subject: Different Types Of Edge Protectors [print this page] The British Politician Charles Simmons once said that True greatness consists in being great in little things, and while you may not agree with the MPs views on topics like alcohol consumption, theres no denying that in this case he was right. Although the views of a Labour MP who died nearly forty years ago may not seem directly applicable to the haulage industry I can assure you that they are, in fact they are words that every business owner should pay attention to.
In the case of the haulage and cargo transportation industries the idea of little things making a difference can actually be applied literally, because businesses who arent aware of the tiny pieces of plastic known as edge protectors could unwittingly be losing thousands of pounds each year.
Edge protectors are essentially small pieces of plastic that fit over the edges of boxes and stop the strapping from biting into the packaging. But edge protectors dont just prevent straps from damaging cargo; they also prevent cargo from damaging straps. This can save you a great deal of money not only by cutting down on the amounts of damaged cargo you transport but also in the costs of replacing your load securing equipment. Unless you use edge protectors when moving your cargo, no matter how well an item is secured the forces at work when an item is kept in place by strapping will always leave an indentation on the packaging.
Edge protectors are particularly useful when transporting items that are delicate, such as plasterboard or paper. When transporting items like these or indeed any item where the packaging is in contact with the product or is particularly sensitive, edge protectors are a must. But thats not to suggest theyre not just as important when transporting cargo sealed in wooden boxes of crates made from harder materials, because in these cases its your ratchet straps that are at risk of being damaged by shifting loads.
Edge protectors come in a number of shapes and sizes, so its important to select a protector thats right for the job, otherwise its effectiveness will be greatly reduced. Youll also need to check on how your edge protector fastens to your strap some simply slip underneath the strap and rely on tension to keep them in place, whilst others actually fit on the strap and can them be slid along the strap and into place.
A final thing to point out is that edge protectors for cargo straps should not be confused with standard edge protectors for boxes. Although box edge protectors are also useful in reducing the risk of cargo being damaged in transit, they provide neither the strength nor security of protection that cargo strap edge protectors offer.
