Load Securement Can’t Be Taken For Granted Posted on January 6, 2017March 9, 2017 by Gary Loberg Any fleet manager can tell you that cargo equals cash and without properly securing a load, drivers could be putting freight at risk. That’s why all members of the transportation supply chain need to prioritize load securement. Here are some of the finer points to remember: Drivers May Cut Corners Time is a main factor for poorly secured loads, according to Columbus McKinnon Corporation. In an attempt to save precious minutes, drivers may cut corners by forgoing routine cargo checks. In trucking, there are many reasons why a driver could be in a hurry. For one, Hours of Service regulations dictate the number of hours a trucker can drive in a day and throughout a week. He or she is also required to take a break after eight hours driving. Drivers may view this rule as a burden because many are paid by the mile. To maximize personal earnings, some truckers may expedite loading processes to spend more time on the road. Cargo that isn’t secured may become damaged in transit and pose larger issues for drivers, motor carriers, shippers and passenger vehicles, such as this 2015 incident in California in which a cargo container fell off a truck and killed a bicyclist, according to the local ABC News affiliate. Pay Attention To Equipment As a cost-conscious, public safety measure, drivers and fleets need to keep in mind the importance of load securement equipment. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) even developed rules detailing best practices including requiring carriers to increase the number of tie-downs when hauling certain types of freight. Securement devices can include cordage, synthetic webbing, wire rope, steel strapping and chain. Carriers aren’t obligated to purchase new tie-downs, but they should still perform standard checks to ensure effectiveness. Drivers should pay special attention to a tie-down’s working load limit, which needs to be clearly visible on the tie-down. For example, chain type tie-downs will indicate a chain grade ranking. This measurement indicates how much of a load chain equipment can handle, and each level will serve a particular shipping need depending on a shipment. Here is a rundown of chain grade rankings from Columbus McKinnon: Grade 30 (weakest) Grade 43 Grade 70 Grade 80 Grade 100 (strongest) Grade 70 chains are most commonly used in the trucking industry compared to other chain grades. Safety Is Important The risks of inadequate tie-downs and load securements are severe, especially during a roadside inspection. If an officer can’t find a tie-down’s markings, the inspector will assume it’s Grade 30, which may lead to a semitrailer being taken out of operation. Time is important in the trucking industry, but safety must come first. Drivers and fleets can’t afford to cut corners when securing loads. Read more: Chain Grades: What’s the Difference? How To Create Engaging Safety Lessons 6 Ways to Enhance Your Safety Training How to Choose the Right Band Saw Blade Motor Bearing Failure Troubleshooting with a Vibration Tester Your Machines Can Burn Out: Are You Prepared to Prevent Downtime? E-commerce offerings: Contact a Customer Service Representative for additional selections, options and solutions. Chains and Chain Slings Hoists, Winches, and Pullers Lifting Attachments Slings Rope Call and let us help meet all of your product and solution needs (866-483-7289). Do you want to be eligible for online ordering? Fill out this online form. Key benefits include: Order anytime, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you can connect, you can place an order. Create templates, aka “My Lists.” Reduce search time, click, order, done. Track purchase history and view your account information. You can review invoices any time, track purchase history, and print or download records.
