Securement
- Go the extra step when you secure your freight. Always above and beyond FMCSA required minimums.
- Secure your load to prevent forward motion during hard braking by using methods discussed in this manual. Header boards, bulkheads, crossed chains or straps, and trip chains and straps are very important.
- Make sure every piece of cargo on your trailer has downward pressure from a tie-down, a block of dunnage, or another piece of cargo that is restrained.
Behind the wheel
Your driving habits can greatly affect the performance of your securement setup. While a driver cannot control the other drivers around him in traffic, there are steps every driver must take to remain safe on the road. Most cargo shifts are the result of hard or emergency braking. When on the road be sure you are practicing good driving habits.
- Avoid distraction- Traffic and conditions are constantly changing. Staying alert allows a driver to detect changes early and react accordingly.
- Practice good space management– As taught in orientation and other training exercises. The extra space given by proper following distance greatly improves the driver’s visibility
- Take your time turning- Go a bit slower when going around curves and turning corners. Cornering to quickly puts lateral pressure on the load and can cause shifts.
- Brake Early- Look out as far as you can see ahead of you. Recognize problems early and brake as early as possible. Earlier braking means lighter braking, and lighter braking reduces the risk of shifting cargo.