Correct stowage and securing of cargo are fundamental aspects in road freight transport, especially in the European context, where road safety is a priority. To comply with specific regulations and ensure safety on European roads, it is crucial to understand the legal framework governing these operations both internationally and in the European Union (EU). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing cargo stowage and securing, with a particular focus on the European EUMOS regulations and the technical standards that set precise standards for cargo securing and the quality of the devices used. You will discover how compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safe transport of goods throughout Europe.
International and European regulations: EUMOS and beyond
The legal framework governing cargo stowage and securing in Europe is multifaceted and encompasses both international regulations and local regulations. In the EU, the recent European regulations EUMOS 40674:2021 and EUMOS 40607:2020 are designed to harmonize responsibility for cargo securing. In addition, the CMR Convention establishes fundamental rules for the international carriage of goods by road. To ensure the quality and safety of cargo and devices used in transport, technical standards, such as EN 12195, EN 12640 and EUMOS 40511, play an essential role in preventing road accidents.
It is important to note that, in addition to the European EUMOS regulations and the technical standards mentioned above, there are other more specific and restrictive regulations that apply at local, regional, national or international level within the EU.
Examples of local regulations: Germany and Spain
A prominent example is the German VDI 2700 standard, which sets specific guidelines and requirements for securing loads on commercial vehicles with a total mass of up to 7.5 tons. This standard is considered more stringent than general regulations and is applied in Germany and some other EU countries.
In addition, there are categories of commercial vehicles that are not covered by Directive 2014/47/EU. An example is commercial vehicles of less than 3.5 tons maximum authorized mass used in parcel and groupage/LCL services. Although the directive does not include them in its scope, EU Member States have the power to subject them to technical roadside inspections, as is the case in Spain, where Royal Decree 563/2017 establishes controls and technical inspections for light commercial vehicles of category N1 weighing less than 3.5 tons, even if they have been registered in other EU Member States.
Alternative and internationally recognized standards
In the absence of specific technical or public standards, other standards can be applied. For example, for vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of up to 3.5 tons, standards such as ISO 27956:2009, which sets out requirements and test methods for load restraint in delivery vans, can be used. In addition, the Australian National Transport Commission (NTC) Load Restraint Guide for Light Commercial Vehicles is widely recognized and applicable in other regions.
The importance of knowing local regulations
In addition to European regulations and specific technical standards, it is crucial to be aware of local, national or country-specific regulations and take them into account according to vehicle characteristics and transport operations. This will ensure proper compliance with regulations and, more importantly, safe load securing during transport throughout the European Union.
Knowledge of and adherence to the legal framework for cargo stowage and securing is essential to ensure safe road freight transport in Europe. Compliance with European regulations and understanding of local regulations are crucial steps in this direction.
