Avoiding ferry transfer rollovers: stowage and restraint best practices

During roll-on/roll-off ferry operations, brief berthing maneuvers and sudden braking can generate lateral accelerations exceeding 0.2 g, which makes correctly applied lashing and vehicle chocking essential to prevent trailers and heavy cargo from rolling over between sailings.

Key hazards in roll-on/roll-off transfers

Short transit windows, alternating deck gradients, and simultaneous loading/unloading create transient forces on cargo. Common causes of in-transit rollovers include: inadequate lashings, incorrect chock placement, failure to use turnbuckles at rated tension, and unsecured load shifts on flatbed trailers. These factors are amplified when multiple handovers occur during a single port call, increasing the exposure to human error during transfer and re-securing operations.

Typical incident chain

• Pre-sailing: cargo not rechecked after earlier transfers;
• Embarkation: improper alignment on ramps and incorrect wheel stoppers;
• Short transit: abrupt maneuvers or wash causing lateral load shift;
• Disembarkation: unsecured cargo tips while ramping ashore.

Secure stowage and restraint techniques

To prevent rollovers between ferry sailings, apply a layered approach combining correct positioning, mechanical restraints, and ongoing verification. The following measures are fundamental:

• Correct footprint placement — park vehicles and loaded trailers perpendicular to expected lateral forces when possible.
• Primary lashings — use certified lashings rated above the expected load and deploy multiple anchor points to distribute forces.
• Wheel chocks and clamps — set chocks on both sides of each wheel and secure with wheel straps for heavy trailers.
• Edge protection — fit pads where lashings contact sharp edges to maintain lashing integrity.
• Turnbuckle tensioning — tension to manufacturer-recommended values and record settings.
• Deck segregation — separate incompatible cargo by barriers to prevent domino effects in case of small shifts.

Restraint best-practice checklist

• Confirm vehicle/trailer weight and center of gravity before loading;
• Apply wheel chocks and use at least two independent lashings per axle unit;
• Cross-lash where possible to resist lateral forces;
• Record lashing points, lashing types and tension values on a transfer log;
• Conduct a final pre-sail inspection led by a designated responsible officer.

Restraint systems: comparison and selection

System	Typical use	Load capacity	Pros	Cons
Tensioned ratchet straps	General vehicle and palletized cargo	1–10 t per strap	Flexible, quick to apply	Can slip if edge protection not used
Chain lashings with load binders	Heavy equipment and open trailers	High (>10 t)	High strength, durable	Heavier and slower to fit
Wheel chocks + wheel straps	Trailers and wheeled units	Varies by type	Prevents longitudinal and lateral movement	Requires correct placement to be effective

Inspection regime and crew training

Regular inspections and systematic crew training are as important as the hardware used. Implement a written inspection schedule that includes pre-loading, post-transfer, and pre-sail checks. Inspections should record:

• lashing type and condition;
• tension values and turnbuckle status;
• chock positioning and degradation;
• any cargo movement noted since last check.

Training modules should cover proper lashing techniques, the correct selection of restraint equipment, documentation routines, and immediate corrective actions when defects are found. Simulated transfer drills reduce human error during real operations and improve time-to-correct on identified faults.

Maintenance and replacement triggers

Establish maintenance intervals for all restraint equipment and define replacement criteria: visible corrosion, pitting, elongation of chains, fraying of straps, or damaged ratchets should trigger immediate withdrawal from service. Record keeping must include service dates and certification for chains and certified lashing gear.

Regulatory and contractual obligations

Compliance with the IMO’s Cargo Stowage and Securing Code and relevant national maritime authorities is mandatory for international ferry and ro-ro operators. Freight contracts and bills of lading should clearly allocate responsibility for securing cargo during transfers and specify who bears the cost of corrective actions if lashings are inadequate. Clear contractual terms reduce disputes and ensure operational accountability across carriers, forwarders, and port agents.

Operational coordination between parties

To ensure continuity of securing practices, carriers, ferry operators, and port terminals must coordinate on:

• who performs final lashing checks before sailing;
• how transfer logs are shared and archived;
• response protocols when inspections identify non-compliant cargo.

How a global marketplace helps carriers manage these risks

Platforms like GetTransport provide carriers with flexible order selection, enabling operators to choose jobs that match their equipment and crew expertise in stowage and restraint. By offering real-time freight matching and verified shipment details, marketplaces reduce the likelihood of last-minute transfers that bypass proper pre-sail checks. Advanced scheduling and communication tools on such platforms allow carriers to factor additional time for secure stowage procedures, minimizing exposure to risk and allowing drivers and crews to maintain standards rather than rush between incompatible loads.

Technology-enabled benefits

• Visibility of shipment requirements and deck access before commitment;
• Ability to prioritize higher-margin loads that match available securing gear;
• Documentation templates for transfer logs, easing regulatory compliance;
• Feedback systems that reward compliant handling and training investments.

Operational checklist for carriers accepting ferry transfers

• Confirm ferry schedule and number of transfers expected;
• Verify required lashing and chocking equipment is on board;
• Allocate trained personnel for pre-sail and post-transfer inspections;
• Log all securing actions and photograph critical lashings;
• Agree contractually who will re-secure cargo during intermediate stops.

Industry analyses and maritime safety reports repeatedly show that improper securing is a primary contributor to in-port and short-voyage cargo incidents. Investing in preventive measures and continuous crew competency yields measurable reductions in damage, insurance claims, and operational delays.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global logistics. For operators that frequently use short ferry legs as part of multimodal routes, emphasizing secure stowage will marginally reduce cargo loss and demurrage costs, improving reliability for shippers. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Join GetTransport.com and start receiving verified container freight requests worldwide GetTransport.com.com

GetTransport constantly monitors trends in international logistics, trade, and e-commerce so users stay informed and never miss important updates. Regular guidance updates and marketplace analytics help carriers adapt stowage and restraint practices to evolving operational patterns. In short, strict adherence to secured stowage, verified restraint systems, routine inspections, and crew training are the most effective ways to prevent rollovers and protect cargo, operations, and reputations.

Summary: Preventing cargo rollovers during ferry transfers requires precise stowage, certified restraint systems, documented inspections, and trained crews. GetTransport.com aligns with these needs by offering carriers verified orders, scheduling tools, and transparency that simplify container freight, container trucking, container transport, and broader logistics operations. By leveraging the marketplace, carriers gain efficient, cost-effective, and convenient solutions for shipment planning, haulage, forwarding, and delivery—reducing risk and improving service reliability for international and domestic cargo movements.