GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

EN 12642 XL

When operating a curtainsider (tautliner) for heavy or bulky freight, the question of securing loads against the side walls quickly arises.

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_securing

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Logistics Concept

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When operating a curtainsider (tautliner) for heavy or bulky freight, the question of securing loads against the side walls quickly arises. EN 12642 XL is the highest reinforcement category under European standard EN 12642, which sets minimum structural requirements for the load-carrying bodies of commercial vehicles. An XL-certified body must withstand lateral test loads of at least 50% of the permitted payload, providing sufficient rigidity to secure cargo directly against the curtains – without the mandatory use of additional external lashing equipment. This significantly speeds up loading and unloading cycles in long-distance road transport. Unlike the base category EN 12642 L (Lower), which is intended merely to limit load distribution, the XL rating is designed for active load restraint. The XL certificate must be visibly displayed on the vehicle and is explicitly required by many shipper loading guidelines and some insurers.

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