Proper methods must be observed to distribute weight, secure loads, and inspect the trailer before and after loading.
Before loading up and pulling out with a trailer in tow, inspecting the trailer you will be using is crucial. During the pre-load examination, check for any impairment to the trailer bed.
Make sure the floor is clean and dry to control slips and falls while loading the trailer. Confirm the tires are in good circumstances and set to the proper pressure. Ensure the brakes and lights are operating correctly. Guarantee the safety chains are hooked up to the hitch and crossed over each other.
Always guarantee that the equipment used to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle is appropriately fitted, secured, and modified. The hitch, tow vehicle, and ball must have a rated towing capacity equal to or greater than the weight of the trailer and the cargo blended.
A person’s hands tightened a black strap on a wooden load, with an orange hard hat and gloves positioned nearby.
Before loading a trailer, first start by designing how the load will be organized. Consider the weight of each object and its placement in the trailer. Even weight distribution is going to be necessary to maintain stability during transport.
Plan to place heavier objects on the bottom and towards the front of the trailer. This will aid in lowering the center of gravity, which improves stability and reduces the chance of the trailer tipping over.
It’s necessary to think ahead before starting to load the trailer because you want to avoid setting too much weight on one side to stop unbalanced loads that can lead to dangerous driving situations.
A diagram showing inaccurate and correct ways to load boxes on a trailer, with the incorrect approach having boxes stacked unevenly and the accurate method showing a balanced load.
Do what you can to control injuries during the loading process, particularly if there is more than one person loading and everyone is operating quickly.
Use proper equipment and tools when loading trailers. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and dollies can support moving heavy items with less bodily strain.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vests to defend against injuries.
Observe out for pinch points and avoid placing hands and feet in areas where they could be snared by moving cargo.
Throughout the procedure, keep the loading area clean and free from obstructions. Clear away any trash, excessive items, and spills immediately to stop slips, trips, and falls.
Metal rods tightly fastened with green and yellow ratchet straps on a trailer bed.
While loading a trailer, be conscious of the trailer’s weight capacity. Make adjustments to the load if required to stay within the safe weight limitations. Never overstuff in such a way that exceeds the weight capacity of the trailer.
Trailers loaded inaccurately can start swaying dangerously at high speeds and can effortlessly jackknife if the driver has to make an impulsive stop. Load the trailer in a way that spreads the weight evenly and ensures that the cargo is equally proportional on each side.
The cargo should all be fully organized and supported by the flatbed trailer. If the cargo being transported by the trailer is longer than the trailer itself, or overhangs off the trailer in any method, be sure to check your state’s statutes on overhang restrictions and requirements.
All materials being thrilled on a trailer should be completely immobilized so there will be no horizontal or vertical motion, no shifting, and no tipping at all when the trailer is on the road. All tie-downs must be connected in such a way that will prevent them from loosening or opening during travels.
A trailer surrounded by a green cargo net secures a load of wooden pallets.
All cargo on the trailer, large and small, must be reserved well enough so there is no chance of movement when the trailer is in motion. The cargo should not be able to shift during transportation.
Review all tie-downs for wear and damage. If any conditions are frayed, defective,e or damaged, do not use them. All connecting devices like straps, ropes, and chains must be in reasonable condition and strong enough to hold the load. Do not use bungee cords or tarp straps as the primary way of securing the load.
Tie-downs and securing machines must not include knots. Each tie-down must be attached in a manner that prevents it from becoming loose, unfastened, opened, or released while the vehicle is in transit.
Edge protection must be used whenever a tie-down is subject to abrasion or cutting at the pinpoint of contact with the cargo.
Consider each item on the trailer and make sure everything is connected in such a way that nothing will leak, spill, blow off, tear apart, tip over, or fall from the trailer.
Remember, you are connecting the load for sudden stops and evasive action, not just for normal driving circumstances.
A close-up of a person’s gloved hand pulling a blue ratchet strap on a wooden load, with an orange hard hat relaxing nearby.
After the trailer is loaded, perform a final examination.
Check that all connecting devices are tight and in place and ensure the load is long-lasting and will not shift during transport. Review that all items are secured separately if possible and consider using additional securing techniques like load bars and cargo nets for added protection.
Guarantee that the trailer, as well as the load, falls within the towing capabilities of the vehicle.
Confirm that the cargo does not cover the license plate, lights, or reflectors and it does not block the driver’s view in any way. Make sure all equipment used for loading is appropriately stored away. For box trailers, ensure the trailer doors and locks are protected. Ensure there is at least one spare tire unrestricted for the trailer, along with a lug nut wrench and a jack, just in case you require to change a flat tire on the side of the road.
Cargo straps can be reduced during travel with the vibrations of the road, so early in the journey and regularly throughout the drive, pull over safely and review that everything persists to remain fully secured on the trailer.
