What are Stevedore Straps?

Updated: 2-9-2023

Industry-specific vocabulary is often one of the biggest sources of confusion in any business. The bulk bag industry is no different. At National Bulk Bag, we get a ton of questions surrounding terminology (check out our blog post on all of the vocabulary in the bulk bag industry).

For example, let's examine the term bulk bag. They are also called FIBCs (flexible intermediate bulk containers), jumbo bags, big bags, super sacks; the list goes on. It's no surprise to us when there is confusion surrounding stevedore straps. The name alone is strange enough, but what are they? What other terms are used to refer to them? Let's explore.

Stevedore Straps

Stevedore straps are essentially additional straps that attach in some way to the standard polypropylene straps that are sewn into a FIBC. They are sold separately or with the bags themselves. There are several different types, but all are looped through the existing bag lifting loops to offer additional ways to lift the bag. The most common uses are for forklifts. These straps give easy access points for basic forklifts to slide into and move the bag throughout any facility, making them very popular in many warehouses where FIBCs are in use.

Stevedore straps are often referred to as ‘loading belts'.

Stevedore Strap Types 

There are three stevedore strap types that are the most commonly used:

1) Standard Stevedore Straps

Standard straps are often referred to as simply stevedore straps. In this type, four individual straps attach to each of the straps sewn into the bags. This can be useful for when the standard straps are not long enough to safely maneuver a bag or additional clearance is needed from the top. 

2) Double Stevedore Straps (double loading belt)

A double stevedore set up involves two longer straps where each is looped through two of the straps that are sewn into the bag. This is a very common type of stevedore for use with forklifts or cranes as it makes it easier to put the forklift's arms or crane's hook through the straps for easy lifting.

3) Single Stevedore (single loading belt)

A single stevedore set up involves a single strap that loops through all four straps that are sewn into the bag offering a very simple and easy option. This is another very common set up where forklifts are involved as it makes it very easy to pick up and move the FIBC throughout a facility.

Benefits of Stevedore Straps

Using stevedore straps for FIBC bulk bags can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safety. Stevedore straps are designed to provide a secure, reliable way to move, store, and transport large bulk bags. Bags with stevedore straps can provide the necessary strength and stability to ensure the safe and efficient movement of the bag from point A to point B. The straps help to keep the bags secure, preventing them from shifting or becoming unstable during transport or storage. This helps reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment and bags. When using stevedore straps, they must be installed properly to ensure that they do not become loose or fail during transport. Additionally, the straps should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition and are not damaged or worn.

Should you use stevedore straps with your FIBCs?

Like most questions regarding FIBCs, it depends on your product, application, and, most importantly, your facility operations. If your facility uses a lot of forklifts, these straps can make grabbing, moving, and positioning bags easier and more efficient. The most significant deterrent is cost. FIBCs with straps will generally cost more than those without, which will always factor into purchasing decisions. That being said, in facilities with high forklift use, stevedore straps are usually a good investment due to the efficiency gains in loading/unloading FIBCs.