OTHER CARGO NEEDING SPECIAL ATTENTION

Dry Bulk

Dry bulk tanks require special care because they often have a high center of gravity, and the load can shift. Be extremely cautious (slow and careful) going around curves and making sharp turns.

Hanging Meat

Hanging meat (suspended beef, pork, lamb) in a refrigerated truck can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity. Particular caution is needed on sharp curves such as off ramps and on ramps. Go slow.

Livestock

Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use false bulkheads to keep livestock bunched together. Even when bunched, special care is necessary because livestock can lean on curves. This shifts the center of gravity and makes rollover more likely.

Oversized Loads

Over length, over width, and/or over weight loads require special transit permits. Driving is usually limited to certain times. Special equipment may be necessary such as “oversize” signs, flashing lights, flags, etc. Such loads may require a police escort or pilot vehicles bearing warning signs and/or flashing lights. These special loads require special driving care.

Securing Loads

Secure loads and any required covering. All vehicles loaded with dirt, sand or gravel which do not maintain at least six (6) inches of freeboard must have a secured cover.

The six (6) inches of freeboard shall be maintained, if the load is not covered, after the load has had an opportunity to settle.

Any vehicle with deposits of mud, rocks or other debris on the vehicle’s body, fenders, frame, undercarriage, wheels, or tires shall be cleaned of such material before the operation of the vehicle on a paved public highway.

A broom and shovel should be carried in the truck to accomplish this cleaning.

If the load is a type of material that will be blown from the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, the load needs to be covered to prevent this from occuring.

You can click on the safety tips for more information.

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