TRUCK CARGO
Truck cargo has been an essential part of transportation for centuries. The first cargo trucks were horse-drawn wagons used to transport goods from one place to another. As technology advanced, trucks became more efficient and capable of carrying heavier loads. Today, cargo trucks are a vital component of the global economy, transporting goods across countries and continents. From food to electronics, trucks play a crucial role in delivering the products we rely on every day.
CARGO SECUREMENT
Cargo securement has been a crucial aspect of transportation for centuries. In the early days, ropes and chains were used to tie down cargo on ships and wagons. As technology advanced, new methods and materials were developed to ensure that cargo secure during transport. Today, regulations and standards are in place to ensure that cargo properly secured to prevent accidents and damage.
Cargo security on trucks: 6 practical tips for a safe load
Accidents in which people are endangered, injured or even killed; damage to the vehicle or even total loss; damage or even complete destruction of the load – all these can be direct consequences of poorly secured cargo. Every year, around 2,500 accidents occur on German roads due to inadequately secured loads in road freight transport. The German Insurance Association (GDV) estimates the annual costs at around 500 million euros – an enormous loss.
When a vehicle changes speed or direction or drives over obstacles, dynamic forces act on the load that can cause it to slip, fall over or drop. As a result, the vehicle can spin out of control or tip over, causing the load to fall onto the road or injure the driver and others. Correct load securing should prevent exactly this.
Whether a load slides forward due to its inertia during braking depends on the magnitude of the acceleration – braking here corresponds to negative acceleration – and thus the force acting on the load. Load securing should counteract these forces and prevent the load from sliding.
Common rumours on cargo security
There are many errors that lead to a certain carelessness when it comes to load securing, especially among the inexperienced. In practice, for example, you often hear the sentence “The load is so heavy, it can’t slip at all”. Wrong! Whether cargo slides or not is independent of its weight. The securing forces that hold the cargo on the loading area must be greater the heavier it is.
The assumption that heavy loads cannot tip is also wrong. Whether a load tips or not is independent of its weight. The only decisive factor is the position of the centre of gravity in relation to the tipping edge.
“After all, my load is held laterally by the tarpaulin”. This assumption can also have fatal consequences in the event of an accident. Of course, vehicle tarpaulins are not load securing devices.
These are just three misconceptions – in reality there are many rumours about load securing… and many are false. On the other hand, however, there are some basic rules that should be observed when securing loads.
The 6 basic rules of load securing
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Depending on the load, a suitable vehicle is required, which is capable of safely absorbing the forces arising from the load by means of its body and equipment.
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The centre of gravity of the load should be on the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle if possible and should be kept as low as possible.
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Heavy goods below, light goods above.
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Do not exceed permissible total weight or permissible axle loads. Do not fall below the minimum axle load of the steering axle.
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When partially loaded, ensure weight distribution so that each axle is loaded proportionally. The load distribution plans provided by the vehicle and body manufacturers must be taken into account.
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Adjust the driving speed to the road and traffic conditions as well as to the driving characteristics of the vehicle, depending on the load.
Force-fit load securing – no more slipping
With friction-locked securing, the load units are positioned in such a way that it is impossible for the cargo to slip. For example, the cargo is placed against the front wall of the transport vehicle and the gaps are filled with empty pallets. Direct lashing and diagonal lashing also belong to the category of form-fit securing. For diagonal lashing and direct lashing, various aids are available to those responsible. With lashing chains, lashing wire ropes and lashing straps, the load is successfully protected against shifting with this type of securing.
Part of the required securing forces can be applied by the friction between the load and the loading surface alone. The greater the frictional force, the lower the effort required for other load securing, as the frictional force already represents part of the safety forces to be applied.
Friction can be increased by lashing down, using anti-slip mats or simply cleaning the loading area.
Form-fitting load securing – gapless loading
The principle of form-fit load securing is more effective than force-fit load securing. Loading is done in such a way that there are no gaps between the individual load parts. Particular attention must be paid to the maximum load-bearing capacity of the end walls and drop sides.
A tight fit can also be achieved by directly connecting a lashing (lashing strap) between the load and the vehicle body. This means that lashing points must be provided both on the vehicle and on the load.
Blocking of the load is understood to mean the positive locking of the load on the loading area either by the vehicle superstructure itself or by various aids, such as wedges embedded in the loading area.
In practice, combinations of load securing are often used (e.g. diagonal lashing).
Load securing aids – with examples
Here are some examples of common cargo safety material:
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Anti-slip mats
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Lashing equipment and lashing points
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Locking bars and locking beams
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Coil troughs
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Anchor rails
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Nets and tarpaulins
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Slip-resistant intermediate layers
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Wooden wedges
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Loading racks
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Filler to close loading gaps
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Walls of the vehicle
The practical manual on cargo safety
There are several manuals on the subject. Prof. Hermann Knaps has created a comprehensive guideline for GDV Insurance that you can download here: Guide to cargo safety in road freight transport.
Securing cargo in road transport –
Who knows the truth?
