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NPORS accredited · Tewkesbury & UK-wide

Plant Loader Securer Training – NPORS Load & Secure Course

Plant Loader Securer Training.

Need a load and secure ticket for transporting plant machinery?

Vally Plant Training delivers NPORS N120 Plant Loader Securer training and testing at suitable customer sites nationwide, with novice and experienced routes for drivers and operators.

On-site UK training.

Course pricing

Contact us for a quote

Experienced: 2-3 Hours • Maximum 6 Candidates
Novice: 2 Days • Maximum 3 Candidates
Experienced Worker Test: 2-3 Hours • Maximum 6 Candidates. Test-only assessment route for experienced personnel who already regularly load, position and secure plant machinery for transport.
Novice Training: 2 Days • Maximum 3 Candidates. Structured theory and practical training covering the safe loading, positioning, restraint and preparation of plant machinery for transport.
✓Accredited NPORS training · Established 2014 · Centre and on-site options

Plant Loader Securer Training - Load It. Secure It. Transport It Safely.

Need your drivers trained to safely load and secure excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers or other machinery for transport?

Vally Plant Training delivers practical NPORS N120 Plant Loader Securer Training for novice and experienced candidates at suitable workplaces nationwide, using the equipment involved in your own operation.

Training for Your Team: On suitable customer sites throughout the UK.

Train on Your Own Equipment: Using your plant, transporters and securing equipment.

Call 01684 297167.

Enquire About Loader Securer Training.

Plant Loader Securer Training – Loading & Securing Plant Machinery

Are you looking for Plant Loader Securer Training for drivers or operators who load excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers or other machinery onto transporters?

Vally Plant Training provides practical plant loading and securing training throughout the UK, delivered directly at suitable customer premises.

The recognised NPORS course is N120 Plant Loader Securer, but not everyone looking for this training knows the official course name.

You may be searching for load securing training, plant loading training, machinery loading and securing training, low loader training, plant transporter training, plant transport training or simply training for employees who load machinery onto trailers and secure it for transport.

They all lead to the same important job.

The person carrying out the work needs to know how to prepare the loading area, check the transporter, load the machine safely, position it correctly, select suitable restraint equipment and complete the necessary load security checks before travel.

For companies regularly moving expensive and heavy machinery, getting this wrong can have serious consequences, load security training could prevent accidents.

Plant Loader Securer Training at a Glance

Plant Loader Securer Training – NPORS Load & Secure Course practical training
Practical plant operator training at Vally Plant Training
  • Provider: NPORS Accredited Training Provider
  • Experienced: 2-3 Hours • Maximum 6 Candidates
  • Novice: 2 Days • Maximum 3 Candidates
  • Delivery: Customer Sites Nationwide
  • Category: NPORS N120 Plant Loader Securer
  • Prerequisite: Plant Mover Certification Required
  • Equipment: Customer Plant & Transporter
  • Certification: NPORS or In-House Where Suitable

Who needs Plant Loader Securer Training?

This loader securer training is designed for employees who are directly involved in loading, unloading, positioning or securing plant machinery for transport.

Typical loader securer training candidates include:

  • Plant delivery drivers
  • Low-loader drivers
  • Plant transporter drivers
  • HGV drivers transporting machinery
  • Plant hire employees
  • Plant operators who load their own machines
  • Machinery delivery drivers
  • Depot and yard personnel
  • Construction and groundworks employees
  • Civil engineering personnel
  • Machinery dealers
  • Agricultural machinery personnel
  • Transport and logistics employees

They may simply need to know how to safely load an excavator onto a low loader, how to secure a dumper on a trailer or what load & secure training is required for transporting plant machinery.

Plant Loader Securer Training is designed around those practical tasks to ensure you gain your load and secure ticket.

Which Plant Loader Securer course should I book?

Experienced drivers – 1 Day

Drivers who already regularly load, position and secure plant machinery may be suitable for the NPORS Experienced Worker Test.

Duration: 2-3 Hours.

Maximum: 6 Candidates.

Route: Test only.

Candidates must already be competent because this is an assessment rather than a shortened training course.

