Securing cargo during transport is one of the fundamental rules. It is also one of the main requirements applied in the EU.
Directive 2014/47/EU
Directive 2014/47/EU, of 3 April 2014, contains the requirements for road-side technical inspections of commercial vehicles. These inspections include both the operability of the vehicles and the securing of cargoes in them, and are applied within the territory of the EU. The guidelines prepared by the European Commission include both instructions and advice that carriers and customers shipping goods must follow. Thus the cargoes will be reliably secured and transported without problems to their final destinations.
Directive – summary of experience in safe transport and cargo securing
The directive is not a legislative act of the EU. It is drawn up on the basis of the experience gathered by experts in this field and covers the possible situations under the conditions of road transport. Therefore the descriptions of situations and the safety-methods tips included in it are concrete and useful information that should be used by both vehicle drivers and all those involved in organizing and securing cargo.
Applying the Directive – according to the specific circumstances
In practice, specific situations offer a variety of circumstances. The directive provides general guidelines valid for typical cases, but for each specific situation additional cargo securing measures may be applied, depending on the particular case.
Directive – a basis for training all persons involved in loading, securing and transporting cargo
The advice and shared experience presented in the Directive can be used by organizations in EU member states to train persons involved in cargo securing and transport. The training can be linked to the requirements of Directive 2003/59/EC for the initial qualification and subsequent training of drivers for cargo or passenger transport.
Applying the Directive according to the specific requirements of each member country
Since each of the EU member states may apply specific requirements for cargo securing, in addition to the Directive, the specific requirements of the authorities in the given country should also be applied.
Cargo securing training program
The cargo securing training program is prepared by the Bulgarian Association of Road Transport Associations. BASAT trains carriers, truck drivers, forwarders, and other persons involved in loading and transporting goods and cargo.
The training conducted by BASAT includes:
- Familiarization with EU standards related to cargo securing and the responsibilities of the forwarder
- Practical training through films
- Familiarization with commonly committed violations that worsen cargo safety
- Applying the acquired knowledge in practical sessions with working models
BASAT Cargo Securing Handbook
The BASAT handbook corresponds to European standards. This is a well-illustrated edition. To help the trainees there are 7 appendices, as well as 8 tables and 79 figures.
In addition, the handbook provides concise instructions that drivers can use to achieve maximum cargo securing.
Significance of the certificate issued after completing BASAT training
The certificate is recognized by employers who are members of the Association. When applying for work in transport companies and logistics firms, it gives an advantage to its holder.