How to Secure Your Cargo: 4 Tips

So Road Check is just around the corner. Do you have all the information on the principles of safe cargo and equipment storage?

It turns out that Road Check will soon be focusing on cargo safety. So that drivers don’t break anything and can move as comfortably as possible, it pays to adhere to the four rules outlined below. They will allow you to guarantee the safety of cargo and comply with even the strictest regulations of the law.

1. Own the Rules

The official must be aware of the regulations concerning the securing of cargo. And not only in Russia, but in all the countries where you have to work. And not just in their field, but in related industries served. Here are some useful resources that will help familiarize you with the innovations:

– Rules for Securing Dangerous Goods, detailed information is available at www.ecfr.gov;
– Federal Motor Carrier and Vehicle Safety Regulation Cargo Safety Standards;
– Canadian Motor Carrier Safety Board Standards;
– CVSA Category Handbook under specific exit criteria as well as cargo safety standards, details at www.CVSA.org.

2. Secure the Equipment and the Load Being Transported Properly

That is, it is not enough to simply secure the load. You need to do the same with everything that is transported in the truck. We’re talking about fasteners, work tools, pallet jacks, spares, etc. The use of cords and tarpaulin straps is strictly prohibited for this purpose. It is worth remembering that an enclosed box trailer by itself cannot provide proper protection for transported cargo. Many bulky or overly heavy objects require auxiliary securing.

3. Inspect the Fasteners for Obvious Damage and Signs of Wear and Tear

It is important to prevent fasteners from loosening, disconnecting or even coming loose while the truck is in motion. With the passage of time they can become unserviceable. Only a timely inspection will allow for the replacement of unserviceable elements and ensure the safety of the load. The North American CVSA recommends a list of deficiencies for steel cables, chains, ropes, synthetic straps, webbing, fittings, and the specific points at which they are secured.

4. Establish Best Practices for Your Own Fleet of Vehicles

If you have multiple trucks and drivers at your disposal and under your control, it is important for each of them to use the same safety practices as well as cargo inspection techniques, equipment. You should read the examples and experiences of competing carriers and find out what is appropriate in a particular situation. But you always need to monitor the reliability of fastening and securing of cargo to prevent it from shifting or falling, and leaking, if it is a liquid substance. After all, if the load is dislodged, it can lead to accidents, damage to the truck, equipment. And in the case of inspections, there is a risk of fines being assessed, which will greatly affect the reputation of your transportation company as well as its budget.

By following these 4 principles, you can transport cargo reliably, preserving your own assets, reputation, and providing the driver with maximum safety. In fact, these are not all the rules, but they are basic and deserve special attention.