Contents
1 Investigation of load assumptions
2 Conventional rules and calculation methods
2.1.1 Securing against sliding
2.1.2 Securing against tipping
2.2.1 Securing against sliding
2.2.2 Securing against tipping
3.2 Deformation and force development of securing devices
3.3 Horizontal components of tie-down lashings
3.4 Semi-dynamic approach to calculation
3.5 Fully dynamic approach to calculation
4.1 Direct securing in the longitudinal direction with belts and timber blocking
4.2 Direct securing with chains at unfavorable angles
4.3 Securing against sliding in the longitudinal direction with slack tie-down lashing
4.4 Securing against sliding in the transverse direction by slack tie-down lashings
5 Summary, outlook and objectives
5.3 Conventional balance calculation methods
Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
Have you ever driven in unsafe road conditions or experienced dangerous behaviors by other drivers? Rain, fog, snow, and ice are a few of the many hazards truck drivers face daily on the job.
With advances in technology and changes in society, distracted drivers–individuals playing with their cell phones rather than keeping their eyes on the road–have become one of the most dangerous hazards on America’s roadways. Aggressive drivers, especially those in larger cities and those that don’t follow best practices for winter weather driving are another cause for concern.
With all these potential dangers, being a safe driver is paramount and as our truck driver friends will tell you, making it home to your family safely is a trucker’s first priority. To help you stay safe out there we’ve put together this list of truck driver safety tips.
1. Plan Your Trip in Advance
When you plan your trip in advance you will increase your safety substantially. Be alert to potential hazards such as:
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High crime areas - Shipments are high value targets for theft which may result in violent crimes against the truck driver as well. Plan your stops to be as safe as possible. Avoid poorly lit areas and isolated locations.
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Congested traffic - High traffic congestion increases the odds for a traffic incident. Be aware of segments of your route where traffic congestion is common. Be ready to slow down, or have an alternate route planned.
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Inclement weather - Stay up to date on weather conditions along your route so that you can adjust your route if needed or make the necessary preparations.
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Restricted routes - Make sure your route does not include truck restricted roads and hazards such as low clearances, low weight limit bridges, etc.
2. Defensive Driving
Driving defensively is your best option for protecting yourself because you have no control over other drivers on the road and you can’t assume they are driving with safety in mind. In fact many truck drivers will agree that most motorists do not know how to drive safely around a big truck. According to a University of Michigan Transportation Institute study, 81 - 91% of crashes involving a commercial vehicle are caused by cars, rather than trucks. So to stay on point with your defensive driving, here are some defensive driving tips:
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Stay aware of your blind spots: 10-15 feet in front of you, directly behind your trailer, on the passenger side from the door to the back of your sleeper unit, and on the driver side from the front bumper to the nose of the trailer. Checking your mirrors every 3-5 seconds can help you maintain 360 degrees of awareness at all times.
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Maintain a safe following distance. The FMCSA recommends 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at 40 mph. If you are traveling over 40 mph add an additional one second. The average length of a Class A combination truck and trailer is 72 feet so your following distance should be 7 seconds at 40 mph and under, and 8 seconds for speeds over 40 mph. You can measure this distance by observing a point on the road and counting the time from when a car in front of you passed that point to the time that you reach that point.
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An emergency can develop in just a second or two, especially at high speeds on the interstate highways, so remain alert for emergencies. Remain calm. If you’re agitated because of a close call with a motorist, find a safe place to park and calm down before continuing your trip. Pay attention to what’s going on a quarter of a mile ahead of you and slow down if you observe unsafe traffic behavior, road construction or other potential hazards.
3. Keep Your Cargo Secure
An improperly secured load can cause a tractor-trailer unit to jackknife, roll over, or otherwise go out of control. For flatbed loads, an improperly secured load can pose a hazard to the driver and other motorists. To prevent the cargo from shifting or falling onto the roadway, use the proper load securement devices for your equipment and cargo. For dry van and refrigerated shipments, use load locks, air bags, and cinch straps as needed to keep the load from shifting. For flatbed trailers, use the proper type of strap or chains as required by the load and ensure you’ve followed DOT regulations for securing flatbed loads.
4. Maintenance Schedules
Keeping a regular preventative maintenance schedule is essential for operating a commercial vehicle safely, which is why we wrote an entire article dedicated to the topic. According to the FMCSA, maintenance issues are a leading cause for tractor trailer accidents. If you do not have a schedule, coordinate with a mechanic to develop one. If you drive for a fleet, your company’s shop will provide you with a maintenance schedule you will likely be required to follow.
5. Pre & Post Trip Inspections
Pre and post trip inspections are essential for spotting your equipment's defects before they threaten your safety. These inspections are so important that federal regulations require you to perform at least one every day and record the inspection in your hours of service log. Therefore, when inspecting your vehicle pay close attention to:
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Your braking system which includes your air compressor, air brake lines, brake pads, drums or rotors and calipers, low air pressure alarm and brake lights
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Your steering system which includes the amount of play in your steering column, rack and pinion components, power steering fluid and your steering tires
Additional points to pay close attention to are the fifth wheel assembly, headlights, marker lights, signal lights, and tires. If you are unsure of what you should be inspecting the FMCSA, USDOT, and third party companies like J.J. Keller or mechanic shops and trucking companies provide the regulation-approved inspection checklist at little to no cost.
CloudTrucks provides a free and comprehensive pre-trip inspection checklist as a starting point. Inspections are the first line of defense in safe operation and should not be neglected under any circumstance.
6. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving has grown to become one of the greatest threats to your safety on the road. According to the FMCSA, “the odds of being involved in a crash, near-crash, or unintentional lane deviation are 23.2 times greater for truck and bus drivers who are texting while driving.”
