A Guide to Netting and Lashing for your Vehicle

When it comes to transporting goods, securing your vehicle load with the right net and lashing equipment is essential. At National Nets, we’re here to help you choose the best net for your vehicle — whether you're hauling garden waste, building materials, or household items.

Start with the Size of Your Bed

The first step in selecting a net is to measure your vehicle bed — length and width. This gives you the base size you’re working with. But that’s not the full story.

If your load is higher than the sides of your vehicle, you’ll need a larger net to allow for proper coverage. A good rule of thumb: choose a net that’s big enough to cover the bed, contents, and some overhang, so it stays secure in motion.

Height Matters - Plan for Overhang

If your load sticks up above the edge of the vehicle bed, especially with bulky or uneven items, the net must extend over the entire pile with extra give. This ensures that everything is covered.

Open Mesh vs Close Mesh - What's the difference?

Open mesh nets are lightweight and feature 5mm Holes - think of it like a football goal.

They’re great for general loads but may be frustrating if you're dealing with tricky shapes, the holes can catch on irregularly shaped objects or protruding parts like scaffold poles, handles, or awkward angles.

Close mesh nets, on the other hand, are made from a fine weave that contains smaller debris like rubble, gravel, or soil — making them ideal for loose materials. They're heavier and more bulky but also less likely to snag, so putting them on and taking them off is smoother.

Our recommendation: If you’re looking for a versatile, all-purpose net, go with the close mesh option. It’s suitable for most needs and comes with a bungee cord for securing directly to your chassis.

Need Waterproof Protection?

Either style of mesh net will cover the load, but it won’t protect against rain. If you're carrying items that need to stay dry, you'll want to consider a Waterproof Tarpaulin to ensure waterproof coverage.

Load Safety is Paramount and is your responsibility as a driver

When transporting any kind of load, drivers are legally and personally responsible for ensuring it is secured safely and securely to the vehicle. An unsecured load isn’t just a risk to your cargo — it’s a hazard to everyone on the road.

We strongly recommend using a combination of heavy-duty netting and appropriate lashing straps to anchor the load firmly to the bed. This dual approach minimizes movement and ensures the contents stay exactly where they should — even in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

The last thing you want is bits and pieces flying off, potentially causing injury or obstruction to other road users.

Protect yourself, your load, and others — secure it right the first time.

Still not sure?

Choosing the right net can feel like a bit of a minefield — but that’s exactly what we’re here for.

If you’re unsure about what size, style, or setup is best for your vehicle, get in touch with us today. Our team of knowledgeable professionals is always happy to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.

Speak to us directly — we're just a call or message away.