How to prepare a vehicle for the cold season so that the captain does not leave you “off-side”

If the weather conditions are bad, it is necessary to properly prepare the vehicle for transportation by ferry. Each vehicle must have loops for fastening and comply with the requirements of the Regulation No. MGN 418 (M) on Roll-on/Roll-off Ships: Stowage and Securing of Vehicles of the Marine and Coast Guard Agency. If the vehicle is not properly equipped, there is a serious risk that ferry workers will not accept your vehicle on the ferry.

Vehicles without loops for fastening may be not taken on board

In bad weather conditions, the improperly loaded vehicles can be left "off-side". If the carriers use ferries for carriage, we remind that they have to equip vehicles with loops (securing points).

It is especially important to have ready the fastening loops because in bad weather no ferry company accepts the vehicle which is not properly equipped. The loops are needed for fastening in order to have the vehicle secured and protected against insured events. Occasionally, an improperly prepared vehicle causes damage to vehicles and cargoes that are next to it. The consequences are unpleasant and long-lasting processes of documentary evidence preparation, damage assessment, finding the guilty party, etc.

Necessity to observe safety rules

In order to avoid such situations, all shipping companies must adhere to the rules governing the shipment of freight at sea issued by the Marine and Coast Guard Agency – Regulation No. MGN 418 (M).

Dangerous weather conditions requiring additional preparation begin in autumn and can last until late spring. We always warn our customers about the requirements and remind of the necessary of safety means. Without proper preparation by the rules, the freight is not allowed on board. However, not all carriers install the loops, and every year there are situations where vehicles are not taken on the ferry. In such a case, all losses incurred are the responsibility of the carrier as knowing the procedures the carrier did not properly prepared the vehicle for shipment.

In the event of trouble, we give a helping hand

There are cases when the fastening loops become the issue only when the vehicle arrives at the port. Then carriers hastily look for company that could prepare a vehicle for fastening by loops. It's important to keep in mind that the cost of service and repairs abroad is often several times higher so freight costs can increase significantly. We have experience of helping the carriers in such situations – we helped to find a company that arrives at the port to install loops for vehicles. Although we always help to find cheap variants, we advise you to think about loops in advance in order not to overpay, avoid unnecessary stress, and deliver the freight in time.

Important: all vehicles with a length of 9 meters must have at least four loops on each side. Two additional fastening points are required on the front of the truck.