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Make your trailer more versatile and secure with durable logistic tracks. Designed to work with logistic straps, bars, and beams, logistic tracks give you an easy and convenient way to tie down your cargo. Simply attach these metal tracks to the floor and/or walls of your trailer. Corresponding logistic straps, beams, and bars will fit securely into the track for a secure and efficient way to keep your cargo from shifting.
Here we will look at different types of logistic tracks, how to use them, and other important information you should know about installing them.
What is the Purpose of a Logistic Track?
A logistic track is a metal track that is designed to fit corresponding types of logistic straps, beams, and bars. By giving you the ability to create anchor points all along the floor and/or walls of your trailer, these tracks make it much easier to transport cargo of varying sizes and weights. This includes more awkwardly shaped items that may not be as easily secured when there are fewer anchor points.
When Should You Use Each Type of Logistic Track?
Logistic tracks come in a few different styles. Labeled as Series A, E, F, and L, each has a few variations and uses they are best suited for. While Series A and E very similar and even interchangeable, F and L have more specific applications. Let’s take a look at when to use each type.
Logistic Track for Dry Van: When you are only shipping and securing dry cargo, painted logistic racks are the preferred choice since there is no excessive moisture to worry about.
Best Options: Painted Series A or E tracks are best for dry goods. Both A and E are available in horizontal and vertical styles and offer the same strength and durability. For this application, either is a good choice as long as they are in the painted variety.
Logistic Track for Refrigerated and Medical Trailers: In trailers where there is the potential for excessive moisture, you need a track that is resistant to rusting. Rust not only compromises the integrity of the track but it can also be a contaminant which is particularly problematic when transporting medical supplies.
Best Options: Galvanized steel tracks in either Series A or E are best for this application. The galvanized steel will not rust.
Logistic Track to Avoid Static: Static electricity can be a problem during colder months when the air is dry. It can also be increased if you are shipping certain materials and if other conditions are met. While static electricity may not be a huge problem in most cases, it can pose a fire risk and be unpleasant if you come in contact with it while securing your shipment.
Best Options: In particular, static electricity can build up when steel meets steel. To reduce issues associated with static electricity caused by steel on steel, choose an aluminum A track.
Best Logistic Track for Smaller Trailers: For smaller trailers, a Series F is a good choice. It is available in galvanized steel making it good for both dry and moist conditions. They can also be used on the walls or floor. In smaller spaces it is good to have tracks that are versatile like the Series F.
Best Logistic Track for Floor: While each of the logistic tracks can be mounted to the floor, the Series L is particularly well-suited for this application. It’s strong but narrow design make it ideal for use on ramps and smaller cargo areas including wheelchair ramps and on aircrafts.
Can I Add a Logistic Track to My Trailer?
Yes, definitely. While logistic tracks can be installed at the time of manufacturing the trailer, they can also be retrofitted. This gives you the opportunity to upgrade and customize an existing trailer without buying a whole new unit. You can also replace a logistic track that is worn or choose a kind that better suits your needs.
However, since logistics tracks are such a crucial part of securing your cargo, it is recommended that they are installed by a professional. This is especially true if you plan to carry any shipments that could pose a threat if they were to shift around during transport. Large, heavy, or jagged objects not only run the risk of getting damaged if they are not secured properly, they can damage or unbalance the trailer causing even more destruction.
So, while it might be tempting to do the job yourself, there is good reason not to. Hiring an expert will help ensure you do not cause damage to your trailer, cargo, or yourself.
Do Logistic Tracks Have a Working Load Limit?
A working load limit refers to the amount of weight a piece of equipment can safely handle when there are no extreme conditions or forces also acting upon the piece. This is not to be confused with the breaking strength rating which is the weight at which the piece will break when being pulled.
Instead, working load limit is ⅓ of what the breaking strength rating is. This means if you have, for example, a logistic strap with a working load limit of 1,500 lbs then its breaking strength is 4,500 lbs.
However, a logistic track’s ability to hold weight securely is impacted by how it is secured to the trailer wall. The screws, the wall itself, and other materials involved all have the potential to become loose or damaged. To be safe, it is good to inspect the track regularly to ensure it is not loose or compromised in any way.
Can I Attach a Logistics Track to Wood?
Logistics tracks can, technically, be attached to a wooden trailer wall or other wood surface. However, the strength and durability of the surface the tracks are attached to will affect the overall strength of the rigging. Ideally, a logistics track would be attached to metal instead.
To attach a logistics track to a wood surface ensure that you are using wood screws that are long enough to go through the wood. There are still other factors that can come into play that could impact how much weight this system could hold. Use all other safety precautions and make sure to not overload your logistics straps or track no matter the surface they are attached to.
How Can You Choose the Right Logistic Tracks and Straps?
If you already have logistic tracks installed in your trailer, the choice of straps is easy. Simply choose the straps that correspond to the track you have. However, if you are looking to install a track or aren’t sure which kind you have currently, the Toronto Trailers team is here to help.
Toronto Trailers carries everything you need for safe and efficient securement of all of your shipments. Contact us today for expert help finding the right logistic tracks and straps for your needs.
