TIME TO DISCUSS CARGO SECUREMENT
In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it can be difficult
to remind your operations team of every possible risk your fleet is facing.
However, when was the last time you discussed cargo securement? Better yet,
have you analyzed your Safety Measurement System (SMS) results and recent
cargo-related claims to look for loss trends? There could be leading and
lagging indicators present that speak to performance issues and preventable
losses.
Regardless of whether red flags are present, every day is a good
day to discuss cargo securement with your team. Below are some talking points
to consider when discussing best practices with your drivers. Additionally, try
completing the ‘Call to Action’ items below.
If you are looking for additional training resources, Great West
insureds receive a 10% discount with JJ Keller on cargo securement products such as the
two shown below. Also, Great West’s Learning Library includes videos on this
topic. For additional information, contact your Risk Control Services representative.
LAWS &
REGULATIONS
Ensure that drivers and load planners are familiar with the
associated laws and regulations pertaining to commodity and vehicle weight,
including a truck’s unladed axle weight. This includes checking the bridge laws
in each state/ province. Great West insureds can also order a discounted copy
of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on the portal.
WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
Calculating the weight on the trailer’s axles is a much a science
as it is an art. Consider the 60/40 rule—that 60 percent of the weight is
distributed evenly on the front half of the trailer — as a starting point and
go from there.
FLATBEDS
Securing cargo on flatbed trailers requires a lot of pre-planning.
Be sure drivers are well versed in various tie-down options, tarping, and
techniques to limit the driver’s exposure to slips, trips, and falls.
BLOCKING AND
BRACING
The goal of blocking and bracing your cargo is to keep the goods
from shifting length-wise, front to back. Train drivers how to pick the best
option.
CALL TO ACTION
- Conduct cargo
securement training with all drivers.
- Monitor SMS for
preventable cargo securement violations and take corrective action.
- Instruct drivers
to check cargo securement before each trip.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West
Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company
program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds
so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values
safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional
resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please
contact your insurance agent with Great West.
© Great West Casualty Company 2023. The material in this
publication is the property of Great West Casualty Company unless otherwise
noted and may not be reproduced without its written consent by any person other
than a current insured of Great West Casualty Company for business purposes.
Insured should attribute use as follows: “© Great West Casualty Company 2018.
Used with permission by Great West Casualty Company.”
Repost from InsureMart Inc. one of Great Wests Casualty Company’s
trusted agents.
Category:
Trucking Insurance
Posted on:
July 10th, 2023
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