Insuring Loads Are Secure for Transit

Who strapped this trailer down? Chuck Norris? I bet it isn't even strapped down, he just sternly told the trailer to "You stay right there & don't move."

Securing cargo is critical for safety and preventing damage. Properly securing items in a vehicle ensures they won't become dangerous projectiles during sudden stops, turns, or accidents. This isn't just about protecting the items themselves, but also about safeguarding the driver, passengers, and other people on the road.

Understanding the Dangers

When you're driving, the objects inside your vehicle are subject to the same forces as the vehicle itself. If you suddenly brake, turn a corner sharply, or get into a collision, these forces can cause unsecured items to move violently.

• Sudden Stops: Imagine a small tool bag sitting on the passenger seat. When you slam on the brakes, the bag keeps moving forward due to inertia. This is the same principle that sends a heavy item, like a ladder, hurtling toward the front of a vehicle during a head-on collision. What was once a simple piece of equipment can become a dangerous projectile, capable of causing serious injury or death.

• Sharp Turns: Going around a corner can cause items to shift from side to side. An unsecured dehumidifier in a cargo van could slide and slam into the side door, potentially breaking the glass or even forcing the door open and exiting the vehicle. Items can also shift and fall out of open-bed trucks or trailers, creating hazards for other drivers.

• Rollovers: In a rollover accident, the force of gravity is no longer holding items in place. Instead, they can be violently thrown in any direction, turning a cargo space into a chaotic and dangerous environment.

The Right Ways to Secure Cargo

To prevent these dangers, it's essential to use the right equipment and techniques for securing your load.

1. Use Straps and Bracing Bars: For large, heavy items like dehumidifiers or air filtration devices, use straps to anchor them firmly against the vehicle's walls. This prevents them from shifting forward, backward, or side to side. In box trucks, use bracing bars to isolate and secure items, creating a rigid barrier that prevents movement.

2. Wedge and Isolate Smaller Items: For smaller equipment like fans or tools, you can often wedge them into tight spaces to prevent them from rolling around. However, always ensure they are stable and won't become loose in a sudden stop.

3. Use Cargo Nets for Open Vehicles: If you are hauling items in an open truck bed or a trailer, a cargo net is a simple but effective way to cover the entire load. It keeps items from flying out in a collision or rollover.

4. Install a Partition: If your vehicle doesn't have a solid barrier between the cargo area and the driver's compartment, consider adding a steel partition. This safety feature can protect the vehicle's occupants from being struck by unsecured items during a front-end collision.

5. Secure Permanent Equipment: For permanently mounted equipment, such as toolboxes or generators, use strong bolts with thick steel plates underneath the vehicle's floor. This prevents the bolts and washers from tearing through the sheet metal in an accident. Regularly inspect these connections to ensure they aren't loose or rusted.

6. People are never Cargo: Don't do this, there isn't a seat belt, and a 5 gallon bucket isn't a seat.

Plan Ahead

The most important step in securing cargo is planning ahead. Before you start your trip, think about what you're hauling and what you'll need to secure it. Bringing extra straps, nets, or bracing equipment can make a huge difference.

Also, choose the right vehicle for the job. Don't try to haul oversized items in a vehicle that's too small. For example, using a pickup truck with a short bed to haul long items like 16-foot 2x4s is a recipe for disaster. While it may seem impressive to load a vehicle to its limits and get to your destination safely, the risk isn't worth it. Taking a few extra minutes to properly secure your load can prevent serious injury and damage, and in the long run, save you from the regret of not having done so.