Would it be reasonable to think of a curtain sider (assuming it’s not fitted with recognised load bearing curtains) as nothing more than a flat bed and that the curtains are only there to provide weather protection?
Nezza:
Would it be reasonable to think of a curtain sider (assuming it’s not fitted with recognised load bearing curtains) as nothing more than a flat bed and that the curtains are only there to provide weather protection?
Generally yes.
So does that mean ALL loads must be strapped within a curtain sider? Even light paletted items?
Debatable, I think you’ll find that VOSA like most things strapped these days, but depending on the weight and possibility of it going through a curtain I would say that a decent curtain would be good enough to secure very light loads.
But then I’m not VOSA am I 
Do you have any particular type of load in mind or is it a general question ?
28 tons of Steel RSJ’s with Greased Metal Dunnage !
Won’t the Curtains hold this ? Lol.
Just a general question. Just trying to learn more bout the job!
And also be able to talk with some confidence to some of the “experts” I have to deal with who insist black is white
We carry all sorts in curtainsiders.
Bricks, blocks, machinery, bags of cement, turf etc= Spansets/Ratchet straps, strapped to the body.
Medium weight pallets cans,bottles of pop, tins of beans etc, up to around 500-1000 kg=internal straps.
Light weight pallets printer cartridges, aerosol valves, empty cans, packaging etc 100-300kg ish=curtains, as long as there’s no sharp bits sticking out & the pallets are nice & square.
Nezza:
Would it be reasonable to think of a curtain sider (assuming it’s not fitted with recognised load bearing curtains) as nothing more than a flat bed and that the curtains are only there to provide weather protection?
If you go in thinking the above you’ll never go wrong despite what anyone says. even if it has load bearing curtains, after all the curtain is only as good as the curtain runners and clips that hold it to the body.