Month: November 2019

The Importance of Securing Your Load

the-importance-of-securing-your-load

In early November, as a Sacramento woman drove her Impala down the highway, her car was struck by a large, metal bar that had fallen off a flatbed driving in front of her.  The bar flew through the engine compartment and into the front of the car where it impaled the woman’s leg. The driver of the car was expected to be fine but accidents like this one are far too common and it highlights the need for drivers to secure their loads.

Danger

An improperly secured load is a danger to the driver, those who unload it, and everyone else who shares the road. Whether the truck is pulling a flatbed,  van, or dump trailer, the load that is in or on it, must be secured, as mandated by the DOT.   

Aside from the obvious debris coming off a flatbed, there are other hazards.  Pallets not secured can tumble in the back of a van trailer and boxes can fly out when the trailer is opened.  Items like hoses on tankers or tarps covering flatbed cargo can become dangerous if they are unsecured and flap in the wind.  For dump trucks, you may not be able to see what it’s carrying but it can still fly out and crack your windshield. An unsecured load on a flatbed could cause freight to fall off into traffic or on a road where it can cause an accident resulting in injury or death.  

Your load should not only be secure but it also needs to be balanced.  Freight stacked too high can obstruct the flatbed driver’s view or in a trailer, it can affect the trailer’s center of gravity making easier to tip over.  Loads that are not balanced can adversely affect the truck’s handling. 

It’s not uncommon for a box or pallet to fall onto the driver as he/she opens the trailer.  The injuries can be serious. Carrying livestock can be extremely difficult because even if the livestock are secured, they will still move which can affect the handling of the truck.  

Securing the Load

No matter what the load or what kind of truck, there are lots of tools to use to secure the load.  Load bars and load straps have ends that hook into tracks on the walls inside the trailer.  Load bars work best with simple, boxy pallets where load straps work well for irregularly-shaped loads.  For trailers without tracks inside, pressure-fitted load bars work well. Other types of devices used for securing loads are chains, synthetic webbing, tiedowns, wire rope, synthetic rope, steel strapping, blocking, grab hooks, binders, shackles, and friction mats.

Each state has different regulations for securing loads so you need to be aware of rules for the states you drive in as well as federal rules.

Here are some ways that you can secure your load:

  • Drive smoothly.  Fast stops and starts or taking corners too fast can dislodge your cargo.
  • Help load the truck or observe during the loading process.
  • Be careful when opening your trailer door.  Don’t stand directly in front as you open the door.  If it has two doors, open them one at a time.  
  • If something is falling, don’t try to stop it.  Instead of damaged freight, you have a damaged body and damaged freight.
  • If you’re pulling a flatbed, check your mirrors.  Your load must not obscure your view. Recheck periodically–when you stop or every few hours.  
  • Be aware of your trailer’s center of gravity.  If freight is stacked too high, your trailer will have a high center of gravity and will be more likely to tip over. 
  • On flatbed trailers, the load must be secured with straps that keep it from shifting.
  • If using a tarp, it must be securely tied down to keep it from flapping in the wind as you drive down the road.
  • Covering the cargo with heavy tarps will protect the cargo and will help keep the cargo from falling off.  
  • Tankers need to secure all hoses used for loading and unloading the product.
  • Many states require dump trucks to use tarps to keep their loads secure.  Dirt, rocks, sand, stone or other things carried by them can fly out and be a real hazard for other drivers.  

In the case of the Sacramento woman, everything turned out okay but it could’ve been much worse.  Always ensure that your load is properly secured for your own safety as well as the safety of others.  

Trucker Search is a tool you need if you’re looking for employment opportunities in the trucking industry.  On Trucker Search’s website, you can post your résumé (which is a short form application) as well as search the ever-expanding database of companies looking for drivers and job postings.  It’s a great resource for any driver starting out in the trucking industry.

 

Sources:  

https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/11/04/metal-bar-flew-off-truck-impaled-woman/

https://www.smart-trucking.com/unsecured-loads/

How To Prepare for Winter Driving

how-to-prepare-for-winter-driving

Winter weather is unpredictable.  It can go from clear and sunny to icy and treacherous before you can say, “Winter Wonderland”. Many drivers start routes in a warm, sunny state and end in one covered in snow.  Being prepared can mean the difference between delivering your load on time and sitting in a frozen truck waiting for help.

With some mindfulness and preparedness, you can be ready for anything that Mother Nature throws at you.

Inspect Your Truck

Make sure it’s ready for cold temperatures.  Check your tires’ pressure and treads, oil, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluids.  

Pack Necessities

In freezing temperatures, fuel can begin to freeze in the tank, fuel line, and filter if you’re not using a winter blend fuel.  Be sure to have some fuel additives with anti-gelling agent on board in case your fuel begins to gel. Having an extra blanket, warm clothes, and gloves can keep you warm if you have no heat. It’s also smart to have things that can help if  you’re stuck in snow or ice like sand, a shovel, traction mats, and salt. Some other useful items are a flashlight, a lighter or matches, jumper cables, food, water, and extra windshield washer fluid. Also, always keep your phone charged.  

Adjust Your Driving If The Weather is Bad

Often, winter accidents happen because drivers don’t slow down in icy or snowy weather.  It may be tempting to keep your speed up to make deliveries on time but getting into an accident will really throw off your schedule.  High speed decreases traction when you need it most.

Hang Back

You may need some extra stopping distance in case an accident happens in front of you.  Winter driving means defensive driving.

React Smoothly

Sudden reactions like sudden braking, accelerating, and turning during slick road conditions are dangerous and can cause an accident for you or others on the road.

Pull Over

If you think the weather is too dangerous to drive in, don’t.  Find a safe place to ride out the storm. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Watch For Wind Gusts

High winds can take you by surprise.  Be cautious when driving in open areas and on mountains, especially if you’re hauling an empty trailer.

Check the Weather Often

Know what you’re driving into even if you have all your safety supplies.  Weather can change quickly so check often.

Be Careful on Bridges

As the signs say, bridges freeze first and in many areas, they are not treated with sand or salt.

Winter driving means driving cautiously and being prepared for the worst.  A bad storm can slow you down but if you are prepared and drive carefully, you just may deliver your load safely and on time.  

If you’re a driver looking for a great company to work for, Trucker Search can help.  Post your resume or search our growing database of companies’ driving job postings. Visit Trucker Search today to find out more.