Improper loading techniques can lead to weight and balance
problems, and can be detrimental to vehicle performance,
including steering, braking and speed control. Failure to
properly secure cargo can result in shifting loads, loss of
vehicle control and road hazards. These problems often
become a contributing factor in truck accidents.
Common problems associated with cargo loading:
Overloading
Trucks hauling loads exceeding gross vehicle weight ratings;
axle, tire and suspension system ratings and capacities; or
legal limits can lead to break failure and increased stopping
distances. Driving conditions, such as inclement weather or
steep downgrades, can create greater problems.
Loads Where the Center of Gravity is too high
Cargo, which has been piled or stacked too high, can affect vehicle handling and precipitate roll-overs, especially in turns or where drivers need to make sudden maneuvers to avoid a hazard.
Outsize or Oversize Loads
Hauling over-length, over-width and/or oversized loads require special driving care. Such loads require special permits and special equipment such as signage, lights and escort vehicles. In addition to vehicle handling problems, a failure to plan routes can result in damage to roads and/or collisions with bridges, tunnels, etc.
Balancing Loads
Off-center or imbalanced loads-front to back and side to side can affect handling, and damage the vehicle and tires. Too much or too little weight on the steering axle can affect safe steering while too much or too little weight on the drive axle can affect traction.
Securing Cargo
The failure to properly secure cargo can result in shifting or sliding loads and affect the handling of the vehicle. Cargo on open bed trailers that has not been properly blocked braced and/or tied down can also fall from the trailer and cause a road hazard. Cargo coverings or tarps can tear loose affecting both the drivers view and that of other drivers.
Tips for Motor Carrier
- Educate dispatchers to match cargos and payloads to vehicle specifications & capabilities.
- Establish procedures for drivers picking up sealed trailers, in order to address payload characteristics, legal load limits and cargo securement requirements
- Ensure drivers are properly trained in transporting cargo safely, including weight and balance characteristic, legal load limits and cargo securement requirements.
- Monitor incidents of overloading and make changes in policies and training programs to address problems.
- Periodically audit loading and cargo securement practices to ensure dispatchers & drivers are following safe practices.
- Establish procedures to handle oversized loads and carefully plan travel routes to avoid road hazards and obstructions.
Tips for Drivers
- As part of pre-trip inspections, make sure cargo is balanced and secured properly.
- Make sure your vehicle and axle weights are within legal limits, and suspension and suspension and coupling ratings are appropriate for the load.
- Ensure tire ratings and inflations are compatible with the load and driving conditions.
- Place and distribute heavier cargo lower, under or below lighter cargo. Keep cargo evenly distributed to avoid an imbalanced load.
- Inspect cargo and tie down devices within the first 50 miles of beginning a trip; when duty status changes and after you have driven three hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first. Remember, this is a change of duty and needs to be recorded in your log book.
- Reduce speeds around curves and sharp turns, particularly if hauling heavy or high loads
- Take special care to avoid colliding with curbs, or tracking onto shoulders, leading to loss of control
- Know your vehicle height and plan your route in advance to avoid clearance problems and collisions with bridges and other obstructions
- Determine payload characteristics before hauling sealed trailers
Source:Sentry Insurance