Lastoitusta

Lastoitusta is a Finnish term referring to the process of loading and securing cargo for transport. It encompasses planning the arrangement of goods to ensure stability, proper weight distribution, and safe handling under normal and dynamic conditions. The concept is central to logistics, freight transport, and warehousing.

In practice, lastoitus involves selecting appropriate pallets or containers, organizing items to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity within safe limits, and fastening cargo with straps, nets, ropes, or blocking to prevent movement. Effective lastoitus reduces the risk of cargo shifting during acceleration, braking, steering, or on uneven surfaces, and helps protect both the cargo and the transport unit as well as personnel.

Practices vary by transport mode. In road transport, workers check weight distribution, secure loads with lashings, use edge protection, and comply with height and weight restrictions. In maritime transport, securing plans account for sea state and stowage discipline, with pallets lashed or blocked as needed. Rail and air transport have their own specific securing requirements and constraints. In warehousing, lastoitus includes palletizing, stretch wrapping, and using dunnage to stabilize loads on shelves or inside containers.

Safety and regulation are integral to lastoitusta. Companies follow national and international guidelines for cargo securing, provide training for personnel, and enforce procedures to minimize the risk of load shift, damage, or accidents during handling and transport. See also cargo securing, logistics, center of gravity, and load planning.