Furthermore, the average time an individual takes their eyes off the road is 4.6 seconds and at 55 mph that means they travel 371 feet in that amount of time. That’s enough time for a child to run out onto the road, for a car to pull in front of you unexpectedly, or for that truck in front of you to blow out a steer tire and roll over. The outcome of those situations will depend on whether or not you had your eyes on the road.
Driver Perspective
“Pay attention to everything. When you can anticipate a possibly unsafe situation unfolding, it’s easier to avoid it and steer clear of it.”
Michael Kasanda, 3 years of experience
7. Use a GPS or Mapping Device
A GPS designed specially for trucking can be helpful for keeping you on the correct route. However, the technology is not perfect and it should never be your primary routing tool. A truck atlas remains the best method for making sure you’re using truck approved routes and staying out of trouble. In areas of high traffic congestion use a truck atlas to plan alternate routes to get around traffic backups, construction zones, etc. Furthermore, many shippers and receivers include step by step directions into their facilities along with the load paperwork. If they do not, and you’re unsure about the route into a facility, contact the facility or your dispatcher to obtain the correct route before reaching your destination.
8. Prepare for Dangerous Road Conditions
Road conditions change constantly and can be a danger to all drivers but especially drivers of large vehicles such as trucks. Here are some common dangerous conditions to look out for:
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Icy roads - Iced roads are one of the greatest dangers a truck driver will face yet is the easiest danger to avoid. Pay attention to weather and road condition reports and plan your trip around winter conditions. If there are alerts of ice or if you encounter ice on the road the safest thing to do is find a place to park and wait for the roads to be cleared of the ice by state maintenance workers. Remember also to follow common winter driving tips for truck dirvers in cold weather conditions such as ice and snow.
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Snow - Snow can compact into ice so caution is needed on roads that have not been plowed. In certain regions of the country chains are required on some highways, and chains can be helpful anywhere you are dealing with a lot of snow on the roadway. Keep in mind, chains are of little use if the roads are glazed with ice and the best course is often to get off the road until it has been cleared.
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Rain - Rain conditions can make the roadway slick because of oil and other materials present on the road. Slow down to maintain control of your vehicle and be alert for stopped and slowed vehicles if visibility is limited.
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Fog - When encountering heavy fog, slow down, and keep your headlights on low beam to see better. Make sure your marker lights and flashers are on to make you more visible to other drivers.
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Disabled vehicles - When approaching disabled vehicle on the side of the road, move over and slow down. If you can’t move over, slow down even more. There may be individuals or debris you can’t easily see and striking either can have catastrophic consequences.
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Road construction - When entering road construction observe all posted speed limits and other signs, and be on the lookout for workers and machinery. Fines for failure to follow road construction speed limits are usually doubled and additional penalties apply to drivers of commercial vehicles including suspension of your CDL.
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Accidents - If you come up on an accident, slow down if it’s possible to maneuver around the accident. If the road is blocked, bring your vehicle to a stop and turn on your flashers. Be sure to leave sufficient room for emergency vehicles to access the accident scene.
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Animals on the road - Do not swerve or slam on your brakes if an animal is on the roadway. Doing so may cause you to have an accident. As harsh as it sounds you may have to strike the animal as the safest course of action. Many trucking companies penalize their drivers harshly including possible termination if they cause an accident because they tried to avoid an animal in the road.
9. Take Adequate Breaks
Driver fatigue is another leading cause of accidents in the trucking industry. Especially when you first start your truck driving career, a great tip for new truck drivers is to take breaks to lower fatigue like drivers knee. It’s such a serious concern the FMCSA has created hours of service (HOS) regulations for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). The regulation is simple and straightforward:
Hours of service
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14 hours of on duty time in a 24 hour period
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11 hours of driving time in a 24 hour period
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8 hours of driving time before a required 30 minute break
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10 hours of sleep time is required to reset your 14 hour on duty time and 11 hour drive time
With the recent requirement for electronic logging it is more difficult than ever to circumvent hours of service regulations without facing harsh legal repercussions. Furthermore, these regulations have been crafted with your safety and the safety of those who share the road with you in mind.
It’s important to remember that the effects of operating a vehicle while fatigued are similar to operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. So to operate safely and return home to your family in one piece, many veteran drivers with safe records recommend stopping and resting if you’re feeling fatigued.
10. Invest in a Dash Cam
Avoiding accidents is always a priority, however, the unexpected can and will occur no matter how safe a driver you are. But often, determining who is at fault in an accident can be unclear.
To protect yourself from unjust accusations, legal penalties, increased insurance costs, and potential termination by your employer, we recommend investing in a quality dash cam.
Thousands of truck drivers each year have been cleared of any fault in an accident because they had a dash cam and video proof they were not at fault in an incident.
11. Maintain Space Cushion
It’s always important to keep in mind that you’re strapped to the front of a 72 foot long vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Knowing how long it takes you to stop with your given load weight and vehicle size is crucial for keeping everything, including yourself, intact. Pay attention to road conditions and adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.
If conditions are unsafe, use extra caution and give yourself even more space. Pay attention to not only the space in front of you but also beside you. If a vehicle continues to travel beside you it is safer to slow down more and let them pass on by to maximize the space around your truck.
