Tips for Transporting Cargo Safely with Your Semi-Truck

Here at California Truck Centers, we want all truck drivers to be efficient and safe. The work can be difficult, but with the right tips, you can transport cargo with your semi-truck with no problem. To help you get started, we’ve provided some of the top safety tips for your next job.

Understanding Weight Limitations

Let’s start with some essential tips. All trucks have a weight limitation when it comes to how many additional features they can handle, as well as the weight of the cargo. Overloading your semi-truck can not only be a safety hazard, there can be legal repercussions if you’re pulled over with an overloaded vehicle.

You’ll need to know your truck’s GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating. This will tell you the total amount of weight your entire towing unit can’t exceed when you take it to a weigh station, including:

   • The semi-truck itself

   • Cargo

   • Add-on parts

   • Fuel

   • Passengers

Loading and Securing Cargo

Create a Safe Loading Space

Make sure you have the appropriate amount of space needed to load your cargo and avoid dangerous situations for you and your team. This means understanding which areas around each individual load will pose a higher risk. For example, if the load falls off, make sure no one is standing in a spot where they could be hurt.

Plan Accordingly for Each Load, Including Irregularly Shaped Cargo

Every load will present unique problems. Some cargo you’ll be able to load by hand, others may require a forklift, and others still may even require a crane or larger machine. Assess the cargo you’ll be loading and create an appropriate plan to get it into the semi-truck safely.

Reduce Slip and Trip Hazards

Never underestimate the danger of simply tripping around a semi-truck. An uneven loading surface or slippery one can create a hazard for your team, so make sure everyone’s wearing the right shoes for the job and be careful when walking on the flatbed and climbing on and off it.

Properly Securing a Load

Every load should be secured with tie-downs, tarps, and/or bungee cords. Exactly what you need will likely change depending on the load. Just as importantly, all of these security measures need to be checked and inspected before heading out to reduce the risk of tie-down failure on the road.

With the right plan and the right team, getting your semi-truck ready for the next haul can be a breeze, without putting anyone in danger at any stage of the job. But first, you’ll need that semi-truck. Contact California Truck Centers if you’re in the market for a new semi-truck. We might have just what you need at one of our many dealerships across the state of California!