive with trailer

11. October 2018 at 10:02

LoadingBefore driving with the trailer, it is important to also deal with the cargo. Finally, this can affect the driving behavior of the trailer. If you’ve gone through the checklist, you’ll also be dealing with the cargo and loading it within the trailer. Maybe you have already loaded the trailer, but maybe you also have to accommodate some parts. It is important to be clear about a few points. The center of gravity of the trailer is usually centered, slightly ahead of the axle. It is important when loading not only to know where the center of gravity is, but also to plan it when distributing the load. Above all, you should pay attention to distribute the load evenly at the center of gravity and around the center of gravity. Better you load the goods a little further forward than too far behind. If you overload the rear part, there will be a negative vertical load, which can cause the team to skid during the ride.

In addition, you should make sure that large, heavy cargo pieces are stored as far down the ground as possible. A lying cabinet is easier to transport than a standing, finally, this cabinet springs from movements and can move its own focus unintentionally, for example, when driving around a curve. On the other hand, if the cabinet is transported horizontally, the center of gravity of the cabinet is also significantly lower, significantly reducing the handling of the trailer and the entire yoke. It is also important that you always secure your cargo well. Lashing straps and nets are a good way to secure loads, and in the worst case, even the smallest of loads can become dangerous missiles. Even cartons with books in a move are heavy and can adversely affect the trailer, so you should load them in the trailer safely so that the range of motion is limited, in case of doubt, it is best to use safety straps.