Glossary
Edge Protection
Edge protection is material or equipment used to prevent securement devices from being cut, abraded, crushed, or damaged.
Plain-English Meaning
Edge protection is common on steel, lumber, machinery, pipe, crushed vehicles, pallet frames, and any freight with sharp or abrasive contact points.
It can also protect cargo from chain or strap pressure. The protector needs to stay in place during vibration, weather, and load settling.
A field check should include the far side of the load, not only the winch or binder side. Many damaged straps start at the contact point that is hardest to see.
In day-to-day freight work, the safest use of the term is narrow and factual. Confirm the current rule, equipment rating, shipment condition, and company procedure before using any glossary definition for a live securement decision.
Watchouts
- A protector that slips away may leave the strap exposed.
- Tarps can hide strap damage.
- Surface damage to cargo can become a claim issue.
- Do not use weak packing material as if it were a protector.
Related Terms
Primary Sources / References
Last reviewed:
- FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · official · reliability: high
- 49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I - Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · regulation · reliability: high