They should already be capable of preparing the loading area and transporter, loading machinery safely, positioning it correctly, selecting suitable restraints and securing the machine without significant instruction.

Drivers needing training – 2 Days

Employees who need instruction before assessment should complete the novice course.

Duration: 2 Days.

Maximum: 3 Candidates.

Route: Training followed by assessment.

Candidates receive structured theory and practical instruction covering the complete plant loading and securing process before completing the required assessment.

Refresher training

Refresher training can be arranged for previously trained personnel who need to update their knowledge or demonstrate that their plant loading and securing skills remain current.

This can be particularly useful where drivers are returning to plant transport work after time away or where a business has introduced different transporters, machinery, securing equipment or working arrangements.

Train with confidence

Practical skills for safe, competent operators

Choose the right machine category and route for your experience. Our team can discuss novice training, Experienced Worker Tests, refreshers and workplace delivery.

Plant Mover certification is required first

Candidates undertaking Plant Loader Securer Training must already hold a valid Plant Mover operator certificate as proof of previous training.

This is important because Plant Loader Securer Training builds on existing plant-moving competence.

The course isn't designed to teach somebody from scratch how to move every excavator, dumper, roller or telehandler they might encounter.

IMPORTANT COURSE PREREQUISITE

Check Plant Mover Certification Before Booking

Plant Loader Securer candidates need a valid Plant Mover operator certificate as evidence of previous training.

If your driver does not currently hold the required certification, speak to Vally Plant Training about completing Plant Mover Training before booking N120.

Plant Mover vs Plant Loader Securer – what's the difference?

Plant Mover and Plant Loader Securer are closely related, but they are not the same course.

Plant Mover Training covers the skills needed to safely move and reposition different items of plant machinery.

It is particularly useful for employees working in plant yards, workshops, depots, machinery dealerships and other environments where several types of machine may need to be moved.

Plant Loader Securer Training covers what happens when machinery needs to be loaded onto a transporter and prepared for travel.

That includes:

  • Preparing the loading area
  • Checking the transporter
  • Loading the machine
  • Positioning it correctly
  • Considering weight distribution
  • Selecting suitable restraint equipment
  • Identifying suitable securing points
  • Securing movable components
  • Applying restraints
  • Completing final security checks
  • Safely unloading the machine

Being able to drive an excavator or dumper does not automatically mean somebody knows how to safely load and secure that machine for transport.

What Does Plant Loading & Load Securing Training Cover?

Planning & Responsibilities

Driver responsibilities, relevant guidance, loading plans, emergency considerations and assessment of the working area.

Transporter & Ramp Checks

Preparing the transport vehicle, checking ramps, ground conditions and identifying defects before loading.

Loading & Unloading

Moving machinery onto and off transporters, maintaining alignment and following safe loading and unloading procedures.

Positioning & Stability

Correct machine positioning, weight distribution, centre of gravity and stability on the transporter.

Selecting Restraints

Choosing suitable chains, binders, tensioners or straps where appropriate; inspecting equipment and checking anchorage points.

Securing Plant & Attachments

Identifying securing points, preparing attachments and movable components, and restraining forward, rearward and sideways movement.

Final Transport Checks

Checking machine position, restraint security and transport preparation before the vehicle leaves.

Theory & Practical Assessment

Demonstrating the knowledge and practical skills required for the NPORS N120 Plant Loader Securer assessment.

The aim is to develop people who understand the whole plant loading and load securing process, rather than simply teaching them how to attach a chain or strap.

Loading plant machinery safely

Loading is one of the most important stages of transporting plant.

A machine may need to travel up loading ramps, transition onto the transporter deck and then be positioned accurately before it can be secured.

Potential hazards can include:

  • Unsuitable loading ground
  • Poorly positioned transporters
  • Damaged or contaminated ramps
  • Excessive gradients
  • Poor machine alignment
  • Restricted visibility
  • People entering the loading area
  • Machine instability
  • Incorrect positioning on the transporter

The loading area should therefore be assessed before the operation starts.

The objective is a planned and controlled movement, rather than trying to correct a problem when several tonnes of machinery are already halfway onto a low loader.

