Truck drivers are tasked with getting your freight safely from its point of origin to its final destination. Protecting your cargo also keeps the driver, the vehicle and others on the road safe. It’s the driver’s primary role, and they take it seriously.
When you are shipping cargo, rest assured that your driver and their carrier want it to arrive safely as much as you do. Here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we’ve been moving cargo for over 65 years and we know that keeping it safe means keeping you happy, keeping our trucks on the road and keeping everyone safe.
Understanding securement, the laws that regulate securement and what types are available can take the mystery out of how your cargo will be protected as it is transported. This article will give you peace of mind as you begin to understand how a driver secures your cargo for its journey.
As you may have guessed from the root word, in the trucking industry “securement” is the process of keeping freight secure for the trip. Because no trip is completely predictable (drivers may have to brake quickly, take a sharp turn or make an unscheduled stop), securement keeps freight from sliding, falling or rolling — no matter what downward or sideways forces are placed on it.
No matter the type of trailer, securement usually starts with attaching the freight to it This keeps the freight in place and prevents most movement during the drive. Depending on the type, size and weight of the freight, this may be enough. Some combinations of trailer and cargo will need additional securements.
If securement fails, it can quickly become a public safety issue (loose cargo can cause accidents, property damage, injury to the driver or others on the road and even death). This means there are regulations that govern minimum requirements.
Securements are regulated by the Federal Motor Security Carrier Administration (FMSCA) through the North American Cargo Securement Standard. This standard regulates, among other things:
This is just the most basic overview of the FMSCA’s regulations. Before sending your freight off, be sure the driver understands the full set of regulations and is prepared to follow them.
If your driver and carrier fail to obey these laws, the consequences will be on them. No matter who you have chosen as your carrier, be sure they are trustworthy and follow every required guideline.
Dry vans are an enclosed shipping option. While some securement comes from the walls of the truck (be sure your driver knows if the walls will flex before depending on them to keep freight in place), this is not enough to prevent your freight from shifting and moving during transit.
The inside of a dry van protects from the elements, bugs and debris that may be present with other types of vehicles. Adding securements means your freight is also protected from damage caused by movement or impact.
Flatbed trailers of all sizes and heights are open to the elements. These unenclosed vehicles are visible to the public and undergo more scrutiny than dry vans. Securements on flatbeds have the added feature of helping the public “feel” safe by showing them your freight is properly loaded and secured.
The responsibility for securing the load falls on the driver. They will use one or more types of securement depending on the vehicle and freight and will have everything fully secure before leaving your site. Here are the most common items used to secure and protect freight during transport:
Your carrier should provide all needed securements. If you have questions about what will be used or wish to inspect the load once it is secured, ask your driver.
Download the Freight Carrier Vetting Guide.
As noted earlier, it is ultimately the carrier’s responsibility to deliver your freight safely and on time. But by taking a few simple steps, you will be helping protect your valuable assets during transit. Here’s what you can do:
As soon as possible, let the carrier know the type of cargo you will be shipping, as well as the length, width, height and weight. This helps the carrier prepare with the right vehicle and the right type and number of securements.
If your needs change, convey that information as soon as possible. In trucking, providing clear and thorough information to your provider is one of the best ways to keep your shipment moving securely and on time.
You are the expert in your specific commodity. If you have experience with different carriers and different types of securement they have used, share it with the customer service representative and driver. They may use that information along with FMSCA regulations and their own experience to fully secure your load.
If your freight will be unloaded with a crane or forklift, be sure the freight is loaded in a way that you can access it, such as on pallets.
The most important thing to remember when shipping freight is that, while it is the carrier’s responsibility, you can help the process by communicating clearly and often. When you choose a transportation provider, be prepared to answer questions about what you will be shipping, including specifications for every leg of the trip.
No matter the distance or freight you will be moving, securements are vital in making sure it arrives unharmed. By understanding the types of securements and specifying your needs to the carrier, you can help protect your valuable cargo.
Once you know what you will be shipping, contact the ATS team. Our experienced representatives will provide an estimate, including needed equipment and securements for the drive.