This guide is part of a series of loading guides that provide tips and tricks to help you understand good load restraint. More detailed information on the principles covered by this guide can be found on page 88 of the Load Restraint Guide 2018.

What are shoring bars?

Shoring bars are high-strength bars that help reduce load movement during transport. They may also be called blocking bars, beams, or pogo sticks.

They are most commonly used within fixed-body vehicles and trailers.

Types of shoring bars

Shoring bars are either tubular or rectangular in shape and can be fitted horizontally or vertically.

They can be spring-loaded or have a ratchet mechanism that is used for locking in position.

What do shoring bars do?

Shoring bars form part of a load restraint system and stabilise a load from moving or shifting during transport.

Shoring bars may provide restraint for both forward and rearward direction however have limited capacity and additional restraint may be required.

It is critical not to overload shoring bars and multiple bars may be required in multiple locations along the load to control movement.

How are shoring bars used to restrain a load?

Shoring bars can form part of an effective load restraint system for some loads.

Depending on the weight of the load, they may need to be installed every pallet row, every second, every third, etc.

For loads on pallets that are not suitably unitised it’s advisable to use plywood or similar material between the load and bars to ensure they are effective at restraining the load, preventing its movement.

Ensure you understand the capacity of shoring bars and follow the manufacturer’s guidance so the rated capacity is not exceeded, they are installed appropriately and bars and tracks are not damaged.

Tips

To prevent a failure of the load restraint system, always install and use shoring bars as the manufacturer intended.

Only blocking the rear of the load may exceed the rated capacity of the shoring bars and may result in a load restraint system failure. Block every row or every second row as required.

Risks

Good practice

Only using one shoring bar may exceed its rated capacity. Always use both the upper and lower shoring bars and tracks to restrain load if available.

Risks

Good practice

Do not use damaged or worn track as the bars may fall out during transport. Only use straight and undamaged tracks.

Risks

Good practice

Incorrectly installed shoring bars will reduce their rated capacity and may fail. Check with the manufacturer for the correct installation procedure.

Risks

Good practice