28.04.2026 | New VDI 2700 Sheet 18: Safe transport of bulk goods in flexible packaging

With the publication of VDI 2700 Sheet 18 in April 2026, an independent, practice-oriented guideline for load securing of bulk goods in flexible packaging such as sacks and FIBCs (big bags) is now available for the first time. The guideline therefore closes a previously existing gap: for this particularly demanding application, a clearly defined state of the art is described for the first time. Using practical examples, VDI 2700 Sheet 18 demonstrates how suitable load securing methods can be assessed, selected, and implemented. It thus serves as a reliable reference for shippers and carriers in their day-to-day operations.

View VDI 2700 Sheet 18

Why bulk goods place special requirements

Bulk goods such as sand, gravel, granulates, or grain differ fundamentally from rigid loading units. During transport, their behavior can change:

• Settling and flow movements within the packaging
• Yielding of the packaging under its own weight
• Deformation of the load unit
• Lateral shifts in the center of gravity

These effects occur particularly with tall or free-standing units and significantly increase the risk of tipping and slipping. Due to their design, flexible packaging is not dimensionally stable. Classic securing methods such as pure tie-down lashing are therefore generally not suitable as the sole securing measure, but only as a supplement to form-fit measures or direct lashing. When the load settles, the belt pretension decreases. As a result, the effective tie-down force is reduced and the securing effect diminishes.

This is precisely where the new VDI 2700 Sheet 18 comes into play.

Key statements of the new guideline

VDI 2700 Sheet 18 describes how the load behaves during transport, which securing principles are suitable for bulk goods in flexible packaging, and under which conditions they can be used effectively. The focus is in particular on:

• Form-fit securing (direct lashing/blocking systems) using suitable restraints
• Load subdivision to minimize movement space
• Assessment of stackable and non-stackable packaging
• Effects of settling behavior and shifts in the center of gravity
• Requirements for outer packaging, load carriers, and securing systems

The guideline is not only based on real transport conditions, but also takes findings from driving tests into account. In doing so, it translates theoretical requirements into practically applicable measures.

Significance for shippers, consignors, and drivers

The new VDI guideline provides a reliable basis for:

• Legally compliant load securing
• Reducing transport damage and liability risks
• Consistent assessment of securing concepts
• Training and raising awareness among all parties along the transport chain

Anyone transporting bulk goods in flexible packaging should in future use VDI 2700 Sheet 18 as the authoritative reference framework.

Support for practical implementation

Implementing the guideline requires a suitable securing strategy and appropriate products. We support this with technical consulting as well as proven, practice-oriented solutions such as

• the DoUniFlex securing system
• lashing and securing nets for form-fit concepts
• blocking bars or textile blocking poles
• anti-slip mats

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