Loading plant onto a low loader or trailer

A common reason employers look for this course is because their employees need to load plant machinery onto low loaders, beavertail transporters or plant trailers.

The transporter and loading system need to be suitable for the machine being moved.

Drivers may need to consider machine width, ground clearance, track or wheel position, attachments, ramp angle and how the stability of the machine changes while moving from the ground onto the transporter.

Once loaded, the machine needs to be positioned correctly.

Plant should not simply be parked wherever it happens to fit.

Load distribution and positioning

Different machines can have very different weights, dimensions and centres of gravity.

A transporter used for a compact roller on one journey may be carrying a much larger excavator on the next.

Drivers therefore need to assess the actual machine and transporter combination rather than relying on one loading routine for every journey.

Correct positioning helps maintain an appropriate transport arrangement before restraints are applied.

This is an important part of plant machinery transport safety and is one reason practical training should involve equipment relevant to the employer's real operation.

Chains, straps and plant load restraint equipment

Load securing equipment needs to be suitable for the machinery and transport arrangement involved.

Depending on the operation, equipment can include:

  • Chains
  • Load binders
  • Tensioning equipment
  • Ratchet straps where appropriate
  • Chocks
  • Other suitable restraint systems

Drivers need to understand equipment selection, condition, suitable attachment points, correct application, tensioning and the limitations of the equipment being used.

A large number of restraints does not automatically make a load safe.

The securing method needs to suit the machine, transporter, available anchorage points and possible direction of movement.

Damaged, unsuitable or incorrectly applied restraint equipment can undermine an otherwise well-planned transport operation.

Loading and securing excavators for transport

Excavators are among the most frequently transported items of construction plant.

When loading an excavator onto a low loader or trailer, drivers need to consider more than the machine's overall weight.

The tracks or wheels, upper structure, boom, dipper, bucket or attachment and overall transport configuration may all affect how the machine is loaded and secured.

The excavator needs to be correctly positioned and suitable restraint points identified before it is prepared for transport.

Loading and securing dumpers for transport

Forward tipping dumpers are regularly transported between construction, civil engineering and groundworks projects.

When loading a dumper onto a plant trailer or low loader, the machine's articulation, skip position, tyres, dimensions and suitable restraint points need to be considered.

Loading and securing rollers for transport

Ride-on rollers may be relatively compact, but they can be extremely heavy.

Their weight, drum configuration, machine position and suitable restraint points all need to be considered when preparing a roller for transport.

Drivers should not assume that a compact machine requires less planning simply because it occupies less space on the transporter.

Loading and securing telehandlers for transport

Telehandlers present their own transport considerations.

Boom position, forks or other attachments, steering arrangement, machine dimensions, transport configuration and suitable securing points all need to be considered.

Securing plant machinery for transport

Once the machine has been loaded and positioned, it needs to be secured against unwanted movement during the journey.

Drivers need to consider movement in more than one direction.

The restraint arrangement needs to account for the forces generated during braking, acceleration, cornering and normal road travel.

The correct method will depend on the specific machinery, transporter and securing system being used.

This is why machinery load securing training should teach candidates how to assess a load rather than giving them one arrangement to copy regardless of what they are transporting.

Pre-transport load security checks

Loading is not complete simply because the final restraint has been fitted.

Before the vehicle leaves, the driver or other responsible person should complete an appropriate final check.

Depending on the equipment involved, this can include checking:

  • Machine position
  • Restraint security
  • Chain or strap tension
  • Securing points
  • Loose items
  • Boom position
  • Bucket or attachment position
  • Skip position
  • Transport dimensions
  • Transporter condition
  • Ramps and associated equipment
  • Anything capable of moving during transit

The load should not begin its journey if it cannot be made safe.

Drivers also need to remain aware that securing equipment can require checking during transport.

Defective securing equipment

Chains, straps, tensioners, load binders and associated equipment are safety-critical parts of a plant transport operation.

Visible damage should not be ignored simply because the same equipment was successfully used on a previous journey.

Why Plant Loader Securer Training matters

Plant transport can become routine very quickly.

A driver who has loaded the same excavator dozens of times may feel that there is little left to think about.

