FAQs

Definitely not! A cargo barrier must comply with Australian/New Zealand Standard AS4034, the most rigorous standard in the world. The current version, AS4034.1:2008, ensures safety in accidents. Non-compliant barriers put people at risk, and in workplaces, they could lead to legal consequences.

No.

No.

Hanging items can create additional stress on the barrier and its mountings, affecting performance. Always place cargo on the floor and against the barrier for optimal safety.

Yes.

Milford 4WD/SUV and passenger vehicle barriers include child restraint covers (hinged plastic). These are also available separately—check with your local distributor for details.

Not unless they’ve been designed and tested to withstand cargo barrier impact forces. Some newer vehicles have factory-fitted mounting points, but most require an aftermarket mounting kit for safe installation.

No. We strongly advise against using second-hand cargo barriers.

Look for a permanently attached Rating Label. If the label is missing or does not state AS4034.1, the barrier may be non-compliant or only partially compliant. Always verify compliance before purchase.

Installation: 1 to 3 hours, depending on the vehicle and mounting complexity.

Repositioning: If your barrier has multiple mounting points, moving it takes 5–10 minutes by adjusting the four attachment fixings.

We recommend that a Cargo Barrier is only installed by a suitably qualified person, Milford provide detailed and complete fitting instructions and conduct training sessions to ensure the best possible installation. All installation components necessary to suit the vehicle model for which the Cargo Barrier is intended must be fully engineered and tested - Milford work closely with car manufacturers to provide the best possible mounting solution.

Most of our Station Wagon and 4WD Cargo Barriers are designed for dual-position installation. Generally, they are designed to be located behind the second row of seats for short loads, then may be moved behind the front row of seats for longer loads. This location flexibility helps to protect the occupants in a larger range of situations.

No—quality matters too.

All Milford Cargo Barriers undergo product audits for the best fit and function. They are manufactured in our TS16949, ISO9001 & ISO14001 accredited facility. We are Australia and New Zealand’s leading supplier of cargo barriers for both vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Milford barriers are also trusted by major fleet operators.

Air curtains deploy at up to 320km/h within 3 milliseconds, protecting passengers in a crash. Before installing a cargo barrier in a side air curtain-equipped vehicle, you must confirm:

• The barrier does not obstruct the airbag in any mounted position.
• The installation has been tested and/or approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Unlike some competitors, Milford does not recommend barriers that interfere with air curtains. Improper installations could block deployment, leading to serious liability risks in accidents.

We strongly advise against using second-hand cargo barriers. Cargo barriers are designed and tested under strict conditions, so any modifications or use of alternative mounting points will void the warranty and rated capacity. If a second-hand or modified barrier is installed, the original rating plaque must be removed and replaced with a non-rated capacity tag. Otherwise, liability transfers from the manufacturer to the installer or retailer.

A compliant cargo barrier must:

• Be specifically designed for each vehicle model.
• Allow full access to seat belts and child restraints without extra-cost modifications.
• Include an escape mechanism in case of entrapment.
• Be securely fastened to the vehicle’s frame using approved mounting points (not seat belt anchorages).

To meet the AS4034.1 standard, a cargo barrier must:

• Withstand an impact of 1200kg, simulating a 48km/h frontal crash with a 60kg load.
• Maintain its structure and not deform beyond the allowable limits.

Milford Cargo Barriers undergo NATA-approved testing and certification to ensure compliance.

AS4034.1 tests barriers using a worst-case scenario—a single 60kg mass. However, real-world tests suggest barriers can restrain multiple smaller items that exceed 60kg in total. Because cargo composition varies, the standard does not provide a specific rating for different load distributions.

To ensure maximum safety:

• Place cargo against the barrier. Loads positioned further away increase impact force by up to five times.
• If you require a higher load rating, contact us to discuss custom solutions.

Minimal impact.

Milford Cargo Barriers are designed to fit as close as possible to the seats. The barrier allows you to safely stack cargo to the roofline, making better use of the space.