Driver Perspective
“Whatever speed you go up the mountain, that is the same speed you should go down the mountain.”
Mitchell McHugh, 21 years of experience
12. Situational Awareness
Sports coaches in America are famous for their advice to “keep your head on a swivel.” That advice is useful in trucking too. Maintaining good situational awareness of what is happening around you at all times will help you to preemptively avoid accidents and adjust to changing road conditions. Make it a habit to check your mirrors, both driver side and passenger side, every 3-5 seconds. Doing so will enable you to maintain that “head on a swivel” posture so that you always know what’s happening around your truck. However, keeping your head on a swivel is only one part of situational awareness in trucking. Other situational awareness issues include:
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Make sure you’re using your turn signal every time you make a lane change or turn.
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Because of offtracking, make sure you swing wide enough on your turns to avoid striking objects and vehicles on or near the roadway.
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Before any movements that require moving the unit in reverse, get out and look. Make a 360 degree walk around so that you are aware of any individuals, objects, or other hazards in the vicinity of your vehicle.
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Use your four-way flashers and sound your horn before reversing.
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Always look twice before changing lanes or pulling out into an intersection or roadway.
13. Be Predictable
It’s easy to forget that people can’t read our minds and most individuals on the highways do not understand how to operate their cars near a large commercial vehicle. Predictably operate your big truck to make things safer for yourself and others. What does this mean?
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Slow down on turns.
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Activate your turn signal several seconds before you change lanes or turn.
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Avoid frequent, unnecessary lane changes.
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The greatest visible sign of a skilled truck driver is their ability to keep their rig between the lines at all times. In other words, maintain your lane and you’ll stay safer and look good doing it.
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If another big truck is behind you and you have to turn, keep in mind they take longer to stop just like you. Signal and slow down earlier to give them more time to react.
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Maintain a consistent speed when possible. Slowing down and speeding up can create traffic congestion around you and reduce the amount of safe space around your vehicle.
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If you cannot quickly pass another commercial vehicle do not attempt it. Doing so will only create a traffic jam around you and reduce your safety cushion 360 degrees around your truck.
Working safely, driving safely, and returning home to your family safely should always be your highest priority when on the road. Keep in mind that no load is worth your life and drive accordingly. If the road conditions are too hazardous, slow down or stop. If you’re getting texts on your phone, whatever it is can wait until you stop because that 4.6 seconds spent looking at that text has been the last 4.6 seconds of too many people’s lives. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained, your brakes work, your tires are good, and you can steer safely. Keep your head on a swivel, mind the blindspots, stop if you’re tired, and always drive defensively.
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Safety Tips for New and Seasoned Truck Drivers to Remember
Let’s clarify from the outset that statistically, truckers exhibit a higher level of safety on the road compared to most other drivers. A University of Michigan study underscored this fact, revealing that commercial vehicle accidents were primarily caused by passenger cars (81-91%), with 70% of these accidents attributable to actions taken by passenger vehicle drivers and 16% to errors made by truck drivers, occurring simultaneously in 10% of cases.
Now, you might wonder why we’re discussing safety as a trucking and logistics firm, given this commendable track record. The biggest reason, at Buchanan, we take immense pride in ‘Setting the Standard for Safety, One Mile at a Time’. We actively seek and hire safety-conscious drivers for our team.
The other reason we’re sharing safety tips within a trucking and logistics company pertains to concerning trends in the trucking industry. Jury awards exceeding $10 million have surged dramatically, with the average size of verdicts exceeding $1 million skyrocketing nearly 1,000% from 2010 to 2018, leaping from $2.3 million to $22.3 million. What makes things worse is a substantial portion of lawsuits targeting truckers and trucking companies revolve around claims of driver negligence.
Our aim is to empower truckers to take a proactive approach to their preparation and enhance their defensive driving skills while operating a truck. In the quest to understand the causes of serious accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS). This study unveiled critical events leading to collisions, including 32% involving lane departures, 29% due to speed, cargo shifts, vehicle failures, or adverse road conditions, and 22% stemming from rear-end collisions. Drivers were found responsible in 87% of cases, primarily due to decisions and awareness issues, such as excessive speed, tailgating, distractions, and inattention. While vehicle maintenance contributed to just 10% of crashes. Regardless of your experience, it never hurts to safeguard both your wallet and your life with these 20 straightforward safety tips.
1. Prioritize Yourself
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Your well-being is crucial
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Maintain health by eating, exercising, and resting adequately
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Set a goal to get 7+ hours of sleep nightly
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Adjust your truck's seat, steering, and device navigation for comfort
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Find safe locations to take short walks that do not include the shoulder of a highway
2. Plan Your Trip in Advance
Enhance your safety significantly by pre-planning your trip. Stay updated on roads, traffic, construction, and state regulations. Plan meticulously before starting your journey. Be vigilant about potential hazards, including:
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High crime areas: Shipments attract theft, endangering drivers. Many cargo thefts and hijackings occur within a few miles of the load’s origin. Choose safe stops, avoiding poorly lit or remote places
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Traffic congestion: High traffic increases accident likelihood. Identify congested route segments, ready to slow down or take an alternate path
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Find safe locations to take short walks that do not include the shoulder of a highway
3. Know the Forecast for Where You Will be Driving
Inclement weather leads to 21% of crashes. Utilize bad weather tips and Buchanan driving policy.
