When you pick up a load and sign a freight bill accepting a load, it is yours until it is delivered and accepted by the consignee. Any damage that occurs along the way is out of your pocket. Making sure your freight is secure and keeping it secure en route are primary concerns for every driver. Loads can shift, chains or binders can break, boxes can fall, etc. It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure loads are secure. Don’t rely solely on personnel from the shipper. If they don’t do a good job and your load shifts, it’s still your fault.

To properly secure your freight, you must first know and understand the capacity of your vehicle. Experience is the best teacher and over time you learn to recognize dangerous situations including high center of gravity, liquid surges, weight distribution and inadequate chains or straps. Your trailer suspension can affect your load. A stiff suspension will cause more bounce and movement inside the trailer or on the bed of trailer. Shifting freight may damaged trailer sides or put additional strain on chains that might snap.

Before loading, check your trailer for damage. Holes in vans can cause damage to loads due to weather or road debris. Be present for the loading of your trailer. Count and examine freight for existing damage.

When loading dry freight in a van, keep it tight if possible. Make sure heavier items are on the bottom to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Use inflatable dunnage to fill empty spaces. Use load locks at regular intervals throughout the load. Refrigerated loads require space for air circulation. Unused pallets along the sides of refrigerated trailers keep the load tight while allowing circulation.

Remember, most U.S. roads aren’t flat. Most slope from the center to the edges to drain water off the road. As you change lanes, your load moves from side to side. If your load isn’t secure, this shifting can cause serious damage for which you are responsible.

When loading a flatbed trailer, make sure you have enough chains to do the job. Make sure you have chains that conform to North American Cargo Securement Standards. Use adequate blocks nailed or secured to the trailer bed to prevent cargo movement. Use cross chaining on heavy equipment and steel coils. Protect cargo from damage from chains by using padding or coil protectors. Scrap automobiles are extremely difficult to secure and need constant checking.

Check your load often. Redistribute the load if necessary to keep it secure. Avoid sudden maneuvers that can cause cargo to shift. Proper loading and careful driving will keep your load on the truck and off the highway.

We’re committed to working in partnership with you to protect your business by eliminating loss-producing situations and controlling accidents. For additional assistance, contact our Safety Services Department at 1800-828-5273.

Source - Sentry Insurance Safety Advisor