Load rating information for DivideiT

The key elements for DivideiT are:

1. Load restraint method - Direct Restraint

2. A load can be directly restrained by - Blocking

3. The load is blocked from moving forward or reverse

4. DivideiT is currently in the process of testing to be rated

5. Unrated equipment can still be used as long as it is fit for purpose and used in conjuction with other restraint systems.

Useful information: source: NTC Load Restraint Guide 2018 (updated design 2024).pdf

Ute tray and trailers

• A ute tray or trailer can contain a load, provided the load’s centre of gravity sits under the side of the ute tray or trailer.

• If the centre of gravity is above the side of the ute tray or trailer another load restraint system should be used.

• A ute tray or trailer is most effective if your load is snugly packed to reduce movement within the tray.

• Heavy items may need to be separately restrained with tie down or other direct restraint methods.

• Any light items should be contained in a separate box or covered to stop them being blown off when you are driving, e.g. a box with a lid should be used to contain light plastic pipe offcuts

When should you tie down items that are contained? If a load item requires two people to lift it onto the vehicle, it also needs to be tied down.

Direct restraint equipment Headboards, side gates, tailgates

• These block a load from moving in a certain direction.

• They can also contain a load, if they are present on all four sides of a vehicle.

• You can also attach the load to the headboard, etc. to improve the load restraint further

Cargo nets

• Cargo nets are a rated net that covers an open part of the vehicle.

• They provide an effective restraint, particularly for utes, trailers and other open vehicles.

• Cargo nets can contain a load up to their rated capacity

Webbing straps

− Webbing straps are suitable for many types of loads.

− Webbing straps include the strap, its end fittings and its tensioners.

− The tensioners attach to the vehicle using a mechanism such as a truck winch or hand ratchet.

− Rated webbing straps display the manufacturer’s advised lashing capacity.

− Webbing straps can stretch

– they should be checked and re-tensioned during the journey.

Light loads that could be blown away

• Such loads include garden waste, paper, light plastic (e.g. pipes, buckets, sheet metal or plasterboard), or anything else that could be blown away by airflow from driving or the wind.

• An effective way to restrain light loads is to contain the load using a truck, trailer or ute with sides:

− If the load sits under the top of vehicle sides, cover it with either a cargo net or a tarpaulin that is tied down (so it does not flap in the wind)

− If the load is above the vehicle sides, tie it down with a cargo net or tarp that is held down with lashings that are rated to hold the weight of the load.

Animals

• Animal welfare is enshrined in law in all Australian states and territories.

• Animals must be transported in a way that ensures they do not fall off or are injured.

• Animals must also have adequate ventilation and protection from the wind, rain, dust and sun.

• Laws for carrying dogs vary across Australia – e.g. in Victoria it is illegal to carry an unrestrained dog in the back of a ute.

− Check with the relevant authority for your State to find out what the laws are for carrying dogs.

• The safest way to transport a dog in the back of an open vehicle is enclosed in a cage that is securely restrained.