Loading Guide - Load-Rated Side Curtains

This guide is part of a series of loading guides that provide tips and tricks to help you understand good load restraint. More detailed information on the principles covered by this guide can be found in the Load Restraint Guide 2025.

Loading Guide - Load-rated Side Curtains A3 poster

What are load-rated side curtains?

Load-rated side curtains are components that can be used in a certified load restraint system (CLRS) designed to provide lateral (sideways) restraint when used within their approved load-rating. Load-rated curtains:

  • form part of an overall restraint system, typically alongside rated headboards and tailboards
  • are designed with reinforced tracks, rollers, and fittings to enable reliable performance within their rated capacity
  • provide sideways restraint only, forward and rearward restraint must be controlled separately for the load to be considered fully restrained.

Identifying load-rated side curtain

A load-rated side curtain will have a label or sticker showing its certified rating, including pallet capacity, load type, and any specific conditions.

Manufacturers may also provide a certificate that provides additional detail about the rating, however it’s not mandatory to carry a copy in the vehicle. Always check the label, never assume a curtain is rated.

Identify where label or sticker is on truck.

Understanding Curtain Rating

For many loads and operating conditions, load-rated side curtains form part of an effective restraint solution. However, their function and limitations are not always well understood.

Curtain ratings are typically specified in one of the following ways:

  • allowable weight per pallet width (The combined mass of pallet A and pallet B must not exceed the stated rating.) See figure 384
  • allowable weight per pallet space (Each individual pallet A or B, must not exceed the stated rating.) See figure 383
  • total allowable payload (Evenly distributed pallets across the entire deck space must not exceed the total rating.) See figure 385

When the mass of the load exceeds the curtain rating, additional lashings will be required to restrain the load.

Figure 384: Pallet width rating systems
Figure 384: Pallet width rating systems
Figure 383: Pallet space rating systems
Figure 383: Pallet space rating systems
Figure 385: Total payload - Fully blocked load
Figure 385: Total payload - Fully blocked load

Tips

Leave as few gaps as possible between loads across the width of the trailer. Rated curtains are not designed to restrain loads that may impact the curtain when vehicle forces cause it to slide/move. Fill gaps with pallets, dunnage or airbags (where appropriate). If gaps can't be filled, use extra restraints like gates or lashings to stay safe and compliant.

Risks

Excessive Gaps.

Good practice

Gaps filled.

Tall loads can topple if not properly restrained, especially during cornering or sudden stops. If they fall against the curtain, they can damage it or the impact of the load hitting the curtain may exceed its rating. It’s good practice to restrain tall items with lashings, gates or blocking to keep them stable and protect the curtain.

Risks

Toppling load.

Good practice

Restrain toppling loads.

Sharp edges or protrusions on loads will damage or pierce curtains. Ensure sharp items are restrained appropriately.

Risks

Items with sharp edges is a risk.

Good practice

Restraining items is good practice.

When making multiple drops, gaps can form at the front, middle or rear of the load. These must be blocked to prevent movement. Unrestrained items can shift and damage load-rated side curtains or pose a safety risk. Always secure the rear of the load.

Risks

Unrestrained loads is a risk.

Good practice

Restrained loads is good practice.

Curtain-rated vehicles must not carry loads that are not suitable to be restrained by curtains or exceed the certified approved load rating capacity of the curtain system. Regardless of how the load is placed, the total force exerted by the load must remain within the curtain’s rating capacity. This ensures the curtain can perform as intended under all conditions.

Risks

Exceeding curtain rating is a risk.

Good practice

Compliant with curtain rating is good practice.

Maintenance

Repairs to load-rated side curtains should be carried out by qualified technicians.

Repairs to load-rated side curtains should be carried out by qualified technicians using approved methods such as:

  • Hot air gun welding
  • Pulsed RF or hot wedge welding
  • Manufacturer-approved stitching.

DIY repairs are strongly discouraged, as incorrect techniques can compromise the curtain’s rated performance.

Certification

While certification or re-certification following repairs is not legally required, significant repairs should prompt consultation with the manufacturer or a qualified engineer to ensure the curtain remains fit for purpose and compliant with its rated capacity.

Case studies – Load Restraint Guide

Load Restraint Guide 2025.

The Load Restraint Guide 2025 has 12 case studies, with case studies 8-12 dedicated to load-rated side curtains.

These are:

Note: If you are unsure how to use a rated curtain, seek advice from an appropriately qualified engineer. For more detailed information on loading and load restraint, you can refer to the NHVR’s Load Restraint Guide.

www.nhvr.gov.au