Regarding load security, the unsung heroes are edge protectors, a vital tool that protects your straps, merchandise, and employee safety. Edge protectors are often overlooked or unused, leading to strap failure, injuries, and damaged merchandise. Whether using steel or polyester strapping materials, edge protectors are essential in your operations, saving you money and improving efficiency. Let’s look at some incredible benefits edge protectors have in heavy-duty strapping applications.
The Role of Edge Protectors
Edge protectors are protective pieces of cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, or metal that redistribute pressure from straps to a broader area. They are commonly used around sharp corners of shipments or pallets of merchandise to prevent strap failure and damage from strap tension to your merchandise. In heavy-duty strapping applications, edge protectors are most commonly used to help secure loads of:
- Building materials
- Appliances and furniture
- Electronics and industrial equipment
- Sheet metal
- Glass, tile, and stone products
Edge protectors effectively prevent strap tension from damaging your shipments and save straps from breaking on sharp corners. They are often required to ensure shipments meet regulatory compliance, as they can prevent workplace accidents caused by straps failing under tension.
How Edge Protectors Save You Money by Extending Strap Life
Straps can become an expensive part of your shipping operations if exposed to sharp edges without edge protectors. Edge protectors prevent straps from being exposed to sharp edges that can cause them to break under tension, leading to wasted strapping materials and wasted time for employees who need to restrap a load. They also minimize slippage and stress that can lead to strap fraying. We recommend using edge protectors, especially with more expensive strapping materials like polyester or steel straps.
Preventing Package Damage During Transport With Edge Protectors
Edge protectors are also incredibly beneficial for packages and their contents, adding structural stability to your products. Shipments packed with cardboard boxes benefit from edge protectors, as they allow the tension of straps to be spread out over a larger surface area, preventing straps from crushing boxes and their contents. Boxes that arrive undamaged to customers are also more aesthetically pleasing, increasing customer confidence that their shipment was handled carefully.
Ensuring Shipping Safety and Compliance With Edge Protectors
Edge protectors are industry-standard safety devices that help your shipments or inventory storage meet safety requirements set by OSHA, DOT, or your insurance provider. Using them could result in worker injury, fines, or outright shipment rejection. Edge protectors also make shipping safer as they help ensure load stability during transit and decrease the chances of a load shifting or failing.
Choosing the Right Edge Protectors
Several factors should be considered when selecting the right edge protectors for the job. Fiberboard edge protectors are a good option for single-use securing of lighter loads, as they are cost-effective. Plastic edge protectors are an excellent choice for reusable edge protectors of smaller, lighter loads, while steel edge protectors are preferred for heavy-duty strapping applications. At Strapping-Products.com, we have an excellent selection of all the edge protectors you’ll need for shipments of all sizes and weights.
Get Affordable Edge Protectors From Strapping-Products.com Today!
To learn more about our inventory and how we can save you money on edge protectors, contact us today at 888-803-8140.