4. Disconnect
Keep your phone down. Buchanan prohibits mobile use while driving commercial vehicles. Nearly 500,000 crashes per year involve large trucks. Safe, attentive driving can help avoid road problems.
5. Simple Safety - Entries and Exits
Use three points of contact when entering or leaving your truck. Prevent slips and falls by maintaining a secure grip with both hands. You will also want to be sure you buckle up before getting on the road. It’s not only a law but a safety imperative. Wear your seatbelt always. CDC states you’re 30 times more likely to be ejected during a crash without it.
6. Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is your greatest safeguard, considering you lack control over other drivers’ actions. Most motorists lack safe practices around big trucks.
To maintain effective defensive driving:
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Watch Blind Spots: Stay alert to blind spots: around 10-15 feet ahead, behind the trailer, on passenger and driver sides
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Lane Change: Be cautious when turning or switching lanes
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Safe Following Distance: Follow FMCSA guidelines of 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length at 40 mph, with an extra second for speeds over 40 mph. Class A truck and trailer’s 72-foot length calls for 7 seconds under 40 mph and 8 seconds over
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Stay Prepared: Emergencies arise quickly, especially on highways. Stay calm; if you become stressed, find a safe spot to regain composure. Monitor conditions a quarter-mile ahead and adjust speed for potential risks
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Curvaceous Caution: Large trucks should reduce speed on curves, even if the limit seems acceptable. Slow 5-10 mph below the posted speed to prevent tipping due to your vehicle’s center of gravity
7. Check Mirrors
Mirror check every 8-10 seconds to catch vehicles in blind spots. Maintain awareness of mirrors, hood, road, and gauges.
8. Use Lights for Visibility
Turn headlights on 30 minutes before dusk until 30 minutes after sunrise. Signal early and keep signals on until the turn is complete.
9. Keep Your Cargo Secure
A poorly secured load can lead to a tractor-trailer unit losing control through jackknifing or rolling over. Even for flatbed loads, improper securing poses risks to drivers and others on the road. To prevent shifting or falling cargo, employ suitable securing tools for both your equipment and load type. For dry vans and refrigerated cargo, employ load locks, airbags, and cinch straps as necessary. For flatbed trailers, adhere to load-specific regulations using appropriate straps or chains as required, in line with DOT guidelines.
10. Maintenance Schedules
Maintaining a routine preventive maintenance plan is vital for safe commercial vehicle operation. In an article, FMCSA highlights maintenance as a prime factor behind tractor-trailer accidents. Establish a schedule with a mechanic if you don’t already have one. Buchanan Hauling, as of the writing of this article, offers tire and brake work, repair to lights, DOT inspections, and preventative maintenance services to trucks even if they are not part of their fleet.
Safety Tips for New and Seasoned Truck Drivers to Remember
11. Pre & Post Trip Inspections
Pre and post-trip inspections are vital for detecting equipment flaws before they jeopardize safety. Federal rules mandate at least one daily inspection, documented in your hours of service log. Prioritize these areas during your vehicle check:
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Steering System: Assess steering column play, rack components, power steering fluid, and steering tires
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Braking System: Inspect the air compressor, brake lines, pads, drums, calipers, low air pressure alarm, and brake lights
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Other Areas: Scrutinize fifth wheel assembly, headlights, marker and signal lights, and tires
If unsure about inspection details, approved checklists from FMCSA, USDOT, mechanic shops, or Buchanan Hauling’s Service Department are available. Inspections are crucial for safety and must never be neglected.
12. Avoid Distractions
An accident takes only seconds to occur. We know that it takes a lot longer for a loaded truck to stop. Stay alert on long drives, avoid distractions, and prioritize the road.
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As mentioned above, no phone use while driving
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Silence radio in heavy traffic, bad weather, or tough conditions
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Set GPS and eat any food before even starting the engine to reduce distractions
13. Use a GPS or Mapping Device
While a specialized trucking GPS aids route accuracy, it shouldn’t be your sole guide due to its imperfections. A truck atlas is your superior choice for confirming truck-approved paths and avoiding issues. For congested regions, use an atlas to plan detours around traffic or construction. Additionally, many facilities provide step-by-step directions alongside load paperwork. If not, and you’re uncertain about a route, communicate with the facility or dispatcher before arrival for accurate directions.
14. Prepare for Dangerous Road Conditions
Ever-changing road conditions pose risks to all drivers, particularly those of larger vehicles like trucks. Be vigilant for these hazardous scenarios:
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Icy Roads: Heed weather and road reports to anticipate winter conditions. If alerts indicate ice or you encounter it, find a safe spot to wait for state maintenance to clear roads. Apply standard winter driving tips
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Snow: Unplowed snow can transform into ice. In some areas, highways mandate chains. Chains help in heavy snow but are futile on icy roads. If roads are icy, wait for clearance
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Rain: When it rains it can create slick surfaces due to oil residue. Reduce speed, stay in control, and be cautious of slow/stopped vehicles in low visibility
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Fog: Drive slower in dense fog with low-beam headlights. Use markers and flashers for visibility
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Disabled Vehicles: Slow down and shift lanes when passing roadside disabled vehicles. If unable to switch lanes, slow further. Beware of hidden dangers
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Road Construction: Follow construction signs and speed limits; watch for workers and machines. Around one-third of fatal work-zone accidents involve large trucks. Drive carefully in construction and school zones. Fines for violations double in these areas; CDL holders face additional penalties
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Accidents: Reduce speed or stop safely when approaching accidents. Use flashers and clear paths for emergency vehicles
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Animals on the Road: Avoid sudden maneuvers for animals; hitting them may be safer. Some companies discipline drivers who evade animals due to potential accidents
15. Take Adequate Breaks
Driver fatigue is a major trucking accident cause. New drivers, especially, must heed tips like taking breaks to avoid fatigue. FMCSA tackles this with hours of service (HOS) rules:
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14 hours of on-duty time in 24 hours
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11 hours of driving time in 24 hours
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8 hours of driving before a 30-minute break
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10 hours sleep to reset 14-hour and 11-hour limits
With the added precision of electronic logging, it has tightened HOS compliance. These rules prioritize safety for drivers and road users. Studies have also shown that fatigue mirrors driving under alcohol or drugs.
