What are Stevedore Straps?

Stevedore straps are a lifting component of a Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (also referred to as an FIBC, bulk bag, or Super Sack™). A stevedore strap is a belt connecting either two adjacent lift loops, or all four loops. In general, the straps are used for single point lifting. However, the bulk bag is not limited to single point pickup with the addition of stevedore straps.

Bulk bags used for export shipping and areas where traditional forklift access is difficult are oftentimes equipped with stevedore straps. The straps allow the operator to easily raise and lower a bag with a crane or hook system.

Stevedore Straps and FIBCs 

At a basic level, stevedore straps are belts sewn into the lift loops of an FIBC that form a bridge between each loop. They are considered an additional feature of a standard 4 loop bulk bag. Most bulk bag users do not require stevedore straps. Nevertheless, they can substantially improve the functionality of an FIBC for certain users. 

Who needs Stevedore Straps?

The quick answer is anyone that needs to move a bulk bag but only has a single pickup point. Most basic forklifts require 2 forks or 2 points of contact. The addition of stevedore straps to a bulk bag eliminates the 2-point requirement. 

Customers we support with bulk bags equipped with stevedore straps include:

• Steel Mills
• Lime Processors
• Pipeline Supply Companies
• Sand Exporters
• Chemical Exporters
• Grain Exporters
• Food Ingredient Exporters

Stevedore straps are excellent for customers exporting their product via ocean vessel. Bulk bags are often loaded into the cargo hold of ocean vessels using a crane. The crane system requires a single point of contact. Without the addition of stevedore straps this would be labor intensive and dangerous to load a ship with bulk bags. 

Do you need an FIBC equipped with Stevedore Straps? 

We stock a substantial supply on-demand bulk bags equipped with double stevedore straps. 

Stock Sizes with Stevedores Include:

Southern Packaging, LP stocks over 1,000,000 bulk bags available in hundreds of sizes and styles. Our Baffled, U-Panel, and Circular style bulk bags are suitable for nearly any industrial application. Contact our experienced sales team for more information.