But the next job may involve different ground conditions, a replacement transporter, damaged securing equipment, an unfamiliar machine or a different attachment.

That is where competence matters.

Good plant transport safety training should develop the driver's ability to assess the operation and recognise when something has changed rather than simply repeat a memorised routine.

For plant hire companies, machinery transport businesses, construction contractors and equipment dealers, that practical judgement is every bit as important as passing the assessment.

Plant Loading, Low Loader & Machinery Securing Training

Plant Loader Securer Training is sometimes described as plant loading training, low loader training, machinery securing training or load securing training.

Whatever terminology your company uses, the objective is the same: ensuring personnel can safely prepare the transporter, load and position machinery, select appropriate restraint equipment and secure the machine correctly before transport.

The course can be particularly relevant to employees loading excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and other plant machinery onto low loaders, transporters and suitable trailers.

Training should reflect the actual machinery, transport equipment and securing systems employees use at work.

On-Site Plant Loader Securer Training Nationwide

Plant Loader Securer Training is delivered at suitable customer premises throughout the UK.

For this course, workplace training has a major practical advantage.

Your employees can train using the machinery, transporter, loading equipment and restraints they actually encounter at work.

That makes the training particularly suitable for:

  • Plant hire companies
  • Specialist plant haulage businesses
  • Construction contractors
  • Civil engineering companies
  • Groundworks businesses
  • Machinery dealers
  • Equipment suppliers
  • Agricultural machinery businesses
  • Transport and logistics companies

We deliver on-site Plant Loader Securer Training throughout Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Birmingham, the West Midlands, South West, Midlands and nationwide.

What do we need to provide for on-site training?

The customer needs to provide suitable equipment and a safe environment for training and assessment.

This normally includes:

  • Suitable plant machinery
  • Appropriate transporter, low loader or trailer
  • Safe loading and unloading area
  • Suitable loading ramps or loading system
  • Serviceable load-securing equipment
  • Appropriate anchorage and securing points
  • Relevant operator manuals
  • Suitable risk assessments and safe working arrangements
  • Evidence of candidates' Plant Mover certification
  • Appropriate PPE
  • Photo identification where required

NPORS N120 Plant Loader & Securer Training and Certification

Plant Loader Securer is the NPORS N120 category.

Candidates complete the appropriate theory and practical assessment for the route being undertaken.

Vally Plant Training is an NPORS Accredited Training Provider, delivering training and assessment directly to employers rather than acting as a training broker.

In-House Plant Loader Securer Training and Certification

Not every plant transport business needs an NPORS Operator Card.

Some companies require employees to be trained and assessed specifically for their own machinery, transporters and workplace arrangements.

Where appropriate, in-house Plant Loader Securer Training and certification can provide an alternative.

This can suit plant hire companies, machinery dealers, transport businesses and other employers whose personnel work with company equipment and whose customers or contracts do not require NPORS certification.

An in-house certificate is not the same as an NPORS Operator Card.

Acceptance depends on the employer, client, site, principal contractor and insurer.

PPE Required for Plant Loader Securer Training

Candidates should wear suitable PPE for practical plant loading and securing activities and comply with any additional requirements of the customer site.

  • Safety Boots ✓ Hi-Vis Clothing ✓ Hard Hat ✓ Suitable Workwear ✓ Suitable Gloves ✓ Site-Specific PPE

Plant Loader Securer Training Prices

Plant Loader Securer Training is quoted according to the specific workplace requirement.

Pricing can depend on:

  • Novice or experienced route
  • Number of candidates
  • Customer location
  • Machinery being used
  • Transport equipment
  • Training duration
  • Candidate experience
  • Travel requirements

The course is currently quoted as POA + VAT.

Where several suitable employees need the same training, a group booking can be an efficient way of training your plant transport team together.

Call 01684 297167 or email info@vallyplanttraining.co.uk for an accurate quotation.

Why Choose Vally Plant Training?

Vally Plant Training has delivered practical plant operator training since 2014 and provides workplace training to companies throughout the UK.

We are a family-run, direct training provider — not a broker.

For a specialist course such as Plant Loader Securer, that practical approach is important.