16. Invest in a Dash Cam or Event Data Recorder (EDR)
Prioritizing accident prevention is essential, but unforeseen events are inevitable, even for safe drivers. Determining faults in accidents can be complex. To safeguard against unjust blame, legal repercussions, higher insurance fees, and job loss, consider a reliable dash cam. We see funny and even scary videos caught on dashcams all the time on social media. Some of those likely protected a driver and his company from fraudulent claims. Yearly, numerous truck drivers are exonerated from fault accusations due to dash cam evidence. Invest in a dash cam to potentially save yourself from such situations.
17. Maintain Space Cushion
Keep 7-8 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead; increase to 14 seconds in poor weather. Always remember that you’re in control of a 72-foot, 80,000-pound vehicle. Understanding your stopping distance based on load weight and size is vital for safety. Adapt your speed and space according to road conditions.
Monitor nearby drivers, allowing space for their actions. You’re the pro driver; focus on your control. When in the city, monitor about a block ahead of you, and when on the Highway, scan about a quarter mile ahead so you can increase reaction time.
When conditions worsen, exercise added caution and increase space. Monitor not only the front space but also the sides. If a vehicle remains beside you, slow down further, allowing them to pass and expanding your truck’s space.
18. Situational Awareness
Maintaining situational awareness aids in preventing accidents and adapting to road changes. The habit of regularly checking mirrors ensures constant vigilance.
However, this is just one aspect of trucking situational awareness. Other factors include:
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Use the path left by the previous truck to guide your backing
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Signal when changing lanes or turning
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Wide turns to avoid nearby objects due to offtracking
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Prior to reversing, inspect the surroundings with a 360-degree walk
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Inspect the parking area before parking, unloading, or coupling to a new trailer
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Choose well-lit spots
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Engage four-way flashers and honk before reversing
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Double-check before lane changes, intersection entry, or pulling onto roadways
19. When unloading freight
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Check if freight is against the door before opening
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Open doors slowly
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Swing the door with both hands to prevent the wind from catching it
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Secure the door with a tie-back cable or chain
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Lift freight safely using the proper technique
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Ensure no workers or forklifts are in the trailer before leaving the dock
20. Be Predictable
Remember, others can’t read your thoughts, and many drivers lack understanding of sharing the road with large commercial vehicles. Prioritize safe operation for you and fellow road users. Here’s what it entails:
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Early Signals: Activate turn signals well before changing lanes or turning
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Steady Lanes: Minimize unnecessary lane changes; expert drivers keep within lane lines
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Consider Fellow Truckers: If another big truck trails you, anticipate their slower stopping time. Signal and slow sooner
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Consistent Speed: Maintain steady speeds to prevent congestion and retain safety space
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Thoughtful Overtaking: If unable to swiftly pass another truck, abstain. Passing can create congestion, diminishing your safety zone
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Safety Top Priority: Safely working, driving, and returning home to family is paramount. No load is worth compromising safety
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Road Conditions: Slow down or halt during perilous conditions
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Distraction Elimination: Stop for texts; that 4.6 seconds can save lives
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Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure well-maintained brakes, tires, and steering
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360-Degree Awareness: Stay vigilant, manage blind spots, and halt when tired
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Defensive Driving: Drive cautiously to prevent accidents
In this guide, we explored truck driver safety tips that encompass every facet of your journey—starting from pre-trip preparations and spanning through on-road navigation, arrival procedures, and concluding with post-trip inspections. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the industry, these reminders hold immense value in ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. Prioritize safety on the road, valuing your life and the lives of others above all else.
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Types of Truck Freight
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There are many types of truck freight, each with a unique yet important role for moving different truck freight across the nation and load boards make it easy to find truck freight.
Truck Freight
Truck freight is responsible for 70 percent of all cargo that is transported in America. That’s over 10 billion tons each year!
Companies ship a variety of truck freight ranging in size, value, and contents. Ever wonder how ice cream somehow stays frozen when shipped across America or how huge machines make their way from a factory in Kentucky to a warehouse in California? It’s all thanks to truck freight and the specific trailers and equipment necessary for the dedicated men and women of the trucking industry to haul the freight.
Find Truck Freight on Truckloads Load Board
If you have trucking authority and are looking for truck freight loads you can use Truckloads free load board to customize your truck freight search and filter results that are the best fit for you. You can choose from 11 different trailer equipment types when searching for loads and search based on location, date, deadhead and even load weight.
