Load securing checklist (PDF) – check before departure
Checklist for the check before departure with 25 check points on vehicle and body, load and weight distribution, lashing equipment and completion – plus securing method, re-checks on the way, release of the journey and signatures of driver and loader.
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A load must be stowed and secured so that it cannot slide, tip over or fall off even during emergency braking or a sudden evasive manoeuvre (Section 22 (1) of the German Road Traffic Regulations, StVO). Several parties are responsible: the driver for the vehicle and load (Section 23 (1) StVO), the vehicle keeper, who must not permit a journey with a non-compliant load (Section 31 (2) StVZO), and the loader (Verlader) for loading that is safe for transport.
The checklist guides driver and loader through the check before departure: vehicle and body, load and weight distribution, the securing method chosen, the condition of the lashing equipment and completion of loading. Re-checks on the way, defects and the release of the journey are recorded, as are the signatures of both parties.
What the template contains
- PDF checklist with 25 check points in four groups and the columns Yes, No, N/A
- Header data on vehicle, body, payload, goods, driver and loader
- Table for the securing method chosen with the number of lashings and aids
- Fields for re-checks on the way, defects, release of the journey and signatures of loader and driver
How to use the template
- 1
Check before loading
Check the vehicle, body and aids together before loading. If lashing points or suitable lashing equipment are missing, the load cannot be transported safely with this vehicle.
- 2
Load, secure, tick off
Distribute the load according to the load distribution plan, secure it form-fit wherever possible and add lashing equipment. Enter the securing method and tick off the points; mark points that do not apply as “N/A”.
- 3
Release and re-check on the way
Loader and driver sign, and only then does the journey start. After breaks, partial unloading or emergency braking, the driver checks the securing and records the re-check.
Legal basis
- Section 22 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO): stow and secure load, securing equipment and loading devices safely for traffic, observing the recognised rules of technology
- Section 23 (1) StVO and Section 31 (2) of the Road Vehicles Registration and Licensing Regulations (StVZO): responsibility of driver and vehicle keeper for a compliant load
- Section 412 (1) of the Commercial Code (HGB): loading safe for transport by the consignor, loading safe for operation by the carrier
- Sections 22 and 37 DGUV Regulation 70: bodies and aids for load securing, permissible weights and axle loads, load distribution, stowing and securing
- Section 3 (6) and Section 14 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV): inspection of lashing equipment at the intervals set in the risk assessment
Frequently asked questions
Is a load securing checklist mandatory?
The StVO does not require every load securing operation to be recorded in writing. What is required is the result: a load that is stowed and secured safely (Section 22 (1) StVO). The checklist makes sure nothing is forgotten and shows, in the event of damage, who checked what.
Who should sign the checklist?
The driver and the loader. The driver must ensure the load is compliant (Section 23 (1) StVO), and the loader is responsible for loading that is safe for transport. If the driver loads the vehicle themselves, they fill in both fields – it is better if a second person double-checks.
How many lashing straps do I need?
That depends on the weight, the friction coefficient between load and loading area, the securing method and the values of the lashing equipment – the standard tension force (STF) for tie-down lashing and the lashing capacity (LC) for direct lashing. Calculations follow DIN EN 12195-1 or VDI 2700; manufacturers of lashing equipment and the German accident insurance institutions provide examples and lashing tables. There is no flat number.
You may use and adapt the template freely in your own company and for your own clients. It reflects the regulations named as they stand.
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