Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738771
Regardless of what you're transporting, load security is absolutely vital for the safety of ev- eryone on the road. A poorly secured load can result in damaged cargo, lost income, substan- tial fi nes and will adversely affect your reputa- tion and relationship with your customer. Items that fall off the truck or trailer could strike the following and oncoming traffi c, or a load that shifts could cause the truck to rollover. Any of these occurrences could cause bodily injury or a fatality. In all situations, an improperly secured load is an avoidable situation that professional drivers prevent from occurring. The current FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules have been in effect since January 1, 2004, and provide detailed instructions for different types of loads in the Drivers Handbook on Cargo Securement found on the FMCSA website. "As the driver, you are ultimately responsible for the securement of your cargo," says Bruce Mochrie, Volvo Product and Industry Training Manager. "Your life and the lives of others on the road depend on it." 16 D R I V E R ' S D I G ES T #2 /2016 Text Nic Townsend Illustration Dan Hambe THE DRIVING CHALLENGE Regardless of what you're transporting, 2 Quick inspection The driver is responsible for the cargo securement and inspection activities, so before starting a trip take the time to inspect your truck and your load. Verify that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the tie-down device has suffi cient rating for the cargo weight. Verify that you are compliant with all rules and regulations that apply to where you will be driving. Drivers also are required to inspect at specifi c intervals, pre-trip, within fi rst 50 miles (80 km), when duty status of driver changes, at 3 hour intervals or every 150 miles (240 km), whichever occurs fi rst. Safety Productivity Fuel economy BENEFITS Load Security 1 Planning and preparing It is important to arrange the cargo to ensure the lowest center of gravity possible. Too much weight on either side will increase the risk of a rollover, while too much at the front or back might overload any of the truck's axles. Always approach all corners and intersections at a slow cautious speed, especially if you have a top-heavy load. During hard braking, the full weight of your cargo will add signifi cantly to the stress on the securement devices, so allow for extra braking distance to gradually slow to lower speeds or a complete stop.