What is the EUMOS 40509 Standard?

December 17, 2024

If you’re working in the logistics industry, then you’ll likely be aware of the Directive 2014/47/EU already. For those that aren’t, the regulation is the European Commission’s action to guarantee the road worthiness of freight transport, so that collectively, we can achieve zero fatalities on the road by 2050.

Inside that directive, sits several technical standards, made up from pre-existing regulations found in different member states. One of those standards, and the one we will focus on for this article, is the EUMOS 40509.

What is the EUMOS 40509 Standard?

The EUMOS 40509: 2020 (to give its full name) is a dynamic testing method designed to evaluate the rigidity of load units – with specific focus on horizontal acceleration and deceleration. Why those forces? Well, they are the ones typically experienced by cargo when the transit vehicle accelerates, brakes or turns.

The standard defines the level of security expected of road cargo and the maximum deformation accepted after testing. It also provides crucial criteria that must be accomplished by a load unit.

Put simply though, the standard is an effective means for testing if your load units are rigid enough to meet the rigours of transport – and as a beneficial aside, have been an effective test for helping businesses to optimise their packaging too.

Who Needs to Follow the EUMOS 40509 Standard?

Designed to be used by several stakeholders in the logistics industry, the main parties that benefit from this testing method are:

Cargo securing experts:

Professionals who specialise in cargo securing, like ourselves, rely on this standard to evaluate and ensure customer goods are secured for transport according to European law.

Manufacturers of palletized goods:

Implement the standard to guarantee products remain stable and secure throughout transportation, minimising the risk of damage and ensuring safe delivery.

Packaging laboratories:

These facilities need use EUMOS 40509 to validate the efficacy of their packaging systems and that they comply with the Directive 2014/47 EU.

Roadside cargo safety inspectors:

Government inspectors throughout Europe are responsible for ensuring loads comply with Directive 2014/47 EU, which references EUMOS 40509 as an influencing standard.

Main Goals and Benefits of EUMOS 40509

The EUMOS 40509 testing method serves several key purposes in improving the safety and efficiency of freight transport. Some of those main goals and benefits include:

Evaluation of Load Rigidity and Safety

The EUMOS 40509 test method focuses on evaluating the rigidity and safety of loads when subjected to horizontal accelerations and decelerations, which occur during regular road transport. By simulating these real-world conditions, companies can assess whether their goods will remain stable throughout transit, reducing the likelihood of damage or shifting.

Compliance with European Directive 2014/47/EU

The standard plays a key role in ensuring compliance with Directive 2014/47/EU, which outlines legal requirements for the safety of road transport in Europe. As freight transport companies, especially those operating across Europe, need to adhere to these regulations, EUMOS 40509 testing becomes a crucial part of the process. Non-compliance with this directive can lead to penalties, so it’s vital to ensure that your loads meet the standard.

Cost Reductions and Package Shrinkage

By no means the key reason for applying the standard to your cargo, but certainly a potential outcome – testing can help identify ways to achieve cost reductions too. By assessing and optimising load units, once the load is properly secured, specialists can identify packaging excess and help businesses to achieve cost and plastic reductions.

Enhanced Road Transport Safety

The ultimate goal of EUMOS 40509 is to improve road transport safety. By ensuring that goods are properly secured and stable during transit, the standard reduces the risk of accidents caused by shifting loads. This leads to safer driving conditions, fewer road hazards, and a more secure transport environment for both drivers and other road users.

So, How Does It Work?

Here’s a step-by-step look at how the testing method is carried out, with a brief overview of an alternate method too:

The Stability Test Process

Load unit is placed onto loading platform.

Platform is the accelerated in forward direction with a specific speed.

It is then decelerated sharply.

A video camera records the process in slow mo and results are determined from this footage.

The Importance for Logistics Operations

Adopting the EUMOS 40509 standard can provide a range of benefits for logistics and warehousing operations. These benefits extend beyond compliance, offering practical improvements that can significantly affect your bottom line…

Cost Reduction

As mentioned earlier, properly tested and optimised packaging can reduce costs in multiple areas. For example, fewer damaged goods mean fewer returns and replacements. Similarly, more efficient use of space during transport can reduce the need for larger vehicles, which leads to fuel savings and better resource management.

Compliance and Avoiding Penalties

With Directive 2014/47/EU mandating compliance with the EUMOS 40509 standard, it’s crucial for businesses to ensure they meet these requirements. By doing so, you avoid the risk of penalties or issues during roadside inspections. For companies working internationally, this is particularly important when crossing borders into European markets.

Safety Improvements

When a load is properly secured according to the EUMOS 40509 standard, the likelihood of road accidents or injuries caused by shifting cargo is greatly reduced. This helps ensure the safety of both drivers and other road users, contributing to safer operations across the board.

“By bringing your goods in line with the EUMOS 40509 standard, your business can ensure compliance with inspections across the continent, and crucially, take one step closer to guaranteeing the full optimisation of your packaging process."

Ben Thompson talks to business leaders about pallet stability.

Ben Thompson Load Stability Specialist

Conclusion

The EUMOS 40509 standard is a vital tool for ensuring that cargo is securely transported across Europe. By assessing the rigidity and safety of loads under conditions typical of road transport, this standard helps reduce the risk of accidents, product damage, and compliance issues. For logistics companies operating internationally, adherence to EUMOS 40509 is not only important for meeting regulatory requirements, but also for improving operational efficiency and reducing costs too.

Implementing the standard does not require huge investment into your own testing equipment, rather, you can visit us and work with our team of specialists to test your packaging against the standard with our purpose-built machinery. Book your appointment with a load stability expert today by visiting the link here.