Use Truckloads web version or download the app and view over three million loads per month including unlimited access to premium loads as well as the ability to call a broker right from the app from anywhere. Stay loaded and know where nearby truck freight loads are with Trucker Path Truckloads!
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Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is leveled off and open with no sides or top, hence the name flatbed. This design makes it easier to load and unload large freight that otherwise couldn’t fit into a standard 53-foot trailer. Truck freight is secured on flatbeds with straps, tarps and other locking devices to keep the load tied down.
Generally, flatbed trucks are used as truck freight for construction goods, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads. An oversized load is any truck freight that is over 8.5 feet wide. This type of truck freight requires red flags and lights to help identify the oversized truck freight on the road.
Step Deck Trucks
Similar to flatbed trucks, step deck trucks also have a level surface that is open. The main difference between truck freight with a flatbed and step deck truck is that the step deck truck will have a lower position set closer to the ground. This helps truck freight that is taller sit lower to avoid potential hazards such as bridge clearances.
Reefer Trucks
Also known as refrigerated trucks, reefer trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is temperature controlled in order to haul goods that must remain within a certain temperature zone at all times such as food. While reefer trucks commonly haul loads that include perishable foods, they also transport things like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other hazmat materials, though not at the same time of course.
Types of Truck Freight
Dry Vans
Dry vans are the most common truck freight. They are typically a standard 53-foot trailer like the ones you see connected on the back of a semi-truck on the interstate that might say Walmart, Target or Schneider. Although not an actual van, they are the most common truck freight to haul goods, providing a trailer that is sealed and protected from the elements.
Look around your home and chances are the things you see were hauled by dry van truck freight. Dry van loads are used by a variety of companies looking to ship anything from consumer products, home goods, electronics, and a variety of other products that don’t require refrigeration.
Choosing to haul truck freight with a dry van can result in an increased opportunity in available freight to haul due to the volume of truck freight shippers have for dry vans.
Other Types of Truck Freight
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There are several other truck freight loads you’ll find as well, including:
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Auto Carrier – trailer that hauls automobiles and other vehicles
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Dump Trailer – trailer with a lift to incline and allow for loads to be dumped
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Tanker – trailer that is a long cylinder shape hauling liquids like fuel
7 freight truck types & what they haul
Nearly every industry relies on freight trucks to transport goods, but not every type of cargo can be transported in the same way. Luckily, different types of freight trucks meet different industry needs to move goods around the country as well as the world.
Semi trailers, flatbeds, step decks, dry vans, reefers, box trucks and tankers are some of the many different types of trucks for freight. Keep reading to learn more about these types of freight trucks and what they haul.
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What is a freight truck?
A freight truck is a powerful specialized vehicle that transports goods from one place to another. All freight trucks have two major components, the truck tractor in the front, where the engine and cab are located and a trailer where the freight is stored.
Freight trucks are driven by truck drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). However, some different types of freight trucks require drivers to have even higher levels of training.
7 common types of freight trucks & what they haul
There are seven main types of trucks for hauling: semi-trailers, flatbeds, step decks, dry vans, reefers, box trucks and tankers — all of which haul different types of cargo.
Semi trailer
Semi trailers are known by many names, for example semi trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor trailers and big rigs. They are one of the most commonly seen types of freight trucks on the road.
They get their name semi because the trailer’s design has no front axle or front wheels and instead rests on a hitch or fifth-wheel coupling. Semi trailers can also tow one or two additional trailers for carrying added cargo.
Semi trucks are incredibly versatile, hauling everything from consumer products to raw materials. Since a semi truck can tow more than one trailer, they’re popular for carrying cargo over long distances.
Flatbed freight truck
Instead of carrying goods inside a closed trailer, a flatbed truck has a flat, open trailer without any roofs or sides. A flatbed trailer truck is excellent for carrying oversized loads.
They are easier to load and unload than other freight trucks as well. Cargo is typically secured on flatbed trailers using straps.
With an impressive load-bearing capacity and versatile cargo space, flatbed trucks are ideal for hauling construction materials, other vehicles, heavy machinery, oversized cargo and even houses.
Step deck
Like a flatbed truck, a step deck is an open trailer. The difference between the two is that a step deck is specially designed to haul tall cargo.
Also called a drop deck or lowboy trailer, a step deck has two decks, with the lower deck designed to allow for more overhead clearance for hauling tall or oversized cargo. As a result, they are easier to load and unload.
Step deck trailers are specially designed to haul tall and oversized cargo without additional permits. It’s also possible to transport additional goods on the other deck.
Dry van
A dry van is a type of semi truck with a non-temperature-controlled trailer. A dry van is fully enclosed with four walls and a roof, protecting goods from the elements.
Typically, dry van trailers are 53 feet long, and they can carry a wide variety of freight. New truck drivers also usually start driving dry van trucks since they are common and can be driven with only a Class A CDL.
Dry van trucks can haul a wide variety of pallets and boxed cargo. Almost everything you have in your home was likely once transported by a dry van, including furniture, apparel and non-perishable food.
Reefer
A reefer, or refrigerated truck, is a temperature-controlled freight truck that hauls goods that must be kept within a specific temperature range. For example, reefers commonly transport food and deliver it to grocery warehouses and stores.
