How to Use a Cargo Lifting Net
Cargo lifting nets, also known as lifting nets or rope cargo nets, provide a unique lightweight solution for lifting heavy, loose, or awkward-shaped cargo items. Rope cargo lifting nets are constructed with durable, high-tenacity polypropylene (HTPP) knotless netting and strong nylon peripheral rope woven through the net. This brings the netting together when pulled upward to create a secure and balanced lift.
Whether you're working in a warehouse, on a construction site, or aboard a ship, mastering the use of a cargo lifting net significantly streamlines your operations and enhances workplace safety.
Read below to learn more about effectively utilizing lifting nets for heavy and loose cargo items.
How to Use a Cargo Lifting Net
Before You Start: Pre-Use Inspection
Before every lift, inspect your net. This step is non-negotiable.
Check the net for tears, frays, holes, or worn areas in the mesh. Inspect all four lifting loops for damage, wear, or deformation. Confirm all connection hardware is in good working condition (no cracks, bent hooks, excessive wear, etc.). Verify your net's WLL meets or exceeds the total weight of your load. If you notice any visible damage, take the net out of service.
Safety reminder: Only the four corner loops are approved attachment points on a cargo lifting net. Never attach your sling or hardware to the edge rope or body of the net. These are not connection points and can cause your net to fail under load.
Step 1: Spread Your Lifting Net Out
Start by laying the net out flat on a level surface, stretching it out as far as it goes. Keep all parts of the netting evenly flat with all four lifting loops accessible and visible.
You should notice the nylon rope crisscrossing in the middle to form an "X" shape. This rope reinforces the load and is a key structural feature of the net. Additionally, this "X" spot is where you need to center your cargo before lifting to ensure no items spill out from the netting.
Make sure you have the right-sized lifting net for your cargo. US Cargo Control offers two square-sized lifting nets made with varying mesh thicknesses. Below are the two options:
- 11.8' x 11.8' Cargo Lifting Net - 6,000 lb. WLL
- 19.8' x 19.8' Cargo Lifting Net - 4,000 lb. WLL
The square design is required for the net to properly distribute the weight of the load. A rectangular net won't encapsulate cargo properly or distribute force evenly.
Step 2: Center Your Cargo on the Lifting Net
Once the net is flat, place your cargo in the center, directly over the "X" formed by the peripheral rope. By centering the cargo, you reduce the chances of it tumbling around in the netting once all four corners are pulled up together to a central point via tension.
For a single item: Place it squarely in the center. As the net is lifted, the mesh will wrap up and around the contours of the item for a secure hold.
For irregular or awkward-shaped items: place the base of the item in the center of the net. The net will naturally conform to the shape as it is lifted upward.
For multiple or loose items (barrels, boxes, materials): Start with the centermost item, then arrange the rest around it. Count your items before you start so you know exactly how they need to be positioned and can confirm nothing is missing after the lift.
Step 3: Connect the Lifting Net to Your Sling
After centering the cargo, connect the legs of your four-leg lifting sling to the four corner loops of your net.
Each cargo lifting net uses a specialized four-point structure - four reinforced loops at the corners that converge tightly under tension to contain the load securely. These loops are engineered for strength and long-term durability.
These lifting nets require 4-leg lifting slings to hoist the net upward safely and effectively.
- Nylon bridle slings offer the most cost-effective option for lifting heavy-duty cargo.
- Chain slings provide maximum strength and durability against some of the harshest environmental conditions
Make sure you also use proper hoisting hooks that can handle the combined weight of your cargo and lifting net. Most lifting slings come equipped with the necessary hardware. Each hook is made differently, boasting varying working load limits. Choosing a rigging hook with a working load limit lower than the load itself may cause the hook to fail.
Step 4: Make the Lift
Once everything is in place and the area is clear, begin the lifting operation using appropriate lifting equipment such as cranes or forklifts.
- Apply smooth and steady upward pressure to lift the cargo for a controlled ascent without any abrupt movements or jerks that could potentially destabilize the load.
- Pause when the load is a few inches off the ground and check for balance before bringing it to full height. If the load is shifting or the net looks uneven, lower it and re-center before continuing.
- Never walk under a suspended load.
- Maintain awareness of the load's behavior and your surrounding environment during the lift.
- When lowering, descend slowly and release tension gradually before disconnecting the sling from the loops.
After the Lift: Inspection and Storage
What you do after the lift is just as important as what you do before it.
Post-lift inspection:
- Inspect the net again after each use — pay special attention after heavy loads or irregular cargo
- Look for stretched mesh, damaged edge ropes, worn loops, or compromised connection points
- If the net has experienced a shock load event (a sudden drop or abrupt stop under load), take it out of service and inspect it thoroughly before reuse
Storage:
- Clean off debris, dirt, and moisture before storing
- Store loosely folded or flat in a cool, dry location away from prolonged UV exposure
- Do not store under heavy equipment or in conditions that could compress or deform the net over time
When to retire a net:
- Visible tears, fraying, or damage to the mesh or loops
- Unknown load history or previous shock load event
- Any situation where you're uncertain about the net's integrity — when in doubt, take it out of service
Frequently Asked Questions
What size lifting net do I need?
Measure the footprint of your load before selecting a net. The net should be large enough that your cargo sits centered with netting material to spare on all sides. This ensures the loops draw together properly above the load. US Cargo Control offers an 11.8' x 11.8' and a 19.8' x 19.8' option.
Can I use any sling with a lifting net?
No, cargo lifting nets require a four-leg sling to distribute the load correctly across all four corner loops. Single-leg or two-leg slings are not appropriate for lifting net applications.
What's the difference between a rope and polyester lifting net?
Rope lifting nets are the go-to for commercial marine, loading dock, and warehouse applications. Polyester cargo lifting nets are preferred for military and government jobs due to their material specifications and resistance to chemicals and moisture.
When should I retire a lifting net?
Take a net out of service if you find visible damage (tears, frayed mesh, worn loops), after a shock load event, or anytime you're uncertain about its integrity. There's no set replacement interval — condition-based inspection before and after every use is the standard.
What is the working load limit of a cargo lifting net?
Each net has a defined WLL listed in its product specs. Always verify that your net's WLL meets or exceeds the weight of the load you're lifting — and never exceed it.
Lifting Solutions from US Cargo Control
Cargo lifting nets are a great option made with strong, durable, knotless HTTP rope that holds up against abrasions, chemicals, and moisture. Because the net encloses the cargo and gathers at a lifting point, it creates a secure and balanced method of lifting without adding excessive weight like a chain sling or lifting beam can.
However, other lifting solutions may be better suited for other applications. US Cargo Control offers a wide range of lifting supplies to help make your jobs safer and easier, including:
Complete your setup with the right equipment. Talk with our product experts for any questions you have or if you need any assistance. Our team is always ready to help get you what you want, when you need it.
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How Many Legs Do I Need for My Lifting Sling?
Understanding Tensile Strength for Lifting and Rigging Supplies
Which Lifting Clamp is Right for My Application?
