Transport cargo can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Unfortunately, a significant cause of load shifts is imbalanced or improper loading. A heavy imbalanced load will throw off the trailer’s center of gravity, causing it to tip, jack-knife, blow tires, or cause other semi-truck accidents.
Cargo must be loaded correctly. It should be properly balanced, meet weight restrictions and requirements, and be correctly secured or strapped down.
Load Shifts Cause Semi-Truck Accidents
Heavy cargo that isn’t correctly secured can shift. When this happens, it can cause a trailer to sway. At high speeds, this swaying can lead to losing control of the vehicle and causing a semi-truck accident. Unfortunately, these accidents can damage the cargo, vehicle, and driver and put other drivers on the road at risk.
In addition to accidents, even a slight shift in the load means you’ll have to call for a load shift service. Reloading cargo in transport is time-consuming and expensive. The downtime will damage your bottom line, and if the cargo is damaged, your reputation with your customers. While Team Pro-Enviro is quick to assist with load shifts, it is always best to do everything possible to prevent them.
Losing Cargo is an Expensive Problem
If cargo is damaged or lost during transport, it is an expensive problem. If the transport company isn’t liable for damages (which they likely will be), it will tarnish their reputation with customers and the industry. Delivering loads undamaged and on time is critical to operating a successful transport business.
Cargo load shifts can also include cargo on flatbed trailers not secured properly. In these cases, cargo or parts of it can shift or even fall off the trailer during transport. Flying cargo can cause significant risks to other drivers. In addition, even debris or flapping straps on your trailer can cause harm to others, cargo and equipment and should always be secured properly.
Protect your drivers and everyone on the road by preventing load shifts. If you need help with cargo recovery or load shift services, call Pro-Enviro!
Learn more about Pro-Enviro!
For more information on Pro-Enviro’s load shift services and to see photos of us in action, check out the other stories on our recovery blog.
