Cargo securement is a significant aspect when it comes to road safety. For a long time, road safety has been vital for all truckers. As reported by Transport Topics, this goes beyond just following the rules. They don't always cover all possible challenges while in transit. In the case of flatbeds, it is all out there for all to see. If they have any faults, inspectors or patrol guys can easily see them. This is not just for the safety of the cargo; it is also about the workers and all other road users.
How to Secure Cargo
Securing cargo is like an art. It calls for skill, knowledge, and creativity. Kimberly Maes noted that the only challenge is that different products need unique ways to secure them. Maes added that lumber and coils are very different. A flatbed can carry a variety of products, from machinery to tubing. All of them need a unique way of securing them on the flatbed.
The most common hack to securing cargo is using more than the tie-downs stated by FMCSA. Even experts agree with this point. Truckers can not just use five since the law says so. What could happen if one of them became loose? Loaders are free to add a few extra tie-downs to secure the cargo. In this case, if one becomes loose, the rest remain intact. The practice will not only secure cargo, but it will also save the truckers from legal issues. Having an extra tie-down is the way to go.
The May Inspection Report
As usual, there is always an annual road check to keep truckers on their toes. Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. were the affected countries. They inspected a total of over 59,400 commercial motor vehicles. 81% of the vehicles had no big enough issues to take them off the road. CVSA checked several aspects, and for this year, securing cargo was at the top of the list. Out of the big violations, 12.4% were related to cargo securement.
The Drivers' Responsibility
Once the truck steps on the road, the driver is responsible for ensuring its security. They must regularly stop to check if all is well and confirm that the cargo is intact whenever they are at a truck stop. If the cargo has any issues, it is time to adjust it and ensure it is safe to hit the road again.
It seems straightforward, but truckers must consider details while handling cargo. They must remember the cargo's weight and type while securing it. Some truckers need to have a better mindset about distance counts. Whether you are delivering just within the neighborhood or across the border, securing your cargo correctly is pretty simple. They must always prioritize keeping the cargo on the trailer at all times.
Continuous training is needed to ensure that all truckers are well-informed about securing cargo. It is costly, but it pays off big time. With the high turnover rates, trucking companies must put in more effort to train new and old workers on securing cargo. This expense saves truckers from legal issues and the costs of damaged goods. It assures quality and safety for all involved.