The refrigeration unit sits at the front of the trailer or above the truck’s cab. The temperature must be monitored continuously by the driver to avoid spoilage.
Anything that needs to be kept at a specific temperature is transported by reefer trucks, including food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and hazmat materials. Since refrigerated products can spoil quickly, reefer truck deliveries are more time sensitive than other types of cargo.
Box truck
Box trucks are known for their box-shaped cargo compartment and smaller freight truck types. The cargo box of a box truck sits directly on the frame.
It is usually separate from the truck’s cabin. Box trucks are great for local deliveries since they are easier to maneuver down small streets and around tight corners.
Box trucks are popular for transporting goods short distances, such as home appliance and furniture delivery, last-mile deliveries, food delivery and even moving-related transportation.
Tanker
There are two tanker trucks — dry bulk tankers and liquid tankers. Dry bulk tankers carry loose bulk dry goods and liquid tankers transport liquids and gasses.
Rather than a boxy trailer, a tanker has a cylindrical tank that mounts onto a semi-truck. Tankers are more challenging to operate since drivers have to minimize sloshing.
However, the tanks also have compartments to help reduce this sloshing and carry multiple loads. The tank can be pressurized, insulated or refrigerated if the cargo requires it.
Dry bulk tankers are designed to carry loose materials that drivers cannot transport any other way, including construction materials, such as sand, and powders or bulk foods, such as sugar and grain. Liquid tankers haul liquids of all varieties, including beverages, such as milk or wine, and chemicals, such as gasoline.
Highest paying trucking jobs
The highest paying types of trucking work typically include:
Hazardous materials transport
Hauling hazardous materials, chemicals, and other dangerous loads requires extensive additional certifications and training. As a result, it pays top driver salaries and bonuses exceeding $100,000 per year. While very lucrative, hazmat work also carries much higher risk and responsibility.
Heavy haul
Specialized freight like oversized loads, construction equipment, and bulk commodities can pay $80,000 to $120,000 for drivers and owner-operators willing to take on more difficult long-haul transport logistics and permitting needs for non-standard shipments.
Ice road trucking
Navigating seasonal ice roads in arctic regions is among the most challenging, intense trucking jobs. Annual salaries reach over $100,000 for resilient drivers able to handle severe weather and road conditions.
Oil & gas industry transport
Hauling machinery, water, fuel, drilling equipment and other supplies specifically for oil and gas companies tends to pay generous rates. Average pay is around $75,000 to $95,000 annually, but the work can be volatile depending on oil market price swings.
In a nutshell, harder jobs moving hazardous, oversized, arctic, industrial or high-value cargo generally provide the highest pay ceilings and earning power for fully certified commercial drivers in the trucking business. These niches compensate for danger and difficulty through premium salaries.
What is the most common freight truck?
The most common type of freight truck in the U.S. is the Class 8 tractor trailer. This truck transports everything from consumer goods to produce across the country.
Specifically, the Freightliner Cascadia is the most popular truck model on American highways. Over 50% of long-haul fleets are made up of these versatile, durable Freightliner trucks pulling 53-foot dry goods trailers. Known for fuel efficiency, driver comfort and safety upgrades, Cascadias are sometimes called the workhorse of the trucking industry.
What is the best type of freight to haul for new drivers?
The best type of freight for new truck drivers to haul is dry van freight. Dry van trailers transport general freight that is stacked on pallets or shelving. This freight does not require refrigeration, special handling, or additional certifications. Hauling dry van freight allows new drivers to gain experience loading, unloading, and securing cargo, driving long distances, following delivery timelines, and learning the logistics of the trucking industry.
Once a driver has miles and confidence under their belt, they can then consider expanding into different types of trucks for hauling, like flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, tankers, or hazmat. Starting out in dry van freight allows for that initial on-the-job training that sets up newer truckers for success across different types of hauls. The workflow and processes are more easily transferable after cutting teeth in routine dry van transport first.
Jump start a new career driving a freight truck
Nearly everything we touch was transported by a freight truck at some point. This heightened demand for transportation and logistics services means there are plenty of jobs out there for truck drivers.
There are numerous opportunities to specialize in different types of trucks for freight. No matter which type of freight truck you choose to drive or what you choose to haul, you’re sure to have a rewarding career in the trucking industry.
FAQ
What type of freight is most commonly hauled?
The most commonly hauled type of freight involves general dry goods and non-perishable consumer products like packaged or canned foods, furniture, paper goods and packaging products, clothing items, appliances, and other retail merchandise loads. These general commodities comprise over 60% of total trucking tonnage and gross freight revenue for the American trucking industry.
What do LTL and FTL mean?
LTL stands for “less than truckload” and refers to shipments that do not require an entire trailer, allowing for multiple customers’ partial loads to be combined. FTL means “full truckload,” where a shipper books an entire trailer for their cargo requiring point-to-point transport directly from origin to destination without stopping to combine with other freight.
What are large tow trucks called?
Tow trucks designed for hauling large and heavy passenger vehicles like buses, RVs, and tractor trailers, are known as heavy duty wrecker trucks or rotator tow trucks. They have dual rear axles or more to handle such sizable loads and feature expanded rigging capabilities like underlift and wheel-lift attachments. Other equipment may include more powerful winches and booms, plus large-capacity rotating flatbeds to maneuver and pull extra-large vehicles.
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