Here at Allegiance Trucks, we want all truck drivers to be efficient and safe. The work can be difficult, but with the right tips, you can transport cargo with your semi-truck no problem. To help you get started, we’ve provided some of the top safety tips for your next job. You can also stop by our dealerships with additional questions you may have that our experienced staff would be happy to help you with. We have locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. We also proudly serve Boston, Massachusetts, and the Southern New England area.
Understanding Weight Limitations
Let’s start with some basic tips. All trucks have a weight limitation when it comes to how many additional features they can handle, as well as the weight of the cargo. Overloading your semi-truck can not only be a safety hazard, there can be legal repercussions if you’re pulled over with an overloaded vehicle.
You’ll need to know your truck’s GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating. This will tell you the total amount of weight your entire towing unit can’t exceed when you take it to a weigh station, including:
- The semi-truck itself.
- Cargo.
- Add-on parts.
- Fuel.
- Passengers.
Loading and Securing Cargo
Create a Safe Loading Space
Make sure you have the appropriate amount of space needed to load your cargo and avoid dangerous situations for you and your team. This means understanding which areas around each individual load will pose a higher risk. For example, if the load falls off, make sure no one is standing in a spot where they could be hurt.
Assemble a Team
Whether they’re a team you’ve worked with a hundred times, or people you’ve instructed to help you with a load, getting a team together can make for a safer and more efficient loading process. Just make sure they understand the expectations and how everyone should communicate.
Plan Accordingly for Each Load, Including Irregularly Shaped Cargo
Every load will present unique problems. Some cargo you’ll be able to load by hand, others may require a forklift, and others still may even require a crane or larger machine. Assess the cargo you’ll be loading and create an appropriate plan to get it into the semi-truck safely.
Reduce Slip and Trip Hazards
Never underestimate the danger of simply tripping around a semi-truck. An uneven loading surface or slippery one can create a hazard for your team, so make sure everyone’s wearing the right shoes for the job and be careful when walking on the flatbed and climbing on and off it.
Properly Securing a Load
Every load should be secured with the right tie-downs, tarps, and/or bungee cords. Exactly what you need will likely change depending on the load. Just as importantly, all of these security measures need to be checked and inspected before heading out to reduce the risk of tie-down failure on the road.
With the right plan and the right team, getting your semi-truck ready for the next haul can be a breeze, without putting anyone in danger at any stage of the job. But first, you’ll need that semi-truck. Contact Allegiance Trucks if you’re in the market for a new semi-truck. We might have just what you need at our dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. We also serve those in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Southern New England area.
