In the transportation industry, proper cargo placement is an extremely important element. This not only allows the goods to be delivered intact, but also affects the safety of the driver.
Regulations for securing cargo in transportation
How to properly transport cargo is covered in Article 61 – Traffic Law, which pays special attention to several aspects. The most important of these is that the cargo must not exceed the vehicle’s permissible gross vehicle weight or the vehicle’s permissible payload. In addition, the load must not impair the vehicle’s stability, must not impede the vehicle’s steering, and must not cause the vehicle’s permissible axle loads on the road to be exceeded.
Cargo securing methods
The securing of cargo depends primarily on its type, weight, dimensions and the body of the vehicle to be transported. However, in order to properly secure the cargo, it must first be properly arranged in the space of the trailer. Wanting to do this correctly, we can use one of the methods of immobilizing the cargo.
The first method is the blocking method, which, as the name suggests, relies on the goods themselves to block each other. The second method , lashing, uses available tools such as straps or chains to keep the goods from moving.
The choice of method depends mainly on the type of goods to be transported. However, simply positioning the goods properly is not enough. In order to make sure that the products do not change position during the journey itself, as well as in sudden and unexpected situations, the positioned goods must be properly secured. Typically, transport straps with tensioners and anti-slip mats are used for this. In addition, beams, spreader bars, safety nets or cargo securing strips can be used. In accordance with current regulations. Article 61 of the Traffic Law, the tools used to secure the load should be secured to prevent them from loosening, dangling freely or falling while driving.
Refusal to load and unload the trailer
Note that in certain situations, it is possible to refuse to load or unload a semi-trailer. This applies to circumstances in which the semi-trailer on which the goods are to be loaded is in poor technical condition or there are doubts as to whether the goods will be transported intact. In the case of unloading a semi-trailer, there is also the possibility of refusing to perform this action, for example, if the shipping documents are missing or if the seal on the trailer door lock is damaged.
The impact of proper cargo security in transportation on traffic and costs
Transporting goods involves certain responsibilities. It is important to comply with regulations relating to the issue of securing and loading the goods. Proper execution of these activities has a direct impact on the safety of the driver and other road users. It should also be borne in mind that transported goods that have been improperly stowed or secured may be damaged, which will generate additional costs.
