Cargo nets for utes are essential for anyone transporting tools or other items. They help secure your load and prevent it from sliding or flying out of the vehicle. This makes them the perfect solution for tying down tools or packages.

There are many types of cargo nets available, and different laws apply to their use. This can make choosing the right one confusing.

When choosing a cargo net, consider the weight and size of your load. It needs to be strong enough to hold the weight and not break if you have an accident. And it needs to be wide enough to cover your load completely. Cargo nets with a mesh layer prevent your netting from getting tangled with your tools.

Finding the correct cargo net is essential. The law requires that you secure your loads. You need to consider the cargo net’s strength rating and length measurements as well as material. But how can I make sure I am choosing the right specifications? 

Choosing a Cargo Net

Choosing a cargo net is not hard if you buy the right one the first time. It is best to consider what the strongest one you might need is and buy that. As you can use a strong cargo net for light tools, but you can’t use a string, lightweight cargo netting for heavy tools.

Cargo netting’s customizable features and proven security strength make for less chance of cargo movement, not to mention less wear and tear on your vehicle. The elimination of shifting helps to lighten the load on your vehicle’s suspension and helps with fuel economy. It is widely used for both commercial and private transportation. 

The benefit of proper cargo netting is in the convenience of packing. Instead of using a half dozen ratchet straps or bungees, you can simply throw the net over your load and secure it with the netting’s hardware. The setup is simple, and the complete coverage of the netting gives you the assurance that none of your cargo will shift. It also ensures none of your items will become broken during transportation. Or even worse, bouncing out of the vehicle completely. 

There are four things you need to consider when choosing a cargo net; the dimensions, strength rating, meshing and attachment sites. 

How big does my cargo net need to be?

If you are wondering what size cargo net do I need? Your cargo net, at a minimum, needs to cover the top of your entire load. To get a general idea of size, measure the width, height and length of your load. Do the same to your trailer or ute to get an idea of the maximum size net you would need. If your load regularly varies in height, it might be a good idea to invest in multiple cargo nets. If your load varies, you might want to invest in more than one cargo net – you can use the smaller net to secure your load and the larger one as insurance.

What Cargo Net Weight Rating Do I Need?

Nets have a strength rating of between 1,000 kg and 3,500 kg based on size and number of straps. So before you purchase a cargo net, consider the maximum cumulative weight of your load that you will be transporting. It is important that you do not underestimate your load weight. This is because not only can you be fined for using a net that doesn’t support the weight you are putting it under, but you can also be putting yourself and others at risk. Think, if you have a big generator, plus all your tools, it can easily amount to hundreds of kilos cumulatively, so you can not just consider the weight of the generator alone.

By law, you must secure both private and commercial transport loads with a security cargo net. Failing to do so could result in fines upwards of $200 and land you with up to 3 demerit points. The law is serious because the safety risks are so high. An unsecured or underestimated load could cause you to unintentionally damage someone else’s property, life or even your own. Not to mention the estimated hundreds of traffic accidents that cargo netting prevents every year. A cargo net is a cheap investment in the protection of your tools, your life and the lives of those around you.

What are cargo nets made of?

Cargo nets generally come in three main types; string nets, webbing nets, or a combination of webbing and mesh. When choosing the best cargo net, you need to consider what it is made of, and how it will work with your load.

String Cargo Nets

A light string cargo net will not have the high weight ratings of its mesh counterparts. But if you are only transporting light objects, such as your esky, some buckets, a shovel or two, then a simple string cargo net will prevent them from flying out the back of your open-ended truck or trailer and hitting someone’s windscreen behind you.  A cargo netg is the cheapest and easiest way to keep a light load in. But a string cargo net can get completely or partially broken during transport if it can get tangled up in your tools. So it is best for broad shapes of little weight and can keep all of your items snug. We want to stop our tools and equipment from moving around and flying off the back of the ute as much as possible. 

Webbing cargo nets

Webbing cargo nets are thicker and stronger than string cargo nets. They’re great for holding in heavy cargo that has a simple shape, or that is large in not going to slip through any of the open gaps. The thicker straps of the webbed cargo nets are less likely to get tangled with your cargo but they can still miss smaller tools. If you have loose tools amongst your cargo like hammers or pliers, you want something that is going to block them if they move around – the best type of cargo net for this is a mesh net. 

Mesh Cargo Nets

Mesh cargo nets are not strictly made of mesh, instead they are webbing nets, reinforced with mesh. This means that there are no holes for any tools to slip through, nor are there holes for things to get tangled in. All of CDBS’s cargo nets are mesh reinforced as this allows coverage for any kind of cargo load. Nothing is getting past these nets!

Mesh nets are the most versatile and practical type of cargo net. They’re strong and protect all sizes and shapes of cargo. If you are someone who transports a wide range of items, small to large, then you might consider a mesh cargo net. Oftentimes, the larger items can be secured with the net by itself, but the smaller ones may slip through the holes in the webbing. The mesh prevents any slipping and it’s just as strong as netting. At CDBS we want you to get the best of the best, so these cargo nets at CDBS all have meshing to provide the highest protection for your cargo.

Cargo net hardware and attachments 

Choosing the hardware for your custom cargo netting can be tricky because there are so many different options out there. Take a look at the points where you’re going to secure your cargo netting. A few of your options include end fittings, ratchet buckles, cam buckles, and E-track or L-track fittings. If you have help during the loading process but are delivering your load alone, make sure that you get hardware that is easy for one person to open and close.

You don’t want to be stuck at your delivery point with hardware that needs two people to operate.

What is the best cargo net for my ute?

The best cargo nets for utes are the Gladiator cargo nets. Most cargo net manufacturers will sell all variations and styles of netting, so there is no point in suggesting different companies or brands. However, there are certain features that different types of cargo nets have which may suit you better than others. 

We recommend the medium size Gladiator Cargo net for utes – it has a WLL (working load limit) of 680 kg so there is little cargo you are not going to be able to keep safe with this amazing net! If you are carrying taller loads, or have a larger tray we recommend either our large or extra large Gladiator Cargo nets to secure your cargo. We also sell a dual cab cargo net. Whatever ute tray you have, we have the best cargo net for you!

Should I Invest in Commercial Cargo Nets?

Experts estimate that international freight will increase by 400% in the next 30 years. There is an increasing emphasis on “green freight” and lower-cost transport expenses.

Quality cargo netting can reduce the motion of your load, saving on gas and improving on-road safety. It’s important to talk to a company that sells quality cargo netting to make sure you’re getting the proper kind.

It’s a good idea to invest in durable, cost-effective types of cargo netting. We see too many accidents that could have been prevented on highways all across the country.

Taking the time to measure your load and figure out which type of cargo netting would work best is something that is more than recommended. It’s the law.

We work hard to sell high-quality construction tools and we know that you need to transport them to job sites. With more than 25 years of experience, we are committed to being your go-to site for all of your construction and transportation projects.

Commercial cargo netting is vital when it comes to residential and commercial construction projects. Get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you get the proper safety nets Australia that will get the job done right – the first time.