Candidates need to understand how loading and securing principles apply to real machinery, real transporters and changing working conditions.

Companies choose Vally Plant Training for:

  • NPORS Accredited Training Provider
  • Specialist Plant Loader Securer Training
  • NPORS N120 training and assessment
  • Nationwide workplace delivery
  • Experienced industry instructors
  • Novice and Experienced Worker Test routes
  • Company and group bookings
  • Training using relevant customer equipment
  • In-house certification where appropriate
  • CITB Training Provider Network Member
  • Direct training provider rather than a broker
  • Family-run business established in 2014
  • 5-star Google reviews

Need to Train Your Plant Transport Team?

Tell us how many employees require training, their previous experience and the plant, transporters and securing equipment available at your workplace.

We can identify whether novice training, the Experienced Worker Test or an in-house course is the appropriate route.

Request a Training Quote

Full course duration, fees and delivery details
Detail 01Category/Duration box:
Detail 02Experienced Worker Test: 2-3 Hours • Maximum 6 Candidates. Test-only assessment route for experienced personnel who already regularly load, position and secure plant machinery for transport.
Detail 03Novice Training: 2 Days • Maximum 3 Candidates. Structured theory and practical training covering the safe loading, positioning, restraint and preparation of plant machinery for transport.
Detail 04Training Location: On-Site at Customer Premises Nationwide*. Train your drivers using the plant machinery, transporters, trailers and load-securing equipment used within your own operation.
Detail 05Important Prerequisite: Plant Mover Competence Required. Candidates must already hold a valid Plant Mover operator certificate as evidence of previous training before undertaking Plant Loader Securer training.
Detail 06Pricing: POA + VAT, quoted per booking (route, candidates, location, machinery, transport equipment).

Frequently asked questions

What is a load and secure ticket?

A 'load and secure ticket' is a common way of describing certification for loading and securing plant machinery for transport.

The NPORS category offered by Vally Plant Training is N120 Plant Loader Securer.

The course covers preparing the loading area and transporter, loading and positioning machinery, selecting suitable restraints and completing load security checks.

Your training or assessment route depends on your existing experience.

Do I need training to load an excavator onto a low loader?

Anyone responsible for loading and securing an excavator or other item of plant needs to be competent for the work they are carrying out.

Plant Loader Securer Training covers the additional skills involved in preparing the transporter, loading the machine, positioning it and securing it for transport.

What is NPORS N120?

N120 is the NPORS category for Plant Loader Securer.

It covers the knowledge and practical competence involved in safely loading, positioning and securing plant machinery for transport.

Do I need a Plant Mover certificate before Plant Loader Securer Training?

Yes.

Candidates need a valid Plant Mover operator certificate as evidence of previous training before completing Plant Loader Securer Training.

If required, candidates can complete our Plant Mover Training Course first.

Is Plant Mover the same as Plant Loader Securer?

No.

Plant Mover Training covers safely moving and repositioning machinery.

Plant Loader Securer Training covers the additional skills required to load that machinery onto a transporter, position it correctly and secure it ready for travel.

How long does Plant Loader Securer Training take?

Novice Plant Loader Securer Training is 2 days for a maximum of 3 candidates.

Suitable experienced drivers may complete the 1-day Experienced Worker Test for a maximum of 6 candidates.

Can experienced plant transport drivers take the test without doing the full course?

Yes, provided they already have sufficient knowledge and practical competence.

The Experienced Worker Test is an assessment rather than shortened training.

Our NPORS Experienced Worker Test Guide explains how the route works.

Can Plant Loader Securer Training be carried out at our depot or yard?

Yes.

The course is delivered at suitable customer premises nationwide.

Your company needs appropriate plant, transport equipment, load-securing equipment and a safe area where practical training and assessment can take place.

What machinery can be used during Plant Loader Securer Training?

The machinery depends on the customer's operation and available equipment.

Training can involve excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and other suitable plant that candidates are already competent to move.

Does Plant Loader Securer Training cover chains, straps and load restraints?

Yes.

Candidates need to understand the selection, inspection and correct application of suitable securing equipment, including appropriate securing points and restraint methods.

The equipment used will depend on the machinery and transporter involved.