Just got a new customer on board from whom I have to pick up 250ltr drums, these are always shrink wrapped onto single pallets.
Now I have been strapping them down rail to rail with the strap going over the top of the drum pushing it down onto the load bed, problem being is that the straps always seem to work themselves loose over time even though they are done up FT.
Am I missing something ? Any tips greatly received 
Use corner boards or topping boards. The straps are slipping off the edges either through vibration, or the liquid slopping in transit. You can’t get a clean contact with a curved edge
The drums might also move inwards on the pallets. Or do you strap each drum individually? Or two across?
I usually only pick up one drum at a time and I load against the headboard in the middle.
Cut a thick piece of wood just bigger than the drum place on top then strap across the top bloody tight,then the strap should secure the drum over the whole surface of it not just over a fraction of the surface,which as said will move.
Or am I talking rubbish lol.
Daytrunker:
Cut a thick piece of wood just bigger than the drum place on top then strap across the top bloody tight,then the strap should secure the drum over the whole surface of it not just over a fraction of the surface,which as said will move.Or am I talking rubbish lol.
Cheers, makes sense 
steve the argonaut:
I usually only pick up one drum at a time and I load against the headboard in the middle.
I see. In that case day trunkers has the solution. You could use a pallet instead of ‘a piece of wood’ 
As above, used to stick a pallet over the top then strap down.
back in the days of rope they would be secured with a barrel knot, which can be completed with a strap even if against the headboard as the ridges in the side of the barrel leave enough space to miss the headboard, and also stop the strap working down the barrel, not sure I can explain in words but here goes, strap starts from the offside rave as far forward as possible then diagonal up the sides of the barrels towards the rear, round the rear barrels to the far corner then back around all the barrels on the pallet (or floor) to the loop now made in the strap, put the loose end through the loop and down diagonally towards the nearside rave through the ratchet and tighten, this pulls all of the barrels together and towards the headboard, to be sure do another strap starting at the nearside rave, with practise this is easier done than written.
BradCarTransporter:
As above, used to stick a pallet over the top then strap down.
Use a barrel hitch around the body of the drum. Hook one end of the strap onto your anchor point, make a loop in your hand with the strap , put a twist into it so the strap will pull against itself and tighten the ratchet to the opposite side of the platform. This probably sounds very complicated but with a bit of practice it gets easier. Also you could try asking one of the older drivers to demonstrate how it’s done. Regards Kev. Ps you cannot do this without standing on the platform, so keep away from the H&S Gestapo.
Keep your eye out for those plastic corner protectors lying about.
Anyone that has regular deliveries from abroad…might have some.
I got stacks off DS Smith.
They do take up some space in your side lockers,though
hotel magnum:
back in the days of rope they would be secured with a barrel knot, which can be completed with a strap even if against the headboard as the ridges in the side of the barrel leave enough space to miss the headboard, and also stop the strap working down the barrel, not sure I can explain in words but here goes, strap starts from the offside rave as far forward as possible then diagonal up the sides of the barrels towards the rear, round the rear barrels to the far corner then back around all the barrels on the pallet (or floor) to the loop now made in the strap, put the loose end through the loop and down diagonally towards the nearside rave through the ratchet and tighten, this pulls all of the barrels together and towards the headboard, to be sure do another strap starting at the nearside rave, with practise this is easier done than written.
Why do you say back in the days of rope, does no one carry rope now ?
lots of vehicles do not have rope hooks anymore as the hooks are not strong enough for ratchet straps and drivers hook the triangle on the rope hook disregarding the hook end of the strap, many countries do not let you use rope as it is not eu mark approved for weight or strength.
As already said use corner protectors or what i used to use was a bit of old rubber they use under paper reels to stop them sliding.Put a bit on either side of the drum and then the strap wont move that i found easy but thats how i did it.
neilg14:
Why do you say back in the days of rope, does no one carry rope now ?
As far as I’m aware rope can only be used to hold a sheet down.
dri-diddly-iver:
neilg14:
Why do you say back in the days of rope, does no one carry rope now ?As far as I’m aware rope can only be used to hold a sheet down.
You can also tie people down with it.
the nodding donkey:
dri-diddly-iver:
neilg14:
Why do you say back in the days of rope, does no one carry rope now ?As far as I’m aware rope can only be used to hold a sheet down.
You can also tie people down with it.
and up…
Use a fly sheet over the load and secure it tight as possible, strap every two drums ( I would say ‘Rope’ but it seems you don’t do that in the UK anymore).
But he is only carrying a single drum …
the nodding donkey:
You can also tie people down with it.
â– â– â– â– â– â– â– talk like this is a different forum, I thought I recognised your style 