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SECURING CARGO Blocking and Bracing Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement. Bracing is also used to prevent movement of cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls of the cargo compartment. Cargo Tiedown On flatbed trailers or trailers without sides, cargo is required to be secured to keep it from shifting and falling off. In closed vans, tiedowns can also be important to prevent cargo shifting that may affect the handling of the vehicle. Tiedowns need to be the proper type and proper strength. The combined strength of all cargo tiedowns must be strong enough to lift one and one half times the weight of the piece of cargo tied down. Proper tiedown equipment is required, including ropes, straps, chains, and tensioning devices (winches, ratchets, clinching components). Tiedowns must be attached to the vehicle correctly (hook, bolt, rails, rings). Cargo should have at least one tiedown for each 10 feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tiedowns to meet this need. No matter how small the cargo is, it should have at least two tiedowns holding it. There are special requirements for securing various heavy pieces of metal. Find out what they are if you are to carry such loads. Header Boards Front end header boards (“headache racks”) protect you from your cargo in case of a collision. Make sure the front end structure is in good condition. The front end structure should block the forward movement of any cargo you carry. Covering Cargo There are two basic reasons for covering cargo, (1) to protect people from spilled cargo, and (2) to protect the cargo from weather. Spill protection is a safety requirement in many states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you drive in. You should look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time while driving. A flapping cover can tear loose, uncovering the cargo, and possibly blocking your view or someone else's. Sealed Loads Sealed loads may be checked by visually checking the trailer exterior. Look for leaning to one side, tires bulging, or trailer tires riding low. When in doubt, weigh and then obtain customer permission to break seal. Reseal after inspection. Containerized Loads Containerized loads generally are used when freight is carried part way by rail or ship. Delivery by truck occurs at the beginning and/or end of the journey. Some containers have their own tiedown devices or locks that attach directly to a special frame. Others have to be loaded onto flat bed trailers. They are secured with tiedowns just like any other large cargo. |
